Do you think it's best to specialise in one thing?

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Reason why i'm asking is at the moment i am working for my girlfriends old man. I have been thinking about starting up on my own as would like to build up my own clientele. As have been working for him for around 2 years so have lost contact with anyone I used to do work for. (Plus I can run jobs the way I would and quote what I would charge for a job)
I am a plasterer but also can do Tiling, Kitchen fitting, re/pointing, patios, basic decorating etc all to a good standard.

Right back to the question!

If you had experience in general building as well as being a good plasterer and were going to start up your own business, would you guys advertise as a Plasterer and specialise in one thing. Or advertise as a Plasterer and general builder.

I was thinking there's more money in general building than plastering as seem to only earn a wage in plastering and rarely can add a profit into the quote.

What would you guys do?

I live on the Isle of Wight and am looking at Domestic side of things. Not alot of site work over here and the rates aren't good on site work and have to always chase for your money.
 
Multi trade is the way forward mate and advertise as such offering anything you capable of doing to a good standard.
Even then,there will be no guarantees of work for you.If you have regular work and your happy doing it maybe as well to wait untill things pick up in the building trade before starting up from scratch.
 
^^ same as above i do a lot of things myself and its nice to have a change from plastering as it gives my body a little rest.
 
It's always good to have more then one iron in the fire. With regards to striking out on your own only time will tell ,dont burn your bridges with the inlaws try and do both.
 
Cheers for the replies guys. Good advice. Was looking into different careers as have been quiet. But hard to get out the industry at 27. Would mean going back to college if I wanted to earn any money in the future and then I'm still not gauranteed a job afterward. Specially if remains the same for a few more years. Just thought if I do go it alone I could still help him out when needed but would not be relient upon him. I'd probably have alot more motivation than I currently do! I know the industries sh*t at the moment but got to do something. Plus I was in a partnership years ago so have expeirience in advertising, running business, starting up etc. Think I'd keep costs as low as possible/ like not shed loads out on new equipment, new van etc. Keep it small at first. Plus haven't got the money too either! lol
 
Im a slater/plasterer to trade, here that involves - Roof tiling/slating, leadwork, external render work, roughcasting, plastering and i also do ceramic tiling i get/do work in all these fields!

plus it's good to get a break from doing the one thing continuosly
 
Im a slater/plasterer to trade, here that involves - Roof tiling/slating, leadwork, external render work, roughcasting, plastering and i also do ceramic tiling i get/do work in all these fields!

plus it's good to get a break from doing the one thing continuosly

the same here,i served me time plastering/slating/tiling. don't do slating much,can't be arsed,but tiling i do all the time,plastering i leave to the lads
 
Well thats just confirmed what I was thinking. Much prefer the variety and like some of you said, it's good to have a rest from plastering from time to time. Hard on the body!
 
If you can do other work aswell as plastering if you don't advertise the fact then you are going to lose potential work.
Just advertise you do everything even if you don't because you can always sub it out to trusted trades/mates like kitchens & bathrooms,
because you will get the plastering & tiling off it etc..
:RpS_thumbup:
 
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