Bathroom and kitchen tiler

Homeowners, landlords, letting agents and small local builders or bathroom fitters who need a reliable tiler.

Usually a price per square metre or a fixed quote per room, plus charges for preparation work, materials handling and awkward layouts.

• Accurate measuring and cutting
• Patience and an eye for detail
• Quoting jobs and managing customers

• Public liability insurance, and check whether your customers or contractors ask for a particular level of cover
• Physical strain on knees and back, plan your workload and use proper kneepads and lifting methods
• Silica dust from cutting, check guidance on dust control and wearing suitable masks
• Poor subfloors or damp can cause tiles to fail, so agree extra preparation work in writing before starting
• Register as a sole trader with HMRC, and check whether you need to join a scheme such as CIS if you work for builders

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £800 to £3,500, depending on the tools, cutting equipment, protective gear and insurance you need. If you already own some tools, your costs may be nearer the lower end.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £1,500 to £5,000, depending on how many hours you work, the jobs you take and your local rates. These are estimates rather than guaranteed income.

Check that your public liability insurance level matches what customers or contractors ask for, and look at guidance on silica dust control and masks. Register as a sole trader with HMRC and check whether CIS applies if you work for builders.