Beth n Rod

Jon, Keep an eye peeled. Lots of folks go at the last minute and some just go for the trade show, which is free. Beth

We get them too, and I delete them. Beth

Our dual gun machine with a 225gal tank helps us to pull in excess of 15k/mo. For those who dont know, we have it installed in a sprinter van. Plenty of room and cargo capacity. I have rarely had any problems with reaching the majority of sites. 2-200' hp lines 1-150' lp supply hose Once in a while I may need to hook up a 2nd supply hose to keep up with the demand or extend the length to reach around a townhouse complex. Rod!~

I have often bid the job high in order to cover the P.I.T.A. factor and potential delays. I have been known to bid a deck @ $2.50+/sqft wash and seal. The one example I have to offer in this instance is a series of decks on a condo set with 10 ft ceilings so each level was higher than normal. The lowest deck started out on the 2nd level (ladder required to access), then there was a 3rd level and a 4th level. Each level required a ladder to get to the next. Positioning of the ladders was difficult at best and sometimes precarious without rope restraints to secure it. Problem was that we had to take a ladder up a ladder and then pull the first up to take up the second to the third...are you with me? In addition, we had to use ropes to bring up additional tools, hoses, guns...etc. Masking was a nightmare. The decks were in the recess of the condos with walls on 3 sides. 2 sides belonging to the client the 3rd to the neighbor. During the wash and seal we had to deal with this situation until it was over. The owner wanted ABR X-100 Redwood on it as well. Anyone who has ever worked with the stuff knows how bad it smells. Literally, it was the deck from hell. Total sqft for the deck was around 780sqft and we brought in just under $2000. That is basically double our current pricing and this job was 6 years ago when prices were much lower. The client has since moved and we have not been asked to come back to this site but I will not be looking forward to seeing it again either. Rod!~

Crime & Trauma Scene Cleanup Seminar - April 10-12, Kansas City, MO http://www.biocleaningservices.com/Page.html Thought someone might find this interesting. I understand there is some good money in this service. If anyone goes we would be interested in hearing about it here on TGS. Beth

It's interesting to see the responses here. I had no idea when I posted this seminar info what type of response our members would have. Beth

I have used warm water in colder weather up to 60* (low temp limit) to wash with when the outside ambient temps were at or below 55*. It helps the chems to function better and its not so warm that it raises the grain. Also, it is beneficial when mixing chems that the water is warm aiding them going into solution instead of just settling at the bottom for the most part. Rod!~

For our company, mostly this is a question raised by housewives who are concerned with their vegetation plantings nearby. Some are told by other contractors that they will cover them with plastic while being washed. I inform them that the weight of the water pooling on the plastic is enough to break and injure most plants. Pre-wetting before, during and rinsing afterwards limits the effects of the chemicals used. Neutralization afterwards helps also to eliminate caustic residue which could be of harm to those who would perform any gardening shortly afterwards. Overall, the area is exposed to a great deal of water and so far, we have not seen any negative effects towards the plantings in proximity and in fact have actually seen a significant growth from the chemicals that were broken down into salts that the vegetation uses for nutrients. Yes, spraying a caustic onto a plant, bush or grass will cause harm to it left unchecked. Taking the time to serve the property with respect to the clients endeavors helps to ensure that the only difference that will be evident is the structure you just completed service to is looking great. I am impressed at our photos which show before/after and the surgical precision effect it can have done properly. Rod!~

Thank you Bill! :)

While the initial post may be a bit foreboding, it is coming from an outsiders perspective. Assumptions are made in general about our trades based upon limited information. While those who have posted in response may feel strongly and even insulted, I must suggest that we step back for a minute and consider the point this person is making as a potential customer as well. There is valid points made and they are coming from a position of concern based upon this persons background, experience and walk of life. Let's not discount a post so quickly with snap judgments because of suspicion or out of spite because of what this person is presenting. It does not speak well of us to be closed minded and not take into consideration what is presented here and lash out with negativities or harsh comments. I am not referring to all but to a few and that I believe is all I need to say. Lets maintain the decorum and keep it courteous and respectful. This person may have spent an amount of time reading but that is book learning and not hands on. Chemist1, while your intentions appear to be of health concern, your post lacks consideration of the fact that you may not completely understand that between contractors, some things are understood as Standard Operational Procedure and do not always include the finer details of using PPE and limiting exposure to avoid mass exposure. You would do better to verify the facts first before making assumptions as some here have made of you. This is a community and in as much, we respect each other first and foremost. Its the best way to begin in addressing others. Thank you. Rod!~

Chemist, Welcome to the BBS. Please take time to read the rules of conduct here. We welcome helpful and constructive information, but we certainly do not allow bashing or flaming. If you would like to elaborate constructively on some of your points and provide us with data, help, suggestions, advice, we would all welcome it. Beth

We had a warm spell in January, it got into the upper 60's here. This deck was cleaned with HD-80, at about 4 oz to the gallon, neutralized with Citralic, and sealed while wet with Wood Tux Wet. Please note in the photos the deck is not dry yet. Beth

The following is an example set of different words used in our business language. Professional adj. 1. of, engaged in, or worthy of the high standards of, a profession. 2. designating or of a school, esp. a graduate school, offering instruction in a profession 3. earning one's living from an activity, such as a sport, not normally thought of as an occupation. 4. engaged in by professional players [professional hockey] 5. engaged in a specified occupation for pay or as a means of livelihood [ a professional writer] 6. being such in the manner of one practicing a profession [a professional hatemonger] -n 1. a person practicing a profession 2. a) a person who engages in some art, sport, etc. for money, esp. for his livelihood, rather than as a hobby b) a golfer, tennis player, etc. affiliated with a particular club as a contestant, teacher, and the like: usually clipped to pro 3. a person who does something with great skill Conflict of interest a conflict between one's obligation to the public good and one's self interest, as in the case of a public officeholder who owns stock in a company seeking government contracts Integrity n 1. the quality or state of being complete; unbroken condition; wholeness; entirety 2. the quality or state of being unimpaired; perfect condition; soundness 3. the quality or state of being of sound moral principle; uprightness, honesty, and sincerity - syn. see HONESTY Ethical adj. 1. having to do with ethics or morality; of or conforming to moral standards 2. conforming to the standards of conduct of a given profession or group 3. designating or or a drug obtainable only on a doctor's prescription -syn. see MORAL Ethics n.pl. 1. the study of standards of conduct and moral judgment; moral philosophy 2. a treatise on this study 3. the system or code of morals of a particular person, religion, group, profession, etc. Respect vt. 1. a) to feel or show honor or esteem for; hold in high regard b) to consider or treat with deference or dutiful regard 2. to show consideration for; avoid intruding upon or interfering with [to respect others' privacy] 3. to concern; relate to -n 1. a feeling of high regard, honor, or esteem [to have respect for a great artist] 2. a state of being held in honor or esteem [to have the respect of one's sons] 3. deference or dutiful regard [respect for the law] 4. consideration; courteous regard [to have respect for the feelings of others] 5. [pl.] courteous expressions of regard: now chiefly in pay one's respects to show polite regard by visiting or presenting oneself 6. a particular point or detail respect[/b]] 7. reference; relation [with respect to the problem] -syn. see REGARD Respectable adj. 1. worthy of respect or esteem; estimable 2. conforming to socially acceptable behavior, attitudes, taste, etc.; proper; correct 3. fairly good in quality; of moderate excellence [a respectable meal] 4. fairly large in size, number, or amount [a respectable score] 5. good enough to be seen, used, etc.; presentable [a respectable pair of shoes] Quality n. 1. any of the features that make something what it is; characteristic element; attribute 2. basic nature; character; kind 3. the degree of excellence which a thing possesses 4. excellence; superiority 5. [now rare] position, capacity, or role 6. a) [archaic] high school position b) [archaic or Dial.] people of high social position will post more as time allows. Rod!~

I find this type of information useful because it helps me to use the language more effectively, improve communication and helps to avoid confusion or misunderstanding. I have noticed that some of these words have been used in a context incongruent with their definition which is the primary reason why I started this thread. Don't even get me started on the bastardization of some words that only add to the problems we now have in maintaining open lines of communication. I invite others to contribute their examples as well of misuses of the language for consideration of the community. It is the hopes that we will all take the time and learn to communicate better and be more effective in the time we actually spend communicating to develop better working relationships and friendships in the process. Rod!~

Jim, Get a pic of her in the snow and post it! It would be so cute! Beth

I do not think we would, but then we tried hoods and didn't like them either. However, I think it is a good opportunity to make money, and if you can get past the ...gross factor....then why not look into it? Some people scoop dogie do also. Beth

Please don't forget to vote! :groovy3: Thanks! :groovy2: Beth

Tom it's good seeing you here! Hope all is well down your way. I don't know about you, but I'm ready for spring after this snowfall. Beth

You have to "run" it in order to install it. Beth :groovy3:

Commercial contracts= face to face meetings, authorized faxes to specific contacts, visiting new construction site superintendants as project is under way. Try the Blue Book. Its a contractors referral bible in a sense. Advertise in it or at least get a free listing. Rod!~

Same here. :) Over a foot. Can we send you ours? Beth

How does this all relate to opportunity cost? Why should we consider opportunity costs? If you wash a house as in one example and wash the walk free, what is your costs associated with the "freebie"? Not saying you shouldn't throw that in by the way, we do that too sometimes, but isn't it important to know what "free" means to you in that case? We know to the client it means "free" but to you , there is fuel, machine wear and tear, physical labor time, and maybe other chems supplies depending on what you do. Now how does "free" relate to organizations in the industry and to what we should reasonably expects for free? Can anything of substance be offered for free? Why or why not? Back to my coffee. We have a foot of snow here... Beth :cup:

Ok Lance, Put your right hand up in the air with the forefinger and pinky finger extended while the others are curled under the thumb. Now, put on some Quiet Riot, Dio, Iron Maiden or what ever gets your rhythm and proceed to head bang through the entire song. :bandplay: Then, run to the fridge, grab your fav suds and have a cold one.:beerchug: You're initiated!! Keep up the good work. Rod!~

If they are not capable of doing the work as directed...bye! No different than any other company. They either can do the job or not. If not, then they have no employment future here. I will not keep a person just to have a warm body to fill the position. They have to be capable. This seems to be falling to the immigrants to fill. 2nd generation Americans are above performing physical labor. Immigrants seem to have become the backbone of those who build and maintain this country...but thats another topic altogether! Good one Ken. Rod!~

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