What Do You Do Different, Let's Here The Little Things That You Do That Set You Apart

Mike Finley

Reading some other topics on here got me thinking about how there are so many ways to do things in construction. Some are now considered outdated by many, but there are still some that do them in those outdated ways. Some things are considered the hack way to do them, but some still do them that way.

So point out some things that you do in your specific trade different then the way you were taught or what you consider the better way to do things.

A simple one for us is we always thinset tile backer boards to the floor. I've been told you don't need thinset, I've been told to use silicone, I've been told to use liquid nails. I think it's an important step to thinset your tile backer to the floor even though so many hacks seem to not do it. They are long gone and the customer usually will be clueless years later when the problems show up.

Tom R

A few off the top of my head . . .


Insulate framed corners before they're sheathed.

Center floor-bay layout on W.C. location.

Shoot sole plates close to studs.

send_it_all

Before I skip town with a big deposit from a customer, I leave flowers and a nice thank-you note.

I'm a giver.

Cdat

Rebar in all concrete (patios/driveways). Veneers laid by hand. Believe it or not, you get more business then using a cnc router that does it perfectly.

DavidC

Crazy as it may sound, we make sure all installations are according to manufacturers' installation instructions. Lacking that we will turn to recognized third parties such as TCNA or JLC Field guides.

FWIW, we are still setting our backer with thinset.

Good Luck
Dave

__________________
www.CookContractingLLC.com

Tom R

That's an excellent point, - - machines don't 'craft' . . .

Double-A

I'm not sure about that Tom... My PC does some pretty crafty things while I'm not looking... Shhhh!! Damnit, I think it heard me! Crud, its reboo..

__________________
"My clients’ wishes are the center of my attention." -- David Guido, a contractor in Woodstock, N.Y.
New York Times, July 20, 2006

ChainsawCharlie

I show up on time.

Dave R

I still speak English.

curtis2kul

Ouch.... Thats harsh but its true!

RizzoMaryland

I do what I say and say what I do.

__________________
"An idea is salvation by imagination"
Frank LLoyd Wright

rescraft

Picture frame around doors/windows when sheetrocking.

Adding dab of anti-seize to screw threads when doing plumbing trim.

Cover working areas with tarps/blankets inside and outside customers' homes.

TempestV

I didn't know any of those were considered different or odd, so I guess they are true for me as well.

MGSProperties

i speak english
and i show up on time
all done for the same price no extra charges

__________________

Dan_Watson

I fix little problems as I see them, just today I tightened up to door handles I noticed were loose.

dutchlegacy

I keep constant contact (daily) will all subs, vendors, and employees that are involved in a particular project. I tell you, it seems like I'm the only one that does this around here, so I guess that makes me different.

One thing that has always bothered me about foundations/slabs is when you see blue-board sticking up all uneven with ripped edges and what not. We glue on our blue-board and cut it on a 45 degree angle with a portable table-saw. I hate seeing chipped concrete at the edge of slabs. We also tape all seams when we lay down 6 mil for vapor barrier. A dry slab goes a LONG way! just a little peeve of mine.

__________________


www.dutchlegacycompany.com

CrazyTaper

I scrape and sweep the floors before we leave. I also clean out the mud from the electrical boxes. I wipe any overspray off the windows and tubs.

Teetorbilt

I still work the way that my dad and grand-dad did, meticulous. It will cut you out of many jobs, however there are still some that know and will pay for quality. I'm also fortunate to live close to a lot of celebs.

__________________
You can't solve you're problems with the same level of thinking that created the problems.

Albert Einstein

LaurieC

Not sure if it sets me apart, or just shows how my HO takes advantage of me...
1. I've let dogs out to go potty
2. Called the HO when their kids are on the roof
3. This is the only company I've worked for, so I don't know if others do this... but I'm always on site. From 7am until the last guy leaves. Then I make sure everything is locked up and safe. I do it more for my subs then the HO...but they think it's for them.

Magnettica

1) Keep my wiring nice and neat where it'll be seen like in a basement or attic space.

2) Provide temporary GFCI receptacles (not regular one's) for the other trades so they can work safely.

3) Clean up scrap wiring/ cables as I'm "cutting-in" so as to not leave a mess for someone else to clean later.

4) Identify ALL new circuits at the panel.

5) Make absolutely certain that all receptacles and switches are straight and faceplates are level.

__________________
Electrician service in Rahway, Cranford, Clark, Westfield, Mountainside, Scotch Plains, Fanwood, Roselle, Roselle Park, and New Jersey | Same day electrical service and repairs | Licensed and Insured Electrician in Rahway