Funny thing, after all these years, we are in a routine…”It’s just how we do things!”
It’s at that point where things are habitual.
We don’t even really think about it.
But recently starting a new project with a massive, messy tearout (demolition) and ALSO working with other, new remodelers as a subcontractor— I see our level of cleanliness when working IS NOT the norm in home remodeling.
You have to understand, we’re working…hammering, cutting, opening walls and floors…inside someone’s LIVED IN home.
I suppose I’ve always known workers were terrible about being neat, tidy and clean but I’ve added experiences that confirm things are worse than I thought amongst my peers.
I want to point out to homeowners—IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE THIS WAY.
I really get the impression, homeowners figure “This is how remodeling is! There’s just going to be a big mess!”
NONSENSE!
Even our work area, when we are physically working: If you look at the photos I post “during” construction…I don’t set those up for the picture. That’s how we are. Neat and Tidy.
I’ve known for years that I can be a bit clumsy, SO I TIDY EVERYTHING. Constantly. That’s a part that folks may not think about, A messy jobsite is a breeding ground for accidents.
Additionally, our homeowners take an active part in decisions while construction is happening; they are always in and out of our project.
We are BUILDING where they are LIVING. Our homeowners live in our construction site. We SHARE space with our homeowners in the most conscientious fashion.
We’ve made the commitment to have a SAFE work environment for us as well as them.
We are FANATICAL “clean as you go” types…so NEVER a BIG MESS at the end to clean up.
This is not a new construction zone, going to the bathroom in buckets or listening to loud music.
Here are some tangible examples:
We use REAL cardboard when we cover floors and surfaces. (Yes, we do that) Not paper. Paper gets wet and disintegrates. Using cardboard protects against DROPS as well.
We use carpet plastic, wide swathes for work areas and to protect carpet.
We use an AIR CLEANER. I’m shocked to find out this is not STANDARD PRACTICE.
PPE. We’re committed to PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT. NO INJURIES on our DEMO DAYS! No cleaning up blood!
Another part of this, is being THOROUGH at what you do. I’m not leaving staples in the floor after demo day. I’m not leaving nails in the walls. The plumbing is safely buttoned up and secured. We grind down the floors. We wash with water to eliminate dust.
We are lovers of wide open space, plenty of room to move…Things we don’t need aren’t on the job site. They are tucked away. Swept up, wiped up. As a rule.
When we do demolition dust control is top priority.
Zip walls, a plastic wall to section off where we are working…habitual.
Our saw tent, ensures no overspray or mess on your cars or garage when we are using our wet saw! Rubber mats always on the ground to put things on and work on.
We are the cleanest remodeling crew out there and it’s not even close!
It’s how we are, it how we think…our whole mentality.
We don’t just care about getting the work DONE, we care about HOW the work is done.
That’s what being a “craftsmen” means to us.
Thought and ACTION into HOW things are done.
Our work can be esthetic. Our work can be discreet. Our work can be compassionate to your living space. We can SHARE space together. It’ll be great.
Yes, that is possible.
I have a saying, “Homeowners will settle for a lot of unsavory finishes and behavior for the right price.”
DON’T SETTLE.
It’s not about what you pay—-it’s about what you GET.