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TileTim

Hello, I am a newbie to the site. There seems to be a lot of great info on the site, I can use all I can get. I walked away from the corporate world and decided to start my own small tile business. Have done plenty of tile jobs in the past, now am looking to bump up my skills and execution. I have been out of this arena for about 15 years (I worked in the transportation field, just got sick of the corporate BS) so here I am. First I am looking for a little constructive criticism on some jobs I have recently done. I will attach pics. Second is the current labor charge rates for the midwest (Minnesota). I know this is a open ended question. Typically charge what my time is worth, problem is I don't know what the "average" is out there. Do you go by the sq/ft or by the job or by the hour? If I can get a ball park idea just for the pics attached I will have a pretty good idea from there. So fire away and tell me what you see good or bad, Thanks, Tim
here are the pics,

Attached Images

   

TileTim

here is the second job

Attached Images

   

Mike Finley

From the pics it looks good, I don't think any customer would have any complaints based soley on what you see in the pics. The tile itself is pretty 'vanilla' but it could just be the way it photographs, a lot of tile looks much better in person then it looks in pics.

The floor in the 2nd set looks like it is bulging, is that the camera lens?

TileTim

The camera I am using is getting "tired" I think, it's a little older. The floor is dead on level, that is just the camera lens and the angle I took it at. Yes both jobs are "washed" out but that's what the HO's wanted ( they are both friends of mine so what you see is basically my 2 practice jobs before the "real" jobs. Can you give me a ballpark figure on what you would charge for a job like these. HO's supplied materials so just looking for the cost of labor. I am embarrassed to admit how many hours I have in each job. The speed and efficiency will come with time. They both mentioned that I am very particular about my work maybe to a fault? Bottom line is they are happy with the installs. Any feedback would be appreciated, Thanks

Mike Finley

If you can measure the square footages and linear footages. There would be up charges for the use of tile smaller than 12x12 an up charge for the tile pattern on the floor, up charges for the diagonal pattern, up charges for the linear footage of the chair rail, up charges for the inset deco pattern on the ND bathtub wall. Would depend also on the tear out and the prep. Could see it easily hitting 3-4 grand before its over. We avoid like the plague customers who want to supply their own materials. If resetting the toilet, framing the tub or setting the pan were involved add a couple thousand more for sure.

TileTim

Thanks for all the advice and info on the "fine art" of bidding a job. I know there's a lot that goes into a bid and no 2 are the same. Both of these were new construction, no framing involved. Up here in MN I think these jobs would go for around $850 to $1000 in labor/ around 30 to 40 hours from start to finish (pro's don't laugh I am still trying to get back in the saddle). Not even sure if I am in line with pricing these days. I will be reading lots of threads on this site in the weeks to come.

AtlanticWBConst

Nice Work.

Find a good "tile supply place", talk to the owner, or head guy at the counter and explain your work change situation and aks him/her what the various tile installation are roughly going for SF.

They know, and they will be able to give you a general idea for your area. They shoule be more than willing to help you, so that they can get your business.

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- Build Well -

TileTim

Atlantic, thanks for the response. That is next on my list to find a good supplier. New construction up here has slowed way down but the finishing and remodels are starting to pick up. Word of mouth is spreading, just received a couple calls for bids from the friends of the HO's of the last 2 "practice" jobs. Forgot how much work this really is. Feels good though not being a desk jockey! Is there a standardized bid/contract available to get a start from?, I will tweak it from there. OH so much to learn.

YourWayPainting

Welcome Tim.

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A good paint job isn't cheap. A cheap paint job isn't good.