Introduction
Time management for the handyman: Time management for Property maintenance/handyman business that provide services to real estate agents is critical for success and profit. As a seasoned carpenter I understand the critical importance of organisation, time management, and to always measure twice and cut once. I enjoy what I do, but the bottom line for small businesses like mine is; if I’m not working I’m not earning. So this is how I organise my work orders. It is not rocket science and you really do not need any bells and whistles computer programme. Keep it simple.
SCHEDULING WORK ORDERS
Where ever possible schedule work orders by suburb/postcode and all within 15 minutes of each other, allowing for travel time. This will keep travel time to a minimum. Be firm and direct with tenants with allocated time slots and confirm prior to departing. Always arrive early to allow time to get set up and perform a brief site survey before offloading tools and equipment. Set up as close the work area as possible.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT
Once the days scheduling is done, make a list of all the general tools and materials required for the day. Pack all the tools and equipment by work order laid out in the back of the work vehicle. This will save a lot of time sifting through tools at each location.
ONSITE
Setting up is crucial, take time to lay out all the tools onto a trestle or folding table, so they are visible and easily accessible with having to bend down to the ground. And, this will save a lot of back and forth to the vehicle for tools you have forgotten. Strap on your nail pouch no matter the size of the job. And, set up your saw stools, absolutely critical. This will give the right impression that you are a professional. I have seen tradies squatting on the ground, cutting timber across their knees and even on top of garbage bins. I have seen them go back and forth to the van countless times.
WORK ETHIC
Remember you are intruding on another person’s home, treat it with respect. Always lay down drop cloths and keep a vacuum, dust pan and hand brush close by and a bucket of water. Keep your work area clean at all times and any cutting, grinding to be done outside. Don’t dump any rubbish in tenant or owner garbage bins without permission.
WORK SAFE
Don’t be a tough guy! Wear ear muffs and safety goggles when cutting or grinding and gloves when handling sharp, abrasive or chemical materials. Make sure the tenants are aware of the work you are doing and make sure that no children or animals can access the work area.
CLEANING AND VERIFY
Upon conclusion, verify all items on the work order have been done. There is nothing worse than having to revisit a job site, it throws your entire schedule out. Pack up and thoroughly clean down the work area. You don’t want any complaints or bad reviews. Inform the tenant that all work is complete with a brief description, say than you and depart.
CONCLUSION
I hope this brief article is of value. This series of processes really works for me. I cut down my travel time, get set up quickly and always measure twice and cut once.