So far my house fixup has been DIY, but now I’ve got the first crew coming over (roof) soon. I realize that as an engineer I can be a PITA to people who do real work. Other than staying out of their way and doing my best to not ask too many questions are there any things a homeowner can/should do to make you not hate, or even like, working on that project?
I know this is probably different from trade to trade, but there must be some general things you hate or like that a homeowner does when you’re working for them. Kind of wide open here, but what’s the been common to good experiences you’ve had? What’s really pissed you off?
Replies
I hate the HO being right there all the time. They tend to "tidy up" things I need, for inst. The best thing a HO can do is bring coffee or tea with carrot cake out at lucnch or, say, 2:00 pm (when we start to flag). Roofers, in particular, lIke beer - don't pass that out until the end of the day! But, generally, most tradesmen know their jobs and will only need to ask you minimal Qs. Stay out of the way - yep, it's hard not to take an interest...but stay back.
All the best...
To those who know - this may be obvious. To those who don't - I hope I've helped.
" Roofers, in particular, lIke beer"we do?????Must be a regional thing - beer guts make it really hard to bend over and lay shiungless though. The ones I knew who were drinkers had more of an affinity for hard stuff like painters.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
" Roofers, in particular, lIke beer"we do?????Must be a regional thing - beer guts make it really hard to bend over and lay shiungless though. The ones I knew who were drinkers had more of an affinity for hard stuff like painters."let's perpetuate more stereotypes shall we?must be a regional thing
Barry E-Remodeler
As a homeowner, you have every right to ask questions about a job being done on your house. It is one way fo you to get a sense of security about the contractors working on it.
It is also your right to check the work in progress and the final result, and let the contractor know of any concerns you have.
That being said, some things are helpful to contractors and will make it nicer for them to work for you.
I had a roof redone a few years back. Overall, a decent job, but upon inspection, I saw several nail pops, flashing that was not straight, etc. I took digital pictures, printed them out with a punch list. I figured 2 guys about a short day at the most to get through the punch list. Minor stuff, like I said, but I'm not paying $12,000 until I'm satisfied. It would be like buying a new car with a scratch in it, but paying full price.
After several visits by the roofing crew, the project manager, the salesman, the fixit specialists from the roofing company, etc, I finally got it all done. SIX MONTHS later.
One thing they did: on a nail pop, right above the garage as you drive up, in a very visible spot- I wanted the shingle replaced, and they knew this. It was a brand new roof. So what did they do? they caulked over the nail head! Now, normally, I would not object to this type of repair, but I told them to do it right and replace the shingle, and they tried to shortcut me, thinking I'm not going up there to check. Well, I didn't have to go up there. They used TAN caulk on a dark green roof! If they had used black, it wouldn't have shown, but the tan stood out like a big hunk of bird doo.
Like I said, give them every chance to succeed, but stick to you guns in the way of quality expectations and contract terms, and don't pay until you are satisfied.
Pete Duffy, Handyman
Pete, Good advice. I did a renovation job for this architect who was a total whackko. The first day I show up, I was on my phone when I pulled up talking to my dumpster company. This Guy was staring at me. Waiting for me to get off the phone. It was 6:50am I work for myself. In my mind I had 10 minutes to do my business, The minute I get off the phone He asks me if I talked to the dumpster Company. Ok, Its 6:58am Now and they are supposed to deliver the can at 7am. Just as the a$$ hole gets the words out. Here comes the can. Not to toot my own horn, but we do pretty good work (one year wait, if they can wait) This guy being a architect wanted all the material on the job the first week (carpet, tile,cabinets, trim,windows and etc). I had all the materials that were for the job back at my shop. I mean all the fricken material!!!!! I figure I will make this guy crazy and tell him everything Is coming in late. If he's gonna break my balls, I'll break them right back. One hot august day I'm working on the fireplace bumpout, siding it. He parks his @ss on a beach chair with a drink in his hand and begins to watch me work, Now I dont care if someone watches me I'm confident in my work. But this jack #### is having drinks and I'm ready to go off like a Roman candle. I have to admit he was a good architect. I'll give him that. So I left the job to grab lunch for us and phone the police to say he was drinking in public. I pull up and the cops are there arguing with him and then they wrote him a ticket. Look I'm The youngest of 5 boys and have become a master of retaliation. All in all I should have walked off the job, I didn't Because this has never happened before and I didn't want this jackass to get the best of me. Bottom line: we as contractors have the right to turn down a client if we see they will be a problem.
-Lou
p.s. I have some pictures of the job. It came out really nice. I also have pictures of the jack a$$ too. Believe it or not I got about 5-6 referrals out of the Jacka$$.
Edited 4/1/2006 7:54 pm ET by loucarabasi
lou.... great story... i can't believe anyone would pull that crap...
no wait.. yes , i can
and i loved the cops hassleing his young buttMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Mike, Wait till you see the pictures of this dude. I found out that he quit drinkin for 3 years and we made him start to drink again. Every day at around 1or2 he would play that Cheryl Crow song (all i wanna do). I geuss he was feelin pretty good by then.
By the way I've been checking out your big thread and have been enjoying it. I do mostly cabinet and millwork and thinking of doing a thread on my up and coming job. Its a really nice job.
-Lou
bring it on lou... a long tradition of picture books.. pro-deck.. blue... crash dumas..
the more the betterMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
About what other guys said.
Stay out of the way.
Hot day......cold drink.
Cold day.....hot drink.
Stay out of the way.
2-3pm cookies, donuts, etc.
Stay out of the way.
End of day...maybe a beer....you are now free to hang around all you want.
All of that's pretty easy to do. Staying out of the way for roofers is a cinch - I'm 20+ feet below. I'm just gonna do some yard work while there up there - hopefully they're cool with that.But beer seems like a sketchy idea since I don't know if their boss would like that and I don't really like the idea of handing some guy a beer and then sending him out on the road on his way home. But I'll hit the grocery store before they come - sounds like food, drinks, and my absence are the keys. Thanks for the tips.
Bob-
Yard work while roofers are around is only a good idea if you make sure your insurance is paid first.
When I'm on a roof, the last thing I want to think about is "Where is that idiot standing now? (Sometimes it applies to the helpers too, but they should know better.) Can I throw this bunch of cutoff's down or is he weeding the pansies? You might think if your are 10' away, that's far enough. I've seen stuff fly off a roof on a wind and land 30' away.
Minimize the yard work big time - cover your good plants before they get there.
Don K.
EJG Homes Renovations - New Construction - Rentals
doing yard work under my work area is a way to shut the job down. I wouod not preoceed while you are in the danger area so plan to find something else to do
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
supply a cool drink and then go fishing...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
IMERC likes fishing? ;-)
"A job well done is its own reward. Now would you prefer to make the final payment by cash, check or Master Card?"
I have a world class case of Fishin'itis....Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
I have a world class case of Fishin'itis....
That's where me and my son will be this Saturday morning.
The last pic is the day before Katrina hit here and we loaded up on specks. The fishing has be even better after Katrina because of all the bait it pushed in with the storm.
busta :0)
Is that the Cross Florida Barge Canal or near Okeechobee?
That's a side canal from off the Hopedale Canal in Louisiana as we were heading to Hopedale Bay.
We will be fishing The Pen and the Texaco Canal areas this Saturday out of the Lafitte. Should be able to fill up on reds and specks by mid morning.
busta :0)
now we're talkin'.....
got some in yesterday... got a nice couple that wanted to learn Fly Fishin'... now it's fly tying on Sunday..
They fired me a few days ago... said they had it in the bag... gave me an Orvis system as a consolation...
rehired me today... I hope I get fired often...
oh well...........Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Between work and waiting for a recall part on the motor to get in, this is the first fishing we're getting in for the past two months.
I try and take my son out about twice a month, he just loves to fish.
Should have seen his face, and mine when he caught his first fish a few years back. The fish hit the line and he tossed the pole overboard not knowing what was on the line, lol.
I guess he thought it would pull him over so he figured it was better the pole got wet and not him.
busta :0)
BTW...
nice system ya have fer yurself....
WAY TO GO bud....Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Thanks, and BTW, hope you get fired more often lol.
busta :0)
busta.... the anticipation is often as good as the execution..
looks like someone is really looking forward to this ..
View ImageMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Yep, I can hardly wait and the anticipation is killing me, oh wait you ment the little skipper lol yep he can hardly wait also and he will most likely be up tonight with me because of not being able to sleep.
busta :0)
Relax and show it. Let them know that you respect their experience and knowledge. When you ask questions (which you need to do!), do so as a person who is curious and wishes to have an expert explain something to you that you don't know.
I was one... now I hires 'em.
"Doubt is not a pleasant condition, but certainty is absurd." Voltaire
I don't think the HO should be humble.
Its your house and your money. An excellent craftsman enjoys sharing what he is doing.
I watch like a hawk, and speak up when something isn't the way I want it.
Fasteners, methods of gluing PVC, how wires are connected, soldering, I watch it all. I may not know everything, but I sure as hell know the physics and mechanics of systems, and want it done right.
Afte a sub has worked for a while, I can tell if I need to pay close attention, or just check periodically.
If the sub doesn't like it, there is something wrong with him.
I don't supply coffee, donuts, petit fors, or sandwiches.
Stef
swell... A micro manager....
so why did ya hire somebody if ya know how to do it in the first place...Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
LOLGood to see you posting around here.++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Doubt is not a pleasant condition, but certainty is absurd." Voltaire
call it the way it is.....
fer a bit.........Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
oh come on......
Do HO's behave this way when ordering dinner? Walk in and check on the chef? Stick your finger in the pot to check on the sauce?
The problem starts with the getting all the info upfront. Product, Specs, Methods, Warranties, Outcome.
Ya know...kinda like reading a menu. And if futher clarification is required....ask!
Then sit back and order. And if it ain't done to order, send it back.
This is where a real pro makes the difference. Whether your a GC or a roofing contractor, spend the time w/ the HO defining the above b4 you produce the product.
As for water, beer, Strippers, Clowns and other entertainment, save it....
A place to piss would be appreciated.
this is a terrible analogy....
a consumers actions when purchasing a 12k dollar roof are not comparable to their actions buying a 40 dollar meal.
Actually, I can and have done almost all of it. I just choose not to, now. If you guys don't like my watching, by all means do leave the job. I think, as one guy said subsequently, excellent craftsmen do like to be appreciated, and one way to do it is to watch them work.
If something isn't going the way it should be, then speak up.
I stand by the refreshments, but when the job is finished, and it has been a good experience, I'll put in an extra 500 or in some cases 1000 to show appreciation.
Stef
so why do you feel that you need to micro manage??????Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
I'm guessing that he didn't hire competent guys to start with!
I don't mind being watched, but I'm guessing that's not what's going on here.
I didn't think so either....
slight story change...
So let me WAG here... retired comissioned officer...
everything smacks of him being a controller...
BTW did you know I retired from the Army in AUG '81???
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
So let me WAG here... retired comissioned officer...
I was thinking the same
Bet he had the full respect of his men!
NO I didnt know that you retired from the army in '81', dont know if I get that or not? Sometimes I'm slower then other times!
Doug
another WAG...
he was riffed.....
thought I'd let FB know he wasn't special.... and has the respect of the people here....Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Imerc,
"Fatboy2" hmmnnn. . . nuclear ordinance?
Cop?
Pilsbury baker?SamT
2nd rate biker trash wanna be....
thought that was Fatbob though...Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
maybe he was one of them wannabee's that scrambled over the fence after cu showed them what good manners really means...
he got all the donuts and left none fer us (both of us or got us twice)....Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
I don't supply coffee, donuts, petit fors, or sandwiches.
Fatboy2.. being selfish and hoggin' it all...Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
I'm pretty sure I'd let fatboy eat all those sandwiches cause I'd be heading down the road.
I'm not going to put up with anybody standing over me, let em join an apprenticeship program if they need to learn how to do it!
Doug
where we stoppin' fer lunch or a beer....Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Well we cant eat any of fatboys, kinda selfish if you ask me.
would that be selfish control freak????...
so we don't invite him or we'd go hungry...Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
that didn't take long..........Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
You might want to put a cover over the outside A/C unit^^^^^^
"The Older We Get, The Better We Were"
they don't call him Fatboy for nuthin!
"I hate quotations. Tell me what you know" Ralph Waldo Emerson
10 ta 1 I get my case jumped........
and go hungry.....Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
like it ain't happened before...
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
it'd be my very 1st time....
sure hope he's gentle....Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Oh, now, personal insults?
It refers to motorcycles.
what now personal insults?....are you dim enough to think that was the first? And if you have an american bike you obviously are dumb too! Not being gracious or generous to people working in your house also says a lot about you and you're the one who said it. You're the homeowner from hell that everyone around here hates...tradesmen anyway....myself included. But it's not like this is a proletariat forum...it's actually very bourgeois...so what was i expecting anyway....forget everything i'm writing. How are your mutual funds doing?"I hate quotations. Tell me what you know" Ralph Waldo Emerson
Boy have I been put in my place!!!
The junk yards are full of rice burners. ONly people lwho like their crotches massaged would waste money on them.
Its your house and your money. An excellent craftsman enjoys sharing what he is doing.
What gives you that idea? Just curious.
The craftsman's job is to be a craftsman, not explaining himself to the homeowner. That should be done BEFORE the work has started. When it comes time to work on the project, I want left alone. I don't mind checking up on me, but I don't need a baby sitter.
In fact, I think a homeowner that "supervises" a trade makes a good job harder. It's very distracting when someone is looking over your shoulder the entire time.Speak the truth, or make your peace some other way.
It's very distracting when someone is looking over your shoulder the entire time.....
with the split concentration mistakes happen...
some times expensive...
sometimes painful....
all not good....Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Really, I just want to make sure they remember everything I've asked for especially the not run-of-the-mill stuff, and don't do the few things I know to be not great (e.g.- like stacking the shingles on the ridge). And I want to be there for when they've got questions for me (e.g. -should we replace this or leave it?). I'm not a roofer and don't want to be, so I don't plan on hovering.But I'll try and stay outta the backyard - at least when they are on the back of the roof. The yardwork can wait a bit.Thanks for the tips.
I agree with the others about the food and drinks. I also don't mind the occasional question. Reminders are helpful too, just don't make the contractor feel that you don't trust him. I am working with a client right now that clearly does not trust a single trades person that has come on the sight. I don't know how I didn't catch this in the planning stage and decline the job. most of the time I am better at reading people. I get a list of demands every morning; schedule the drywall sub, call the painter, call the tile guy. Most of this stuff is already on MY to do list. The other thing is that he worte me a letter requesting copies of all the material invoices. He wants all of the invoices for the subs and their material as well as all of the invoices for the material that I provided. I wonder why he even hired a general contractor.
My point is this, JUST BE RESPECTFUL OF THE PEOPLE AND THE FACT THAT THEY ARE RUNNING A BUSINESS.
I get a list of demands every morning......
client clearly does not trust a single trades person...............
He wants all of the invoices for the subs and their material as well as all of the invoices for the material that I provided....
had the same...
treat them in kind....
they get the message or ya move on...
called fire the customer.....
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
I worked for years installing air conditioners through the wall, I used to do like 10 of them a day, one day some knuckleheaded homeowner is telling me I'm using the wrong type of screws to screw the sleeves to the studs. I told him " I haven't lost one yet!" He seemed to shut up. Another time I was cutting through the wall with a sawzall and the HO was following the blade with a vacuum cleaner, neat idea and all but he didnt even ask me if it was ok. I would have told him I prefer my helper do it, cause if something flies out from the wall and hits the HO in the eye, head, teeth it would be my butt. Some HO's I've run into think your a slave rather than a serviceman. I dealt the best I could with them for years and years but still they never cease to amaze me. I used to put unfinished molding around all the ac units I installed (on the inside) and I cant tell you how many people would say to me "arent you going to paint the molding"? I used to say "sure, what color would you like I keep an assortment of colors in my truck! HA HA
My wife and I had a big party to celebrate the project's completion and invited the crew, as well as our friends and neighbors. Most of the guys who built the addition came and said they'd never been invited to a new house party, which surprised me. We had lots of food and drink and much praise was lavished on the guys who did such a great job.
Other than that, I think the GC also appreciated getting paid promptly throughout the project.
the GC also appreciated getting paid promptly throughout the project
Ding ding ding we have a winner. Getting paid what we are owed, promptly, is the best form of gratuity.Speak the truth, or make your peace some other way.
Our completion party, with Mariachi band is already scheduled, and ALL guys who worked on the job, with the exception of the guy who stole from me, are invited. Not Hotdogs, either. I love these guys for the great job they did on the house, and they know it. But they knew I was always there.
I did that this morning. I handed him a list of his demands that I would not meet. I explained the way I run business and that if he did not agree with it he should think about finding another contractor to complete his project. I was not there when he read my note to him but I think he got the message, things went well at least for today.
"I get a list of demands every morning; schedule the drywall sub, call the painter, call the tile guy. Most of this stuff is already on MY to do list."
Does he hand you the list? If so, scan while he's standing there and mutter to yerself, "Done. Done. Nope, not gonna do that. Done. Nope that's fer tomorrow. . ." and hand it back to him without further comment.
"The other thing is that he wrote me a letter requesting copies of all the material invoices. He wants all of the invoices for the subs and their material as well as all of the invoices for the material that I provided."
Flat out tell him "No. That's not in the contract."
You'll never make him a happy camper, so quit trying and make yourself happy.
SamT
that's the way I do it except for in the contract...
I use...
I don't think so...
yur not intitled...
costs extra.... that's a CO to our deal...Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
All invoices for materials and subs? What is that b.s.? I've had people try to weasel that out of me, but for someone to come up direct and demand is another thing. Pretty bold of them.Just curious, how are you gonna handle this? I don't think you have any obligation to provide this if you have a contract that states that you will complete such and such a project at such a such an amount. THey are not your accountant/bookkeeper/IRS agent, they have no business demanding that. That's just my take.
Edited 3/30/2006 6:21 pm ET by girlbuilder
I wrote him a letter explaining that I did not feel that I was obligated to turn this info. over to him and that I would continue to run my business the way I always have. I included a job cost sheet for the charges to that date. I made reference to the fact that the decision making process had been a problem and tha tif he focused more time on making color choice and the like we would be on schedule as well as on budget.
I looked at a job replacing a log floor joist in an antigue stone house. I fully explained what I was going to do and the materials I would use. The HO then told me how she thought it should be done and when I was going to do the job. She was going to take time off to supervise me and because she didn't think she could trusts me to work in her house alone. I left and never went back.
Don't blame ya. I hav eran into similar situations. I started in the business at a fairly young age and a lot of people thouhght I was inexperienced. I found that once the job got going I could quickly gain their trust.
I am a general contractor and I do alot of roofing. I wouldn't trust most roofers. Read the shingle package and you may know more than some I have seen. Roofing is usually done by the SF, so the faster you go the more money you make. A good roof is in the details. We have learned to roof fast because I try to train the guys to be efficient with their movements and everyone knows his task.
Watch for nails that are not fully driven in. A good roofer will get his hammer out and set it. Also watch for accurate nail placement. When I hear a roofing gun going too fast then I know he isn't very careful with nail placement.
I agree the good tradesman likes to share his knowledge and is secure in being watched. It doesn't bother me because I know what I am doing and I am honest about my mistakes. But as you can see some very good workers don't like to be watched too closely.
Food and drinks are great and clean up at the end of the day is very helpful, because by that time I am very tired. Be relaxed and enjoy the job.
I didn't say they were homeless children needing to be coddled.I did say, "Let them know that you respect their experience and knowledge. When you ask questions (which you need to do!)..."I'll stick with that.++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Doubt is not a pleasant condition, but certainty is absurd." Voltaire
Fasteners, methods of gluing PVC, how wires are connected, soldering, I watch it all.
Wow.........
What do you do for a living?
Quality Control?
Now I'm retired.
Used to be in the Army. Now there is a big fat pitch served up?
GO AWAY!Remodeling Contractor just on the other side of the Glass City
Used to be in the Army
Quartermaster Brigade????? Just wondering.......
U make it sound like you don't supply a normal does of good maners either. Have a hard time finding people to work for you?
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Please, Piffen, I expected better of you than that.
What does manners have to do with keeping a close eye on the job?
A lack of good manners makes for bad discipline/karma/morale/production, especially wjhen it comes fromn the top.
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Give us space.
Clear out around outlets so we can run our cords.
Clear an area(s) so we can unpack our tools.
Move your vehicles to the street- the less walking we do, the more work gets done.
Get a roll of rosin paper and paper the route from the entry door to the bathroom you want us to use.
A roll of paper towels for drying hands will preserve your cloth towels.
Tell us where the close/cheap/tasty deli, pizza, and Chinese places are.
If your dog(s) poop in the yard, scoop before we arrive.
The awful thing is that beauty is mysterious as well as terrible. God and the devil are fighting there, and the battlefield is the heart of man.
- Fyodor Dostoyevski
All good points man, the vehicles are in the danger zone especially for a tearoff. The stuff seems to fly off and go where it wants to.
Another good point is the dog crap, I always hated when we went to drag a tarp to the dumpster and got a fistful of the dogs crap when I grabbed a hold of the tarp.
As for the homeowner being outside while this is going on bad idea. I seen a piece of shingle fall off the roof and hit one of my guys in the bridge of his nose, cut him pretty bad. You're entitled to sh!t.---Tony Soprano
I didn't read all the posts but I'd say, mainly just stay out of the way and maybe offer cold bottled water or something once or twice.
More importantly, I hope you have all your ducks in a row and cleared with the contractor before they show up: the material specifications: Drip edge being applied? What are flashings to be made of and where will they be applied? If you are using archi shingles, have you ordered the cap shingles too or if they are suoplying all materials, has this been discussed? brand of ridge vent if aplicable? If it is new construction, are any/all roof penetrations in place such as plumbing vents, etc and who is supplying the "boots"? Any realted issues with siding?
The worst thing is for the crew to get 1 hour into it, just building up steam, and the homeowner hollers from the ground: Hey! I thought you all were going to use copper flashings!! - or something along those lines...
Please make sure skittish cats have been secured and cannot escape. Or atleast they are wearing collars that identifies who the cats belong to if they get out. Also there should be some mention about if you are going to invite me to lunch, not to wait till I am up on the roof. Just a minor thing....
You really ask a great question. After 40 years of almost all remodeling I think I have seen full range of people who are great at managing work and others who are jerks with a capital "J". Funny how busy you can be the next time "J" calls.
But to dwell on those who give lessons on great management of workers...
I remember when 9/11 hit we were working for one of the greatest at this. He went out for a special load of pastries and we took an extra long break at his leading. We knew we weren't working for the faint hearted.
Another guy that is great at it - and has a thriving pizza business with happy workers - brings us pizza every Friday at noon. Has it delivered or delivers it himself. Nice touch.