Tiling professionally in the UK

[martyb1965]

I spent 2 1/2 years living in Spain where I trained as a tiler. I have now returned to the UK and would like to start up. I realize that tecniques are quite different here. A lot more effort is placed on creating perfectly flat surfaces like using plasterboard for example or having an uneven wall rendered prior to tiling. I have tiled on surfaces that make the moon look smooth! I can tile bathrooms, kitchens, terraces and swimming pools.
Anyway, what I would like to know is if there is any "standard" way of charging for jobs? Do most of you experienced guys charge per metre or is it down to the individual job? Is it a cut-throat business or are there not enough of us tilers about?
Any help that you guys can give would be greatly appreciated. I have started a little website too.
I am presently employed in tool hire but would love to develop my tiling business.
Cheers

 

[jefoss]

i personally charge by the square meter as a rule, unless its a tiny job then just a day rate, and obviously different places have extra charges on, parking distance.

As for the industry there are a lot of tilers out there but the ones that give us bad names are the plumbers / builders who are "tilers" dont get me wrong i do pick up work for repairs to their work but it does tarnish the trade a little.