The Clean-As-You-Go Mentality
“No cartoons until you clean that pigsty you call a room.”
The ultimatum every mother gave on Saturday mornings to get their kids to clean up their bedroom. It wasn’t like she didn’t warn you all week—“Have you put your clothes away? What about your toys? Don’t let it pile up!” I think back now, wondering why I didn’t listen and just clean up my room each day, avoiding the weekend showdown with Mom. And I shudder to think of all of the episodes of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe I missed out on!
Jump forward… Because keeping the jobsite clean and tidy daily, rather than letting it slide until the weekend, is going to net you much more than extra cartoon time. It directly impacts your productivity, efficiency, and your reputation as a builder.
THE CLEAN-AS-YOU-GO MENTALITY
Mom was right… It’s so much easier to clean up a little mess instead of a huge one. Over the years, I have discovered how much more work I can get done—and do so in a safe manner—by sticking to the clean-as-you-go mentality. It’s overwhelming to leave it all for the end of the week. And that kind of lazy sets a bad example for those working with you.
When the jobsite is always clean, people will be motivated (or guilted—either way, it works) to do their part. You can reinforce that positive behavior by setting the example—as the GC or builder, don’t be above picking up a broom—and be sure to offer commendation when you find the jobsite looking really good.
Maintaining a clean work environment is so vital to NS Builders that we actually dedicate an allowance for this in the budget. In addition, we keep materials stored off-site until they are ready to be installed.
Now I want to talk about Fridays—specifically cleaning up on Friday afternoon before heading off for the weekend.
The homeowner is dying to stop in and check out the progress. And they want to do so when it’s quiet, no one around, and they can take their time meandering around the space. They are trying to envision the final product and dreaming of when they can move in. Now they get to see firsthand what they are paying out significant sums of money for. And they will probably bring a few friends along. Therefore, you want to provide them a clean, organized, and tidy jobsite that is appealing and will definitely be appreciated. The basic Friday cleanup should start at least a half-hour before the day’s end, and everyone should be involved. Sweep the floors, debris put in trash containers, all trash bags removed, materials neatly stacked and organized, clear spaces to walk through without trip hazards, and personal items removed (mugs, sweatshirts, etc.). Walking into a clean jobsite is not only good mentally for the homeowner but for you and the crew on Monday morning when you return. Starting off fresh on Monday with a clean jobsite improves efficiency—you can start working right away rather than trying to find tools or materials in a mess.
GET EVERYONE ONBOARD
Keeping the jobsite clean and tidy throughout the day shouldn’t fall on just one person. Just like safety is everyone’s personal responsibility while on-site, cleaning up as you work is equally important. There is a direct correlation between a neat, organized work area and safety. Unfortunately, the clean-as-you-go mentality may be new to some people; they like to work in chaos. They never put away a tool until the end of the day. And they may see no point in sweeping up debris during the day, knowing more will accumulate later.
This is where you need to not only set the right example, but teach this mentality to everyone—including subcontractors on your jobsite. Have a conversation early on. Explain what you expect in terms of tidying up throughout the workday, what the jobsite should look like at the end of the day, and the reasons why this policy is being implemented. Provide realistic examples so they get the point and see how it will benefit everyone on-site. For example, taking a few minutes to put a tool back in its case when you finish using it rather than leaving it on the floor will eliminate a trip hazard. Or the tool being accidently kicked or damaged.
IT'S THE RIGHT THING TO DO
Keeping the work environment clean and safe is not only the smart thing to do—it’s the right thing to do. When a homeowner stops in unexpectedly to check on progress, they are going to be super impressed by how tidy and clean the space is. It demonstrates that you respect their home and surroundings. It reveals the depth of your professionalism. The homeowner will have nothing but great things to say about you and your crew. And that is some of the best advertising you’ll ever get!
It’s time to discover what NS Builders can intentionally craft for you! Contact us today to get started on your custom dream home. Together, we can make it happen.
—Nick Schiffer