We asked readers of CUSTOM HOME magazine to tell us how they keep their job sites safe and clean. Over the next month we’ll be posting some of their responses in this special online section.
Dear Editor
When I was a carpenter in the field, we often would judge other companies by how their sites looked as we passed by. We didn’t think it was possible to do really nice work if you had to worry about where you could place your feet, etc. I think for the most part custom builders are aware of the fact that they need to maintain a high level of cleanliness in order to maintain safety and quality. There is a cost to this, and our clients have to understand that. However, in the end we are the ones who must uphold this standard, and it is our insurance rates that will rise if accidents happen. We try to have garbage picked up weekly at all sites. Many of our suppliers will take old batteries and so that is where they go. Our site foremen have coffee break safety meetings weekly and bring up any issues that have “slipped” or need to be dealt with. Basically there needs to be vigilance. It isn’t only the job of the foreman or project manager to catch each cleanliness problem or safety issue, it is up to each employee.
Dan Cohen Creative Spaces, Inc.
Oakland, CA
Dear Editor,
It was great to read your Editorial in the May/June issue of Custom Home magazine. I always run a clean job site—it is the first thing clients and financiers see when they drive up. In addition, it just makes good neighbors to keep a clean site. One of the things that I do to prepare for a remodel or new construction is to knock on the neighbors’ doors and introduce myself. During the meeting I offer an open line of communication so that if the job site impacted their property adversely they would feel comfortable coming over and discussing it.
In addition, I initiate a cardboard recycle program for all trades on site. Cardboard is one of the biggest Dumpster hogs, and it just makes good sense to recycle it. I offer to haul the cardboard to the recycle center myself if the trades will break down the boxes. I have always had total compliance with this request.
Lastly, one of the best ways to keep employees and trade contractors from throwing trash around is to pitch in and create a team concept so that they are proud to be working on the site.
M.A. Lorio
McCook, Nebraska
Dear Editor,
These items have helped me maintain job cleanliness:
1. Hold the trades’ pay until their trash, etc., is cleaned up. The owner of the trade company won’t like hearing we’re holding his money, especially if his workers have said, “It’s all cleaned up, boss.”
2. Start with the framing sub. If they are sloppy, the entire job is going to be a mess. Don’t let other trades begin until all the framing lumber, etc., is in the Dumpster.
3. If a job is messy at the end before final grading is set to begin, impose a fine of $1,000 and divide it between every trade that worked on the house.
4. Go to the top. Always approach the owner of the trade company with jobsite cleanliness problems, especially if you’ve already said something to the owner’s job foreman.
Michael Dembinski
Pocono Pines, Pennsylvania
Editor,
Jobsite cleanup is an ongoing issue, and when the trades are productive, they create [messes]. It can be embarrassing to walk through a project with the client at the end of the week and see the way the trades have left the site. We have found that an effective way to keep the skilled laborers working is to hire another person to do the cleanup. It is amazing how much trash and packaging can be picked up and hauled off the project, if this is the only responsibility this person or persons have.
I have teen-age sons who are strong and willing, so I ask them to come to the site on a Saturday or an evening, whenever their school/work/athletics schedule will allow.
My employees and each of the trades appreciate working on a clean project. I appreciate them working productively, and my sons (or friends’ sons) and their high school friends appreciate a little gas money. It is a win/win situation. I simply write a punch list for the boys, and they accomplish it before I know it.
Mark Harreld, Supervisor, Stately-James Homes, Inc.
Manchester and Hiawatha, Iowa Let the editor know what your company does to keep your sites safe and sanitary at lensor@hanleywood.com. If you’ve got a good procedure or a worthy idea, we’ll post it here, giving you credit, of course. And, who knows, your idea may help another builder, big or small, to clean up the way he runs his jobsites.
