Tiler Startup Guide

Going self-employed as a tiler means handling business registration, public liability insurance for trade work, CIS for builder subcontract work, COSHH for cement-based adhesives and silica dust from cutting, and clear scope on the work you take versus refer (especially wet-room tanking and large-format porcelain). This guide covers business setup, insurance, the practical realities of ceramic versus porcelain versus natural stone work, decoupling membranes, lippage discipline, pricing per square metre versus per room, and the first-90-days checklist for moving from employed tiler to a steady local diary.