J
jamie B
I've had an apprentice with me today on a private job, and although he's worked with me before on sites and has the makings of a cracking tiler, I did have to point out a few 'differences' in practice for him today. I probably sound like a boring old get, but after talking to him I thought I'd put them up for any newbies interested..I don't want to teach anyone to suck eggs, but it's suprising what bad habits you can pick up if you're starting out and working on newbuild all the time! This is what I was taught when starting and has stood me in good stead so far! if this is the wrong place to post it then prehaps Dave would be good enough to move it!
Cheers!
Oh! and I'm sure you've all got more to add!
1) Make sure when you arrive at the customers door you're friendly and approachable..remember they are letting you into their home!
2) communication is the first tool you should bring with you..check and double check EXACTLY what they require..don't 'guess'timate what you think they want! 10 minutes spent at the start of the day will pay dividends!
3) Dust sheet throughout all areas you will be working/walking through..and protect any areas outside where you'll be knocking up. Unlike a new build there is no excuse for muddy feet / addy / excess dust etc!
4) Be considerate to the rest of the house!.. more often than not you'll be pushed for space so arrange materials and tools as best you can so people can get on as normally as possible ..if doors have to come off etc. they should be out of the way with a cloth over the top to protect the wall! it sounds obvious but don't stack tools on baths/toilets..it takes seconds to chip or scratch one..money to put right!
5) No one expects you to behave like a monk, but keep voices / radios at a respectable level!
6) Work tidy!..having a 'muster' every now and then not only gets the job done faster, it tells your customer when they 'pop' in that you are in control, professional and considerate..if you hear them clattering over tonnes of cuts and kicking buckets to come and ask you if you want a cup of tea..too late! you're already messy!
7) Dispose of dirty water / waste appropriatley No slinging stuff in their wheelie bin! bag it and take it away with you!..and definately no sneaky tipping of water onto the garden!!
8) Always alway always clean your work before you pop out for your lunch or finish ...that's the time the customer will definately come up for a look!!
9) It's the little things that make the difference..make sure there are no snots of adhesive left on skirtings/toilets/sinks ..no junk under the bath!..windows have no grout smears over them and all work is polished properly!
10) when you're packing up remember the dustsheets are there for a reason..I've seen loads of people pick them straight up in a rush to get home and drop the contents everywhere!..fold them in on themselfs put away and shake out somewhere suitable later. Vacuum if possible over carpets..don't forget to wash off any exterior areas exposed to grinder dust etc.
11) Lastly make sure the customer always looks over the work WITH YOU at the end of the job..any questions can be fielded and advice on cleaning/care can be given..PLUS you can bask in the glory of the amazing bit of work you've just fixed!!
:smilewinkgrin::smilewinkgrin::smilewinkgrin:
Cheers!
Oh! and I'm sure you've all got more to add!
1) Make sure when you arrive at the customers door you're friendly and approachable..remember they are letting you into their home!
2) communication is the first tool you should bring with you..check and double check EXACTLY what they require..don't 'guess'timate what you think they want! 10 minutes spent at the start of the day will pay dividends!
3) Dust sheet throughout all areas you will be working/walking through..and protect any areas outside where you'll be knocking up. Unlike a new build there is no excuse for muddy feet / addy / excess dust etc!
4) Be considerate to the rest of the house!.. more often than not you'll be pushed for space so arrange materials and tools as best you can so people can get on as normally as possible ..if doors have to come off etc. they should be out of the way with a cloth over the top to protect the wall! it sounds obvious but don't stack tools on baths/toilets..it takes seconds to chip or scratch one..money to put right!
5) No one expects you to behave like a monk, but keep voices / radios at a respectable level!
6) Work tidy!..having a 'muster' every now and then not only gets the job done faster, it tells your customer when they 'pop' in that you are in control, professional and considerate..if you hear them clattering over tonnes of cuts and kicking buckets to come and ask you if you want a cup of tea..too late! you're already messy!
7) Dispose of dirty water / waste appropriatley No slinging stuff in their wheelie bin! bag it and take it away with you!..and definately no sneaky tipping of water onto the garden!!
8) Always alway always clean your work before you pop out for your lunch or finish ...that's the time the customer will definately come up for a look!!
9) It's the little things that make the difference..make sure there are no snots of adhesive left on skirtings/toilets/sinks ..no junk under the bath!..windows have no grout smears over them and all work is polished properly!
10) when you're packing up remember the dustsheets are there for a reason..I've seen loads of people pick them straight up in a rush to get home and drop the contents everywhere!..fold them in on themselfs put away and shake out somewhere suitable later. Vacuum if possible over carpets..don't forget to wash off any exterior areas exposed to grinder dust etc.
11) Lastly make sure the customer always looks over the work WITH YOU at the end of the job..any questions can be fielded and advice on cleaning/care can be given..PLUS you can bask in the glory of the amazing bit of work you've just fixed!!
:smilewinkgrin::smilewinkgrin::smilewinkgrin:
