![How to plan and track the budget of your tiling contracting service [template]](http://onlineyougrow.com/cdn/shop/articles/cov-budget-6_5e6f4d23-1ce8-4ef2-be12-6238910cfaa9.png?v=1715856599&width=1100)
If you don’t plan and track your tiling project budget properly, you're setting yourself up for failure.
When we developed our strategy pack for tilers, we saw a lot of tilers struggling with finances and planning.
They were disorganized, had no grasp of cash flow, and were drowning in financial troubles despite having substantial work lined up.
Don’t let this be you—stand out and succeed.
We’ve created a small, free tool to help you get started: our Budget Tracker and Planner. Let’s turn your tiling business's finances around and set you on the path to success!
Get the budget tracker tailored for tilers
Most tilers don't know how to plan and track their budget. This spreadsheet will help you.
Example of a full budget for tilers
Here is an example of a (very) detailed budget for a tiling business, to give you some inspiration
1. Rent and Utilities
| Item | Description | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | Lease for office and storage space | $1,500 | $18,000 |
| Electricity | Power consumption for office and tools | $200 | $2,400 |
| Water | Water usage | $50 | $600 |
| Internet & Phone | Internet service and business phone | $100 | $1,200 |
| Waste Removal | Garbage and recycling services | $75 | $900 |
| Insurance | Property and liability insurance | $300 | $3,600 |
2. Salaries & Wages
| Position | Number of Employees | Monthly Cost per Employee | Total Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead Tiler | 1 | $4,000 | $4,000 | $48,000 |
| Assistant Tilers | 2 | $2,500 | $5,000 | $60,000 |
| Office Manager | 1 | $3,000 | $3,000 | $36,000 |
| Laborers | 2 | $2,000 | $4,000 | $48,000 |
3. Materials & Supplies
| Item | Description | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tiles | Various types of tiles | $5,000 | $60,000 |
| Grout & Adhesives | Grout, adhesives, and sealants | $1,000 | $12,000 |
| Tools & Equipment | Tile cutters, trowels, etc. | $500 | $6,000 |
| Safety Gear | Gloves, masks, knee pads, etc. | $200 | $2,400 |
| Cleaning Supplies | Detergents, sponges, etc. | $100 | $1,200 |
4. Marketing & Advertising
| Item | Description | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online Advertising | Google Ads, Facebook Ads, etc. | $300 | $3,600 |
| Social Media Management | Managing social media accounts | $400 | $4,800 |
| Print Advertising | Flyers, posters, newspaper ads | $150 | $1,800 |
| Website Maintenance | Hosting, domain, updates | $100 | $1,200 |
| Email Marketing | Email campaigns and newsletters | $100 | $1,200 |
| Promotional Events | Special events and promotions | $150 | $1,800 |
5. Miscellaneous Expenses
| Item | Description | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment Maintenance | Regular maintenance of tools and equipment | $200 | $2,400 |
| Uniforms | Staff uniforms and safety gear | $100 | $1,200 |
| Licenses & Permits | Business licenses and permits | $50 | $600 |
| Office Supplies | Stationery, pens, printer ink, etc. | $50 | $600 |
| Staff Training | Training programs and materials | $100 | $1,200 |
Some tilers make 5x more profit than you!
We have studied the strategies of the best tilers in the world. Replicate them now!
What are the biggest expenses for a tiler?
Be careful with these pitfalls. Here are five major costs every tiler needs to consider, along with some tips on how to handle them wisely.
- Tile and material costsThese can take up a significant portion of your budget. You're dealing with materials that vary in price based on quality, type, and availability. To keep these costs in check, focus on accurate measurements, negotiate better prices with suppliers, and minimize waste. It's easy to overspend by buying too much or opting for high-end tiles that don’t add enough value to the project.
- Your workforceYour team is your backbone, but paying for their wages, benefits, and training can be expensive. This cost is always high because you need skilled workers to deliver quality work and meet deadlines. You can optimize labor costs by scheduling efficiently, cross-training your team, and monitoring productivity. However, be careful not to underpay or overwork your staff, as this can lead to high turnover and poor workmanship.
- Tools and equipmentHigh-quality tools and equipment are essential for a tiler, but they can be costly. To optimize these costs, invest in durable, multi-functional tools and maintain them regularly to avoid frequent replacements. Overspending often happens when you buy specialized tools that you rarely use or opt for the latest high-tech gadgets that don’t significantly improve your work.
- MarketingYou need to get the word out about your tiling services, but advertising can be pricey, whether it's online ads, social media campaigns, or traditional media. Optimize this expense by focusing on cost-effective methods like the ones we give in our pack. Overspending can happen if you invest in flashy campaigns without a clear return on investment.
- Transportation and logisticsGetting to job sites and transporting materials can add up quickly. To optimize these costs, plan your routes efficiently, maintain your vehicles regularly, and consider bulk purchasing to reduce trips. You can overspend by not accounting for fuel costs, vehicle maintenance, or by taking on jobs that are too far away without factoring in the additional expenses.
How to spend less with your tiling contracting service?
Here are practical tips to help you, as a tiler, optimize your budget and manage expenses more effectively.
| Expense | Tips to Optimize |
|---|---|
| Tile Materials | Partner with local suppliers for bulk discounts on high-quality tiles and materials. |
| Labor Costs | Implement a project management software to schedule jobs efficiently and reduce downtime. |
| Tools and Equipment | Invest in durable, multi-functional tools and maintain them regularly to extend their lifespan. |
| Marketing | Run social media campaigns showcasing your tiling projects and collaborate with local home improvement influencers for free exposure. |
| Transportation | Plan your job routes to maximize efficiency and reduce fuel costs. |
| Insurance | Regularly review your insurance policies to ensure they meet current needs and compare rates annually. |
| Waste Management | Implement a waste tracking system to minimize material waste and recycle where possible. |
| Office Supplies | Purchase supplies in bulk and go paperless where possible with digital invoicing and project management systems. |
| Training | Conduct regular in-house training sessions and use free online resources to keep up with the latest tiling techniques. |
| Licensing and Permits | Stay up-to-date with local regulations to avoid fines and costly renewals. |
| Client Communication | Use customer relationship management (CRM) software to keep track of client interactions and follow-ups. |
| Inventory Management | Use inventory management software to track stock levels and reduce over-ordering. |
| Advertising | Utilize online platforms like Google Ads and local directories to reach potential clients. |
| Uniforms | Choose durable, easy-to-clean uniforms and offer staff a stipend for maintenance instead of using an external service. |
| Client Feedback | Encourage clients to leave reviews and testimonials to build your reputation and attract new business. |
| Technology | Invest in software that helps with project estimation, design visualization, and client communication. |
| Networking | Join local trade associations and attend industry events to build relationships and gain referrals. |
Copy the tactics of the best tilers in the world!
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Expenses that are just useless for a tiler
Yes, some expenses for your tiling business are just unnecessary. They don't contribute to increasing revenue or improving customer satisfaction.
| Tiling Business Expense | Reason It's Useless |
|---|---|
| High-End Tile Samples | Expensive tile samples can be a drain on your budget without significantly influencing customer decisions. |
| Premium Tools | Unless you are working on specialized projects, mid-range tools are often sufficient and more cost-effective. |
| Excessive Tile Varieties | Offering too many tile options can complicate inventory management and increase costs. |
| Luxury Office Furniture | High-end office furniture is not always appreciated by clients and can be a significant expense. |
| Paper Advertising | Traditional paper ads often have a lower return on investment. Don’t include them in the marketing strategy of your tiling business. |
| Multiple Uniform Styles | Having various uniform styles increases costs without adding significant value to the customer experience. |
| Excessive Staff | Overstaffing leads to higher labor costs without necessarily improving service quality. |
| Premium Subscription Services | Expensive subscriptions for industry magazines or software often go unnoticed by customers. |
| Exclusive Tile Brands | Using rare tile brands can inflate costs and complicate supply chains. |
| Costly Showroom Displays | High-end showroom displays are not always appreciated by customers and can be a significant expense. |
| Custom Printed Materials | Personalized brochures and business cards are a minor detail that most customers overlook, and they can be expensive. |
| Unnecessary Software | Paying for software with features you don’t use is a waste of resources. |
| Premium Water Brands | Most customers are content with filtered tap water, making expensive bottled water unnecessary. |
| Extra Work Vehicles | Maintaining a larger fleet than needed increases operational costs. |
| Excessive Membership Fees | Paying for multiple industry memberships often yields little benefit. |
| Overly Frequent Renovations | Constantly updating your showroom can be costly and disrupt operations. |
| Expensive Office Decor | Elaborate office decor is often ignored by customers and adds to the cost. |
| High-End Office Supplies | Luxury office supplies are prone to damage and expensive to replace, often going unnoticed by customers. |
| Excessive Staff Meetings | Too many meetings can reduce productivity and increase labor costs. |
| Expensive Marketing Materials | Frequently redesigning marketing materials is costly and often unnecessary. |
| Unused Promotional Materials | Ordering more promotional items than needed leads to waste and unnecessary expense. Get our marketing budget planner template. |
| Paid Directory Listings | Many free listing options are available, making paid listings often redundant. |
| High-End Installation Equipment | Specialized installation equipment is often unnecessary and adds to costs without a proportional benefit. |
Stop working with a tight budget for your tiling contracting service!
Managing a budget for a tiling business when funds are tight can feel like a nightmare. It's like being trapped in a situation where any unexpected expense can overwhelm you.
This constant pressure makes it nearly impossible to invest in growth projects, leaving you always chasing after expenses. It's a life filled with stress and sleepless nights.
Yes, you can continue down this path, scraping together pennies and barely making ends meet. But there's another part of the equation you might be overlooking. Instead of just trying to cut costs, you can focus on growing your revenue. More income means more breathing room and more money to invest in your business.
And no, you don't necessarily have to spend money to grow. There are plenty of zero-cost initiatives and strategies that can help you increase your revenue by 10%, 20%, or more. We've detailed all of these strategies in our guides, after studying dozens of tiling businesses just like yours. Get them now!
Make your tiling contracting service more profitable
We have studied the strategies of the best tilers in the world. All their tactics are explained in our pack!
