Help wanted with laying tile (insurance, find a job, contractors)

[dougwinva]

I was wondering if anyone could recommend individuals who would be interested in helping me with a tile project in my home. I am not looking for a contractor to do the whole thing, but instead am looking for someone to work with me. The contractors want to do all of the work, which is great, but they also want to charge a small fortune even with me supplying all the materials.

I bought all of the tile and everything else and my brother-in-law was going to come up and help me do the work. However, he then got laid off from his job and with a baby on the way he had to shift all his focus to finding a new position. Even though he did find a job after about six weeks he now does not have any time off.

So now I have a big palate of tile sitting in my garage and I was hoping to find some hourly wage help for this project. It is just over 400 square feet in total size, so it is probably three or four days of work. I would prefer to have someone who has put down tile before, because my primary concern is getting it done quickly. That is why I do not want to do it alone in the first place since my wife will kill me if it drags on for too many days without her being able to get in the kitchen and such.

So if you know anyone in the area who perhaps has these skills and could use some extra money I would appreciate the assistance.

[RMELIFER]

Doug, I'd recommend placing an ad in craigslist or on one of the local job sites. I've used craigslist several times for tree cutting, fence work, electricians, plumbers, etc. I usually get about 20 - 30 emails for people that can do the job. Some work by the hour, or for the complete job and some will work for beer. The more experienced and those with their own insurance will usually cost more. It just depends on what your interested in and the price (and what you're willing to risk for those without insurance).

I've been very satisfied so far with both the insured contract workers and those that are happy to trade for their help.

[SiestaBay]

Originally Posted by RMELIFER

some will work for beer.

I need to start finding and hiring these people!!

[dougwinva]

Thanks for the advice. I have looked at craigslist a couple of times for things people were selling, but I forget about the other types of things that are listed there. I looked and sure enough I saw a good number of postings to start contacting about tile work.

As for the "work for beer", I am not sure that would be the best combo while laying tile. Those straight lines might end up not being so good after a few beers. :-)

[Erma]

Originally Posted by dougwinva

Thanks for the advice. I have looked at craigslist a couple of times for things people were selling, but I forget about the other types of things that are listed there. I looked and sure enough I saw a good number of postings to start contacting about tile work.

As for the "work for beer", I am not sure that would be the best combo while laying tile. Those straight lines might end up not being so good after a few beers. :-)

Oh heck, that is what those little tile spacers are for!