Some Jobs Go Well, Some Not So Well

john elliott

I'm sure that all present do their work to a very high standard, and keep at it untilthat standard is achieved, so what I say about a job not going so well I really mean one that takes longer than it should
This has happened to me twice recently, and I am really trying hard to find ways of stopping it from happening in the future.
I've started by writing a list of the types of problems that have ocurred and considering what I can do to prevent them in the future.
I realise that some problems can't be prevented, a good example is where a site is difficult to access, or where there are parking problems.
OTOH there is plenty I can do to improve. One would be to make sure I have the right tools with me, and not too many of the wrong ones, because the time it takes to load the van at the end of a job is getting ridiculous, and if the walk to the van is a long one then that just makes it worse. Trouble is, as soon as I start editing my tool list I find I've left out something I need.
Not sure what I'm trying to say here, not really a rant or even a request for advice, just wondering if any of you share these problems

John

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Ed the Roofer said "John too, in his crass and blunt demeanor.............."

painterman

Know exactly what you talking about re tools. I got so feed up with forgeting tools that I bought a cargo trailer to stock everthing in. This has made my life so much easier. No more quessing ...just tow the trailer ...start working.
Merry Chritmas mate

Stan

Danahy

I'll be re-editing my truck over the holidays... Not sure it can be ever solved? I do this 10 times a year. Too many tools, not enough space, trips back and forth to the truck... Load and unload, then find a place to store it at the HO's house.... Sort of feels like moving day, all the time.

... I share your pain.

Glasshousebltr

Store tools at the site?.....never.....I never leave tools even at the most secure site......I call it the walk......everything goes back in the truck.

Recently, I started leaving the utility trailer at home. Costs too much gas to drag it 70 miles one way. But I did go so far as to organize the truck and invest in some airless equipment.

Bob

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Bob

Richard

Yup! Us painters can do that when we do repaints and are the only one's around working

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Rich

fastg60

i mostly do work at customer's homes, while they are still living there. I usually find a corner to leave my tools overnight and have never had a problem yet. there have been a few times i thought mr. homeowner might wanna borrow something so i'll take the batteries or something to prevent that.

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Around The House

Remodeling and painting.

Stone Mountain

Under the best circumstances tools sometimes srpout wings and fly away. 3 weeks ago one of our trucks was stolen and the theives cut the entire snow plow and harness off with a torch.
Fortunately we recovered the truck and it is back on the road with a brand new blade.
We had one crew who towed a 20 foot enclosed trailer everywhere he went. It was set up with a side roll-out canopy and a large generator with 4 plug-ins, as wll as a steel workbench inside, so it was basically a mobile woodworking shop. He had EVERYTHING with him, all the time.
Unfortunately he had an attitude problem, so he is no longer working for us.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

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Chris G

John,

Are you using rolling toolboxes and dollies?

Brian

John,

I'm a believer that most problems can be anticipated, particularly after a few years experience. One of the best ways to do that is to ask the customer lots of questions on the front end.

For example, we should be able to determine if there will be access problems. Sometimes we can see it. Sometimes we may have to ask-- e.g., what hours can we work?

By making a list of your problems, and what you can do to avoid them, you are taking a very big step. When you identify your problems, and then eliminate them, life (and business) becomes much easier.

Brian Phillips

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Houston Interior Painting
Houston Exterior Painting
Houston Painting Contractor