Hi everyone, I'm just after some advice if that's okay. I'm 25 and I've been learning to fit since June. Everything's going well, but it's getting to a point where the guy I'm working for is dropping me off on jobs and I'm doing them on my own. The problem is: I ideally would like more time on the jobs. For example, the other day, I was dropped off on a 45sqm straight fit Amtico job. He wanted me to get it done in a day (because we're so busy at the minute), whereas I said I would have liked two days to fit it. Fair enough it was just a room, but it did have a long bendy wall that needed cutting into, as well as about 6 pipes, and I would have liked two days if I was managing my own diary. Is that reasonable? I know what I am and I know what I'm not, and what I'm not is a speed merchant. I'm not saying that there's anything wrong with his style of fitting, in fact I really admire his ability to get large jobs done quickly (and also fitted incredibly well), but it's not me; I'm a bit more laid back. I'm happy with £150-£200 a day whereas he tries to push to earn more, which is completely fair enough. I like a bit more time. Don't get me wrong, I could get a 10, 15, 20, 22sqm ply and fit done in a day, but anything much more and I'd like a couple of days, and three days for prepping and fitting 40sqm (so two days fitting). Obviously the size isn't the only factor for how long a job takes - those are just rough guides. Anyway this is just the way I work, and if it's not fast enough, I can accept that and maybe this isn't the trade for me. Otherwise though, things are going well, and he's really pleased with my work. He's said that he's going to send me on the Amtico or Karndean course next year to get qualified. I really enjoy fitting; I'm meticulous with my prep and I make sure I get everything bang on. It would be a shame if my style of working wasn't suited to the trade long-term, so I thought it'd be good to get some advice from fitters other than my boss to see what you think of how much time I'd like to complete jobs. Any input would be much appreciated. Cheers, Raffa
Even a pro would struggle to put down that amount of meters. The only way to get that sort of meters down is either - 1- working stupid hours (well out side of a normal 8 hour day) 2- being a slasher and installing at substandard finish. As you have been doing it only a few months im surprised your even managing to put down that amount to a good standard. Fair play if you are. As for rates, if your getting 150 -200 then again thats very good money. But you say trade it might not be the trade for you ? 200 a day is over £50'000 per year ! not many jobs paying that .
Trust me go at your own pace dude, I've been there done that with fitting all hours, not having the correct breaks, 10 minutes for lunch, totally knackered by the end of the week and it's no good in the long run, but that's what it's like for most fitters today because the rates are poor and to earn a decent wage you've got to be bang at it. You can work work work but all you get is a bigger tax bill, go at your own pace and try to enjoy your work.
That's a lot of metres to fit for someone's that's only been fitting for 5 months, don't rush your work, take your time and enjoy it otherwise you'll just start cutting corners and end up with problems not to mention a bad reputation.
Think you need to find a new mentor else this one is going to ruin the reputation you are trying to build up before you know it.
Speed comes with repetition at your time in the trade if you do 20m2 in a day good for you, me and my mate can do circa 100m2 a day on the new builds to a good standard but we had always been on the £m2 on london jobs so have had to get fast to earn the money we wanted!, once you have been doing the same thing day in day out you for years you will get quick whilst retaining neatness, until you get to the point of being able to scribe everything in neatly without thinking do not worry about speed as that will follow, Id mention to your gaffer that if you had a choice you prefer longer on the jobs so you don't feel rushed/drop standards, he will appreciate you saying that and its probably just because your busy that you have had that to do.
Anyone who I've trained I always say focus on the quality of work first then in time speed will come naturally. Almost every client wants a job done quickly but if it's not up to standard what's the point They won't be happy You won't be happy And next time they'll use someone else and you might not get payed. To me 40m2 stataight lay fitting only in a normal working day is easily doable to a high standard but Ive done this for a long time. Couple of month ago I fitted 200m2 of Moduleo tiles with a border no strips in a day but I finished at midnight. I'd never expect or even ask anyone else to do something ridiculous that for me
Biggest problem in this trade. Paid by the m2 so get in and bash it down as quickly as you can. No time for proper prep or the little fiddly bits. You don't get paid for that shit. All that matters is you do a good job. Not how long it takes or how much you put on the floor. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Agree there is a big difference between putting 50m2 on the floor and putting 50m2 on the floor well, in our trade there are so many slashers compared to good fitters its staggering how they still find work.
