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Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2009 8:43 pm
by Pablo
Here's one for you. Is it normal practise for the cleaning of the site and tools etc at the end of the day to be included as partof the working day and as such the client gets billed for it when you're on an hourly rate. Reason I ask is that a debtor is trying to pay me less than I've billed him and this is his excuse. On average it takes approx 30mins and we spent 17 days with 5 men so he's looking for a few quid. I tried ti get him on a fixed price but he insistedon hourly. He says it's standard practice in England where hisbuilding firm is from. I reckon it's a load of balls never heard of it as the dirt on tools and site is work related and has to be sorted by knock off.
Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2009 9:25 pm
by DNgroundworks
Its not standard practise with us, i agree with you, the cleaning of the site and equipment is part of a days work and should be billed accordingly.
I have seen some sites that are run by much larger national firms, were the lads jus arse about for the last half hour, if i were i paying customer id be bringing that to the attention of the gaffer!
Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2009 3:34 am
by lutonlagerlout
we always start clearing up 15-20 minutes before close of play,gotta keep your tools clean
hes talking from where the sun dont shine pablo
LLL
Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2009 5:46 pm
by DNgroundworks
Sorry about that, i meant it "is" standard practise
Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2009 7:10 pm
by GB_Groundworks
yep we knock off at 4.30 so hopefully gate locked and out of there by 4.35.
its all part of the job to clean down and wash out.
although did a 12 hour day today, my 66 year old foreman and i poured 50m3 of c35 concrete, pumped in but had to finish tying the steel this morning but working for yourself is different. we finished about 5.30 is with clean down and lock up.
Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2009 7:21 pm
by topgrafter2007
reckon to many people employed thinking of ways to save money regardless to who they upset. most of them never got mud anywhere near there pointy shoes 
there the ones who need all the safety gear when on site! as for customers... well i think all these programs on telly highlighting dodgy builders do more harm than good, educating them how to be suspiciuos of everyone and winge about everything!
Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2009 7:31 pm
by msh paving
As you are on daywork being paid to use tools and make mess,you expect to be paid to clean up and put away,why would you clean tools in your own time, :laugh:
in 91-92 i worked for fairclough civils , now known as amec i was on the books and we was allowed 10 mins at end off day on full pay to wash up and put tools away, take boots off if wet day,i belive this guy is taking the you know what 
Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2009 7:51 am
by seanandruby
the cleaning of tools and work area are an ongoing part of the working day. clean as you go. the last half hour or so is usually dedicated to good housekeeping, putting up fencing, covering holes and cleaning tools etc. we have a rule on our sites called "take 5"
at a designated time ( 12.00 oclock ) an air horn sounds, every one stops work and for five minutes we check our work area, tidy up and get rid off rubbish until the horn sounds again. good housekeeping and making sure tools are not only cleaned but also checked for damage is very important. :;):
Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2009 8:12 am
by oioisonnyboy
you could always smile and nod, yessir nosir three bags full sir till the end of the job...
...and then present him with a bill for some nice new trowels, floats shovels etc...make sure they're marshalltown, WHS etc :p
Might even be worthwhile trying to price bits and bobs like that into good sized jobs before you start, even if its stuff like plastic floats, string lines, pencils, it all adds up.
With regards to washing up times some people (Normally machine drivers IME) get very sniffy about knocking off times for breakfast or at the end of the day, sometimes suspicioulsy close to taking the pi55.
When it comes down to it your tools are your livelihood, perhaps the client in his ivory tower does not understand how many wives, children ferrets etc you have to feed and clothe.
Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2009 8:37 pm
by seanandruby
....marshaltown!! we get worldwide shit from our storeman. crap stuff 
Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2009 8:45 pm
by msh paving
I hate cheap and nasty tools,always buy the best i can afford never market junk,quality names only MSH
Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2009 12:05 am
by lutonlagerlout
marshalltown trowels ,estwing hammers, paslode nailguns,why are al the best tools american?
LLL
Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2009 6:02 am
by seanandruby
lutonlagerlout wrote:marshalltown trowels ,estwing hammers, paslode nailguns,why are al the best tools american?
LLL
because us brits can use anything and still turn out quality work :;): that reminds me must put the wifes cake mixer back before she finds out i used it for compo :laugh:
Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2009 7:30 am
by oioisonnyboy
Haha worldwide tools yes sean either them or "globemaster" with the plastic yellow handles
knips that don't nip
screwdrivers that don't screw
floats held together with fairy dust instead of rivets
and some nice new string lines...you have a choice of either bent or birdsnest :p
Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2009 7:35 am
by oioisonnyboy
because us brits can use anything and still turn out quality work
bricking up using a shovel and a bit of rubber hose to joint...
benching manholes with coke cans and milk bottles
what is it they say ..."Necessity is the mother of invention"
:laugh:
