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I am always looking for methods and opportunities to become more efficient in regards to how I go about my painting business. The painting work I do is by far interior residential repaints. High quality brush and roller work. My priority is efficiency without affecting quality.
Over time I have noticed that myself and the crew are taking too long gathering tools etc from the van each day. I don't want to imply it's the crew but rather my set up. I think this is something I can improve and make more efficient. Currently my van is set up where you have to grab up runners, brushes, rollers, pots and pans etc and carry in what we need. Everything sits on racks and shelves in my van.
On larger jobs we set up a "base camp" in the home and work out of that room. That is not a problem. What I am referring to are the smaller get in and get out jobs.
My thoughts are to have "Ready To Go" boxes, in each box (something like the Stanley Fat Max roll around tool box) enough runners, brushes, pots, rollers, hand tools, basic patching / prep tools, tape, etc etc to get started on a room or two. I could set up additional Ready To Go boxes for when multiple jobs are going on.
Additional items would still need to be carried in such as vacuum, lights and larger drops when painting ceilings.
At the start of the work day the crew grab a box and get started working in a more timely fashion.
I know I am just a small operation. My business goal is to add another employee in 2015 and hopefully two. I think it never hurts to learn ways to improve efficiency.
I appreciate any thoughts on such an arrangement. One concern I have is spending too much of my time restocking the boxes after tools have been washed and cleaned so they are ready for the next day. Your comments are appreciated.
Martin.
Over time I have noticed that myself and the crew are taking too long gathering tools etc from the van each day. I don't want to imply it's the crew but rather my set up. I think this is something I can improve and make more efficient. Currently my van is set up where you have to grab up runners, brushes, rollers, pots and pans etc and carry in what we need. Everything sits on racks and shelves in my van.
On larger jobs we set up a "base camp" in the home and work out of that room. That is not a problem. What I am referring to are the smaller get in and get out jobs.
My thoughts are to have "Ready To Go" boxes, in each box (something like the Stanley Fat Max roll around tool box) enough runners, brushes, pots, rollers, hand tools, basic patching / prep tools, tape, etc etc to get started on a room or two. I could set up additional Ready To Go boxes for when multiple jobs are going on.
Additional items would still need to be carried in such as vacuum, lights and larger drops when painting ceilings.
At the start of the work day the crew grab a box and get started working in a more timely fashion.
I know I am just a small operation. My business goal is to add another employee in 2015 and hopefully two. I think it never hurts to learn ways to improve efficiency.
I appreciate any thoughts on such an arrangement. One concern I have is spending too much of my time restocking the boxes after tools have been washed and cleaned so they are ready for the next day. Your comments are appreciated.
Martin.