Tiling Subcontractor for Builders

Building firms, developers, bathroom and kitchen companies, and commercial fit-out contractors.

Day rate or price per square metre on larger contracts, with steadier work if you build repeat relationships with a few main contractors.

• Fast, accurate tiling on larger areas
• Reading plans and working to a programme
• Organising helpers and materials

• Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) registration and tax deductions, check the rules with HMRC
• Public liability insurance, and employer's liability insurance if you take on staff
• Late payment from main contractors, agree terms in writing and consider staged payments
• Employment status: check whether helpers are self-employed or need to be treated as employees
• Site health and safety rules, and checking whether sites require particular safety cards

Startup costs are typically around £2,500 to £10,000, depending on your tools, transport, insurance and whether you take on helpers. These are estimates, so cost up your own kit before you begin.

Monthly revenue is typically around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on the size and number of jobs and whether you work alone or with helpers. These are estimates, and the low end assumes around 30 hours a week.

Check Construction Industry Scheme registration and tax deductions with HMRC, and insurance including employer's liability if you take on staff. Also check late payment terms, whether helpers are self-employed, and site safety card requirements.