Going Hands On

[Andy no gooder]

Hi all,

I have been out of work for sometime now and thinking of becoming a painter and decorator. I like to think i am pretty good with my hands, during the past two weeks i have boxed out under a staircase, built a fitted wardrobe from scratch (my own design) fitted laminate flooring, skirting boards and architrave. Also painted a studio, 2 bedrooms, 2x hall stairs and landing, this is what has got me thinking of a career in painting and decorating.

All the above work was done for my brother who is impressed by what he sees. I have now another two decorating jobs coming up because of it a 2 bedroom appartment starting tomorrow and a two bedroom house in a couple of weeks.

Would going on a college course be advisable or should i just jump in to a hands on job somewhere?. I was never really one for school/college i just wanted to get out and earn money, now regretting my past desition i need to find a decent income doing something i like.

It seems i am building my own business by word of mouth, of maybe i have just come along at a time where a few people need decorating doing. Actually i think its because i am letting them decide the price to pay, which has not been really stupid money but does pay for my driving lessons and nights out on the lash.

Anyone in the trade willing to give advice or a job?.

Thanks.

[Chilli]

Well, change your profile ID for a start.

Not really advice, but stop regretting what you've done and look forward. Building up a business by word of mouth seems to make most sense to me. If your handywork is up to the standard paying customers would expect to see, then go for it as you are now. If I get someone in I judge them on what they have done and for who....not by how long they spent in college learning their trade.

Good luck.

[Handie Andy]

Chilli said:

Well, change your profile ID for a start.

I guess thats a start

Chilli said:

Not really advice, but stop regretting what you've done and look forward. Building up a business by word of mouth seems to make most sense to me. If your handywork is up to the standard paying customers would expect to see, then go for it as you are now. If I get someone in I judge them on what they have done and for who....not by how long they spent in college learning their trade.

Good luck.

That was my idea to hopefully get off the ground by word of mouth, i should hopefully have my driving licence by the end of the year. I am thinking man and van and if unsuccessful then fall back into a company for a few years get more experiance and try again.

Maybe i should take photos of previous work to show potential customers in the future?.

Thanks for the reply.

[bry1975]

Sort yourself a portfolio of work you've done including detailed photos and description of work carried out along with reference contact details.

Edited by bry1975 on Tuesday 28th September 23:32

[M400 NBL]

I'd agree that yuo should carry on as you are. You'd find college too easy at first (as I would if I went back now compared to as a 16 y/o).

Having said that, it may be a benefit to learn some aspects of building at collge. For instance a intensive course on plastering.... but full time college is pointless if you have happy custormers that are recommending you.

What I would say is not to waste the money you make, but to invest in tools that will make your job easier and quicker.

Maybe get a sign written van to advertise. Best of luck.

[worsy]

And don't forget your contribution to the public purse! Make sure the formalities are done.

[Handie Andy]

bry1975 said:

Sort yourself a portfolio of work you've done including detailed photos and description of work carried out along with reference contact details.

This is on the way i bought a leather photo album with space for writing.

M400 NBL said:

Having said that, it may be a benefit to learn some aspects of building at collge. For instance a intensive course on plastering.... but full time college is pointless if you have happy custormers that are recommending you.

I will be getting in touch with "Next step" tomorrow, hopefully they can help me out with some courses like advanced decorators course or similar. Plastering is something else i was going to look in to so i guess that would benefit me

M400 NBL said:

What I would say is not to waste the money you make, but to invest in tools that will make your job easier and quicker.

This is something i am currently doing, improving tools and doing my driving lessons which is the most important investment right now.

M400 NBL said:

Maybe get a sign written van to advertise. Best of luck.

I am already looking out for a cheap decent reliable van, i was thiking of waiting until i have a new(ish) van for the signing on the side. I do have business cards coming shortly.

Would these grab your attention?. I already know a plasterer so i was planning on handing him a bunch to dish out to his customers.





Thanks for the info.

worsy said:

And don't forget your contribution to the public purse! Make sure the formalities are done.

Yes indeed, my dad is handling this for me as he is more business minded. until i pick up on it all that is.

Thanks