Employee Manual

[Jesse 15]

Here is a template for my Employee Manual if anyone would like to see it. It is very long and detailed. I only used parts of it.

Jesse R. Kirchhoff

Advanced Power Washing and Restoration Services

Kirchhoff Home Improvement Maintenance and Repair

114 Forest Hill Ave. Jefferson City, Mo 65109

Office 573-635-2708 Toll Free 1-866-635-2708

Introduction

Welcome! Kirchhoff Home Improvement is first and foremost a place to work and earn a living, but we also strive for it to be a friendly and pleasurable work environment.

We are proud of our fine reputation. Our success has been made possible because everyone cooperates in a common effort to develop and keep satisfied customers. Please do your part to help Kirchhoff Home Improvement continue to earn the public confidence and trust we now enjoy.

Our customers form their impressions of our business with every contact you make whether in person or by telephone. You are this Company! We are pleased that you are joining our team and hope that your contributions will assist us in our remaining a leader in this community and our industry.

Again, welcome to Kirchhoff Home Improvement

Sincerely,

Jesse R. Kirchhoff

Owner / contractor

Kirchhoff Home Improvement Vision

Our vision for Kirchhoff Home Improvement is to provide high quality Home Maintenance and Repair services to the public. We restore to the industry the meaning of safe, prompt and friendly customer service as well as faith in true craftsmanship, character and integrity. We at Kirchhoff Home Improvement are attempting to set the standards of contractor service that should be matched by all others.

Our Commitment to the Customer

We commit to providing high quality craftsmanship, reliable and dependable service with satisfaction-guaranteed results. Our commitment to our customers personal property and family protection is one of our highest priorities and will remain a core focus that under no circumstances will be compromised.

The content of this Manual constitutes only a summary of employee benefits, personnel policies and procedures, and employment regulations in effect at the time of publication. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the contents of this Manual. As an employee of the Company you must abide by the policies stated in this Manual, and any new or revised policies issued by Kirchhoff Home Improvement. This Manual should not be construed as creating an "employment contract." The Company has the right to add, change or delete wages, benefits, policies and all other working conditions, as it deems appropriate, at any time, without notice, consent or agreement.

Customer Relations Philosophy

Customer satisfaction is vital to the success of our Company. Maintaining satisfied customers is our highest priority. Let’s face it - without them, we would not be here. In our efforts to obtain customer satisfaction, we have developed a strong Customer Relations Policy. Therefore, please observe the following:

CUSTOMERS are the most important people in our business.

CUSTOMERS are not dependent on us. We are dependent on them.

CUSTOMERS are human beings with feelings and emotions like our own.

CUSTOMERS are not someone with whom to argue or match wits.

CUSTOMERS are deserving of courteous and attentive treatment.

Probationary Period

Every new employee must pass a background check thru the MO State Highway Patrol. the first ninety (90) days of full-time employment is a probationary period. During this time, you are able to learn about the Company, your job, and your new surroundings.

During these first ninety (90) days, your job performance, attendance, attitude and overall interest in your job will be observed by your Supervisor. During this period, you may not be eligible for some Company benefits. Throughout the probationary period, the Company will be assessing your selection as an employee.

After the first ninety (90) days of employment, you may or may not receive an Initial Performance Review. Employees who fail to demonstrate the level of commitment, performance and attitude expected by Kirchhoff Home Improvement may be terminated at any time during the probationary period. However, completion of the probationary period does not change or alter your "at-will" employment status. You continue to have the right to terminate your employment at any time, with or without cause or notice, and the Company continues to have the same right.

Employee Classification

Full-Time Employees

Full-time employees are employees who are normally scheduled to work at least forty (40) hours per week. Full-time employees are eligible for all of the benefits set forth in the following pages.

Part-Time Employees

Part-time employees are employees who are normally scheduled to work fewer than twenty (20) hours per week. Part-time employees are not eligible for most benefits. Part-time employees should contact the Office Manager to determine the benefits they are eligible for.

Temporary Employees

Temporary employees are employees who are employed to work on special projects for short periods of time, or on a "fill-in" basis. These positions are not intended to be a part of continuing operations. The employment status of temporary employees will not be changed due to an extension of employment in excess of that originally planned. Temporary employees are not eligible for any benefits.

Overall Responsibilities:

Customer Satisfaction

Carpentry Labor

Collection of Payments

Job Clean-Up

Maintenance of Job Records

Specific Duties:

1. You are on-site manager on the construction job. Your good performance is extremely important to the success of our company. You are on the "front line" in achieving our company goals of superior product quality and superior customer satisfaction.

2. You are responsible for knowing and understanding all job paperwork: plans, specifications, and change orders. Any questions you have, or discrepancies you discover, should be checked with Kirchhoff Home Improvement.

3. You are responsible for performing all labor on the job, requesting help as it is needed. When other carpenters or helpers are on your job, you are responsible for assigning them work, expediting their performance, and generally supervising them.

4. Time cards will be filled out daily with separate times for each job worked on per day. You will be checked for accuracy

5. Always protect the homeowners property. Adequate protection is one of your most important jobs. Place cardboard, rug, tarp or equivalent below toolboxes and tools when inside a home. Cover your boots with shoe covers. You will be held responsible for any damage to floors, counter-tops and furniture or anything else not mentioned.

6. Try to keep all dust, dirt and debris as isolated from the owners as possible. Clean the job site daily and see that trash is hauled away.

7. Do not use, or allow others to use, any of the owners' equipment, tools, or cleaning supplies.

8. Set up and monitor a "safe place" on the job where items to be re-used are protected.

9. You are responsible for the owners' security. Lock up carefully at the end of each day. Do not leave ladders at house windows to tempt burglars.

10. Deliver customer invoices and collect customer payments according to the contract terms.

11. No abusive or foul language is to be tolerated at a customers home. Radios should be played quietly. If you smoke or chew tobacco, smoke off the property (not in company trucks) and if you chew do not spit on the owner’s floors, sidewalks or anywhere else not mentioned.

12. The owners' telephone should be used only in an emergency.

13. If the owners wish to make changes or have extra work done, a written change order signed by customer must be filled out before the work can be done.

14. Be responsible for installing a job sign in the most prominent place, and keep it in good condition.

15. Be sure the job stays on schedule or ahead of schedule by monitoring progress. Notify Kirchhoff Home Improvement if you will have any problem keeping to the schedule.

16. When the quality control punch list is completed, you will collect the final payment and obtain the signature of the customer on the project satisfaction report.

.

Personal Appearance and Behavior

We expect all employees to present a neat, well-groomed appearance and a courteous disposition. We feel these qualities go further than any other factors in making a favorable impression on our customers and co-workers. Shirts and pants must always be clean, and in good condition. Company shirts will be provided (extras may be purchased at cost). Tan Khaki shorts with boots can be worn in the summertime. No jean shorts or tennis shoes will be allowed. Long or radical hairstyles, visible tattoos and visible body piercing are not permitted. Facial hair must be neatly groomed and trimmed. Company uniforms should always be kept in good, clean condition and must be worn at all times when on duty.

Employment Benefits

Your Pay

Accurate and detailed daily time sheets must be turned in on the last working day of each week. If you are caught adding extra time that you were not working you will be terminated. Paychecks are picked up from the accountant on the Friday of the following week (or the last working day during Holidays).

Bonus & Incentive Pay

From time to time additional bonus or incentive pay may be offered at the discretion of the Owner of Kirchhoff Home Improvement. These monies are discretionary and may be offered, for example, one month and eliminated the next. Employees should not count on such discretionary bonus or incentive pay as part of their usual compensation when budgeting personal finances.

Paid Vacation

VACATION EARNING SCHEDULE

Period of Service Vacation Pay Earned Per Period

After 1 Year 5 Work Days/40 Hours

After 3 Years 10 Work Days/80 Hours

After 5 Years 15 Work Days/120 Hours

Only full-time employees are eligible for vacation pay. Contact your Supervisor for detailed information on your eligibility for vacation pay. To be eligible for vacation pay, you must work your last scheduled day before the vacation and your first scheduled day after the vacation.

Employees are required to take vacation and are not permitted to take pay in lieu of time off. All vacation must be taken in full day increments.

Vacations must be scheduled with, and approved by, your Supervisor at least one (1) week in advance. The Company reserves the right to refuse an employee’s request for vacation if, in the Owner’s judgment, scheduling the vacation at the time sought would be inconsistent with the smooth operation of the Company’s business.

Health Benefits

Health benefits are offered to full-time employees, following the completion of the ninety (90) day probationary period. Our benefit plans are considered to be excellent.

Unpaid Bereavement Leave

Our full-time employees are eligible to receive up to three (3) days of Bereavement Leave in the event they miss regularly scheduled workdays due to the death or funeral of a member of the employee’s immediate family. Your immediate family includes your spouse, children, stepchildren, parents, legal guardians, grandparents, grandchildren, brother or sister, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, your spouse’s parents, and any other relative permanently residing in the same household. An employee who is notified of a death in his/her immediate family while at work will be paid for the remainder of the scheduled hours that day. The three (3) day eligibility for bereavement leave will not commence until the next regularly scheduled workday that is lost. All time off in connection with the death of one of the above-listed individuals should be scheduled with the Owner.

Unpaid National Guard/Military Leave of Absence

Employees who require time off from work to fulfill military duties will be treated in accordance with applicable requirements of state and federal laws. You are expected to notify the Company of upcoming military duty by providing the Owner with a copy of your orders as soon as possible.

401(k) Plan

After one (1) year of full time employment Kirchhoff Home Improvement sponsors a 401(k) Retirement Plan available to employees who meet eligibility requirements. This Plan allows you to defer receipt of a portion of your salary, and have the Company contribute this deferred amount to the Plan on your behalf. 401(k) contributions are not reported as W-2 wages and therefore, are not currently taxable. This comprehensive Plan offers employees the opportunity to save for the future in the most tax-efficient way. The Office contact has detailed information relative to the Plan. Consult the Retirement Plan Document for all information regarding eligibility, coverage and benefits. The Plan Document ultimately governs your entitlement to 401(k) benefits.

Timekeeping Procedures

Each employee is required to keep an accurate and detailed daily record of his/her hours of work for Kirchhoff Home Improvement using a time card or through a hand-written record. Accurately recording your time is required in order to be sure that you are paid for hours worked as required by State and Federal wage and hour laws. You will be informed your first day on the job how you are required to keep your time. If you are caught adding extra time that you were not working you will be terminated.

Cellular Phones

Cellular phones are required for full time employees. Sprint PCS is the preferred provider due to free mobile to mobile calling. You will be compensated for the minimum billing amount if you use Sprint PCS phones with free mobile to mobile calling. Cellular phones must be charged and always on during working hours. Social conversations on cellular phones distract from your duties and are not permitted during working hours.

Smoking

Smoking in the presence of some customers and co-workers may be considered offensive, therefore we expect that employees who smoke will exercise good judgment as to when and where they smoke. Smoking is prohibited in all Company buildings, Company vehicles, and on job sites. Smoking must be confined to designated outdoor areas and cigarettes must be properly disposed of in ash receptacles. Of course, smoking is prohibited in all areas where paint and flammable materials are present.

Change Orders

Changes from the job plans and specifications may not be made to any job for any reason unless authorized in writing. More often than not, a Supervisor will handle the details of any change order, however if you are approved to authorize a change order on a job site, you will be notified in advance. Change orders usually mean more work for you, and may ultimately mean more business for the Company. When handling change orders, keep in mind that Customers are the lifeblood of our business and should always be treated with respect and consideration.

Good Driving Record

Not only must each employee driving a Company vehicle strictly comply with all speed and traffic laws while on the job, but they must also maintain a good personal driving record. Our insurance carrier may periodically review the driving records of all of our employees and reserves the right to charge an additional premium for covering employees with poor driving records, or refuse to cover such employees while driving Company vehicles. The Company reserves the right to take whatever appropriate actions it deems necessary, up to and including termination, to ensure all laws and insurance requirements are met.

Equipment

You should also be mindful that the equipment that you use is expensive to replace. At the end of the day always lock up tools and store unused materials in a safe and secure place. Take care of vehicles assigned to you as well as keys and other property such as gas cards and cellular phones. If you have lost or damaged a company item, notify your Supervisor or the Owner immediately. Depending on the circumstances, you may or may not be required to replace the item. The Owner will be the sole decision maker in replacement decisions.

Job Cleanup

Employees are responsible for maintaining job sites and work areas in a presentable and professional manner. At the close of each business day, ensure that all tools and equipment are clean and put away. All materials and supplies should be securely stored or removed from site. No tools or paperwork should be left out overnight. Employees may not litter or discard such items as cigarettes or wrappers on job sites. Remember that we want our customers to look upon us as a professional, neat organization.

Misuse of Property

No employee may misuse, or use without authorization, equipment, vehicles or any other property of customers, vendors, co-workers or the Company.

Moonlighting

Moonlighting for any Kirchhoff Home Improvement customer, past or present, is strictly prohibited and grounds for immediate termination. At no time is it acceptable to use Company equipment, tools, materials or supplies for any project not contracted through Kirchhoff Home Improvement. If it is determined that you have violated this policy you may be required to reimburse the Company for the cost of the materials and/or supplies AND also pay for the use of the Company equipment and tools. History has shown that moonlighting is never as productive as expected.

Outside Employment

There may be times when some of us are faced with the opportunity, or the need, to have two jobs. It is important that your outside interests do not interfere with your primary job with Kirchhoff Home Improvement. An employee should be careful that extra hours of work do not affect the safe performance of his/her regular job duties by leaving him/her tired and slow to react. If your second job could create a potential conflict of interest, for example, working for a competitor, you are required to obtain written approval, in advance, from the Owner. Full-time employees of Kirchhoff Home Improvement may not hold full-time employment with another company.

Absenteeism and Tardiness

Each of our employees plays an important role in getting the day’s work done. Therefore each employee is expected to be at his/her work area on time each day and to remain there throughout his/her scheduled hours. Absenteeism or tardiness, even for good reason, is disruptive to our operations and interferes with our ability to satisfy our customer’s needs. Absenteeism and tardiness will not be tolerated.

If you are going to be late, or absent from work for any reason, you must personally notify Kirchhoff Home Improvement at least one (1) hour in advance so that the proper arrangements may be made to handle your work during your absence. Of course, some situations may arise in which prior notice cannot be given. In those circumstances, you are expected to notify Kirchhoff Home Improvement as soon as possible. Leaving a message does not qualify as notifying Kirchhoff Home Improvement. If you are required to leave work early, you must also personally contact Kirchhoff Home Improvement and obtain permission. When absence is due to illness, the Company may require appropriate medical documentation.

Bad Attitude

Employees must display a positive attitude towards their position duties, co-workers and Supervisors. A bad attitude creates a difficult working environment and prevents the Company from providing quality service to our customers. A continued bad attitude will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination.

Alcohol and Drug Policy: Kirchhoff Home Improvement will conduct drug tests in the following circumstances:

Any accident occurring while on Company business that results in injury (requiring medical treatment) to an employee or others and/or damage to Company property will be subject to a mandatory illegal drug and/or alcohol test.

Application for Employment. Job applicants may be required to submit to a drug test. Refusal to submit or a positive confirmed drug test may be used as a basis for refusal to hire the applicant.

Reasonable Suspicion. Employees may be required to submit to drug/alcohol screening whenever a Kirchhoff Home Improvement Supervisor has a reasonable suspicion that the employee has violated any of the rules set forth in this policy. Reasonable suspicion may arise from, among other factors; supervisory observation, co-worker reports or complaints, performance decline, attendance or behavioral changes, results of drug searches or other detection methods, or involvement in a workplace or vehicular accident indicating a possible error in judgment or negligence.

Random Testing. Employees who are randomly chosen to participate in a random drug test will be notified where to report to complete the requirements of the test and the designated time period in which to do so.

Salvage and Scrap Materials

All materials used and/or removed from customer job sites, are the property of Kirchhoff

Home Improvement. No employee shall remove from the premises any salvage or

scrap materials without being properly billed, or receiving written authorization to the

contrary from their Supervisor. Pilfering of new and used materials and supplies is

grounds for immediate termination and prosecution under the law.

Theft

To protect you, your co-workers and Kirchhoff Home Improvement, we reserve the right to inspect all Company and employee purses, briefcases, packages, toolboxes, lockers and vehicles on Company property and job sites. If you must remove Company property from the premises, you must obtain permission in advance from your Supervisor. If a theft is suspected, a full investigation will be conducted. If a theft is confirmed, a police report will be filed, and the Company will prosecute to the fullest extent permissible by law.

Job Abandonment

Any employee who fails to report to work for two (2) consecutively scheduled workdays without notice to, or approval from his/her Supervisor, will be deemed to have voluntarily terminated employment with the Company.

Notice of Resignation

In the event, you choose to resign from your position, two (2) weeks notice or as much advanced notice as possible is expected.

Acknowledgment and Agreement

I acknowledge that I have received and have had an opportunity to review Kirchhoff Home Improvement's Employee Manual. I understand and agree that it is my responsibility to familiarize myself with the contents of the Manual and be bound by its provisions.

I acknowledge and agree that my employment with the Company is "at-will", which means that my employment may be terminated at any time, for any reason or for no reason at all by me or the Company. I also acknowledge and agree that at the Company's sole discretion, my compensation, the benefits offered by the Company, the terms and conditions of my employment, and any and all provisions of the Manual, except for my employment "at-will" status can be changed, modified or deleted at any time.

MY SIGNATURE BELOW ATTESTS TO THE FACT THAT I HAVE READ, UNDERSTAND, AND AGREE TO BE LEGALLY BOUND TO ALL OF THE ABOVE TERMS.

________________________ _____________

Employee Signature Today’s Date

[pressurepoint 14]

Jesse could you please e-mail me the entire manual to info.pp@sbcglobal.net

I wanted to review and compare it to mine. I think I may be forgetting something

Thanks

[Jesse 15]

No problem eric. The format is screwed up but I think you can modify it.

Good luck,

Jesse

[jbruno 14]

i haven't read that much since college, and I'm talking about ALL of college

[Jesse 15]

i haven't read that much since college, and I'm talking about ALL of college

Ya I know.... its pretty wordy and the guys that I used to hire were not real big on reading or following any of the rules that were layed out. They never could grasp the type of business I was trying to build for my family.

I'm sure happy those days are behind me.

[HotShot 34]

Jesse.....how many employees do you have now?

[Jesse 15]

Jesse.....how many employees do you have now?

None.

At one time I had 6 (none ever lasted very long) and was'nt’t making a dime and my customers always seemed to be angry. It was out of control. All the good help worked for the Union or had already started their own business and were in the same situation as I was (broke and looking for good help).

I finally got fed up and redid my business model (based on handyman franchises) to focus only on handyman work on HOA's, office buildings and franchise restaurants.

I use 1 like minded sub that grasped my vision for my company while trying to start his own painting business. He decided it was more beneficial to him to stick with me and follow my lead. He makes 40% of the labor, basically $24 + and does not have to did jobs or return calls. Yes he is insured and drives his own truck with my magnets on it.

Here are the things we do….don’t laugh :) ..... I change a LOT of light bulbs, dust ceiling fans and remove cobwebs from vaulted cielings. There is a market nitch for this stuff and handyman franchises that are doing very well at it. That is how I came up with my business model.

A small sample of our most requested

Residential / Commercial services

General Interior

Hang artwork, mirrors, shelves, ect…

Replace hard to access light bulbs or fixtures

High dusting and cobweb removal

Replace door hardware and accessories

Repair or clean ceiling fans and parts

Install curtain rods and mini blinds

Clean lint from dryer motor, hoses and vents

Install closet and garage shelves / organizers

Repair drywall, texture and paint

Install electrical fixtures to existing receptacles

Caulk tubs, baseboard, sinks, and tile

Install bathroom accessories, towel racks, etc.

Install handicap hardware and accessories

Replace water damaged drywall, tile and FRP board

General Exterior

Professional low-pressure power washing

Repair storm and wind damage

Clean & seal exterior concrete and brick

Clean and repair rain gutters

Replace exterior light bulbs and fixtures

Re-caulk doors, windows, cracks and voids

Technician man-hours billed by Handyman Solutions shall include all of the productive labor time normally associated with the customer’s project and any other time spent on behalf of the customer, including but not limited to:

• Evaluation of project (at owners request) to provide Owner with an estimated cost for completion.

• Technician hourly rate of $60 per man-hour (special discounts may apply), with a minimum charge of one (1) man-hour. Time incurred over one hour will be billed at fifteen minute increments.

• Pick up and delivery of materials, plus standard 20% markup over cost for materials purchased by Contractor on behalf of the customer. (Owner can save money by having materials on-site, ready for installation)

• Disposal fees for any waste material which must be removed from worksite.

• Small trip charge of $30 applied to all individual invoices.

• Payment is due upon completion unless prior arrangements are made before work begins.

Sorry for the long post. I have been talking to much lately.

Jesse

[HotShot 34]

Here are the things we do….don’t laugh :) ..... I change a LOT of light bulbs, dust ceiling fans and remove cobwebs from vaulted cielings. There is a market nitch for this stuff and handyman franchises that are doing very well at it. That is how I came up with my business model.

Jesse

Dude, I would never laugh at anything a guy does to make an honest living. I think that's a godsend to elderly people or just people that have no idea how to patch a drywall hole or things like that. Do you get into building on rooms or anything like that? Or carports, stuff like that? It's extremely difficult to find somebody around here to do things like that nowadays. All the contractors don't mess with it at the time because the housing market is still so booming.

[Thad 135]

I noticed that you listed 'Clean lint from dryer motor, hoses and vents'.

I saw a truck in town the other day with a new magnetic sign for 'Advanced Dryer Vent Cleaning'. I guess that there is a market for this.

Who woulda thunk it?

[Jesse 15]

Do you get into building on rooms or anything like that? Or carports, stuff like that? It's extremely difficult to find somebody around here to do things like that nowadays. All the contractors don't mess with it at the time because the housing market is still so booming.

Nope. I gave all of that up when I quit remodeling and refer other contractors that I still trust for those jobs.

I'm not getting rich but I am doing OK working an average of 30 hours a week (stress free) and really enjoy it. I even offer a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee (not long ago that would have been impossible) on all my work. The rest of the time is spent on marketing and researching forums like this to improve the process.

I have sold 49% of my other business Advanced Power Washing and Restoration solutions LLC to my sub that helps me with Handyman Solutions LLC. It is being revived (thanks to all of Jeff's and other's great Condo and flatwork posts getting me motivated) and will focus on large commercial environmental cleaning only.

[Jesse 15]

I noticed that you listed 'Clean lint from dryer motor, hoses and vents'.

I saw a truck in town the other day with a new magnetic sign for 'Advanced Dryer Vent Cleaning'. I guess that there is a market for this.

Who woulda thunk it?

From Ann Landers:

Check Those Clothes-Dryer Vents!

Dear Ann Landers:

I'm writing about your recent column regarding clothes-dryer vents and fires. Ann, my husband and I have a company that specializes in cleaning dryer vents, so I am more than familiar with the dangers. Clothes dryers start more residential fires than any other appliance.

The Consumer Products Safety Commission estimates that there are more than 24000 dryer fires each year in the United States, causing more than 96 million in property damage. Lack of vent maintenance is leading cause of dryer fires, and lent which is a hidden fire hazard is the material most likely to ignite. Even a cleaned lint screen traps only 75% of the lint.

When lint builds up in dryer vents, the dryer motor has to labor harder and can overheat, igniting the lint. It isn't just clothes-dryer vent hoses that need to be checked, Ann. Clogged lint-screen compartments, disconnected or ripped dryer-vent hoses, smashed hoses behind the clothes dryer, bird nests in dryer vents, poor dryer-vent design, screens placed over the exhaust point, use of white plastic vent hoses instead of aluminum foil ones-all produce the same blockage, and all cause dryer fires. All these fires are preventable. Please get the word out.

S.S in Oceanside, California

Dear Oceanside: The word is out, thanks to you. Because I don't know much about clothes dryers, I was unaware of this hazard. I now know a lot more than I did. Read on:

From Green Bay WI:

Recently you had an article from a reader about how the lint from clothes dryers could start a fire. When I read that I asked my husband to check the vent hoses. He reluctantly said, "I'll get to it tomorrow." Thank God that I was home because the lint in the dryer caught fire before my husband every got to it. Waiting an extra day was almost too late for us. Please tell your readers to get the lint out of their dryers and vent hoses today.

From Independence MO:

My husband and I are very thankful to the reader who shared her problem about clogged dryer vents. When my husband read that column to me, I decided to check our dryer, I pulled out the hose and much to my surprise, found it was ripped and brimming with lint. We were wondering why it took three cycles before our clothes were even partially dry.

Orlando FL:

Bless you for printing that information about dryer vents. For months, my clothes had been taking longer and longer to dry. After reading that column, I decided to check the vent. Not only was it clogged with lint, but also the flap at the end was stuck in an almost-closed position. I am grateful to that reader not only for helping me avoid a fire but also for helping me avoid a fire but also for a lower electric bill.

Clothes Dryers -- A Fire Hazard to Know About

Clothes Dryers Fire Statistics

In 1997, according to the United States Consumer Products Safety Commission, there were 16,800 residential fires reported and responded to by fire departments where the source of the fire was the clothes dryer or vent. These fires caused $97.3 million in damage, 430 civilian injuries, and 30 civilian deaths.1

What Causes Clothes Dryer Fires?

Clothes dryers must vent hot air from the dryer to the outside of the house. Lint becomes detached from the clothes and is carried out through the exhaust.

If lint builds up in the exhaust pipe or inside the dryer, it slows the air movement through the dryer and out the exhaust. The slower air movement causes more lint to collect on the backside of the dryer drum, on the dryer motor, or on the electrical connections inside the dryer, placing the highly combustible lint on top of and adjacent to heat sources inside the dryer.

Keeping the exhaust pipe clear of lint keeps the airflow moving efficiently and reduces the amount of lint collecting inside the dryer, thus reducing the chances of fire.

What Can a Homeowner Do?

Using the right type of exhaust pipe is the first step in reducing lint buildup. Some vents are made of plastic-coated flexible wire. The 4" diameter white-plastic or aluminum-foil exhaust duct typically used to exhaust the heated air from clothes dryers can create a dangerous fire hazard if not inspected regularly and kept clean of lint. The ribbed surface inside can slow the air movement and catch lint.

A better solution is using sheet metal vent pipes. They are more fire resistant and can help contain a fire should one start. Another advantage of sheet metal vent pipes is the rigid metal cannot be smashed in between the wall and the dryer as easily as plastic vents.

To facilitate airflow the exhaust pipe should be as short as possible and have a limited number of bends. When designing your home or locating the clothes dryer, place it near an outside wall. Also use pop rivets, and not screws, to connect metal vent pipe pieces. The pop rivets do not collect as much lint as the threaded ends of screws inside the vent pipe.

And finally, properly maintain the dryer by cleaning the lint out of the exhaust pipe and the exhaust of the dryer once a year. Not only will you be reducing the chances of a dryer fire, but this should result in faster drying times and energy savings also.

1"1997 Residential Fire Loss Estimates", Table 1 Estimated Fire Losses in Residential Structures -- Selected Equipment, 1997; U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

[Thad 135]

From Ann Landers:

Check Those Clothes-Dryer Vents!

I knew that dryer vents are a big cause of home fires, I just never guessed that someone could charge enough for cleaning them to make it a stand alone business.

[Jesse 15]

I rarely get asked for this service but it should go over well with apartment buildings and condos. I will push it this winter when everyone is thinking of Christmas Tree fires. This seems much more likely to happen IMHO.

Here is a good link for someone that is doing well at it. http://www.nwlink.com/~pkrogh/dvc.html

[Jesse 15]

A little more info from DUCTBUSTERS®

Dryer Fires - A Common Problem

Lack of maintenance is the leading cause of dryer fires with lint sited as the leading material to ignite. The fires may be caused by:

• Failure of mechanical and/or electrical parts within the dryer
  
• Improper materials placed in the dryer
  
• Insufficient airflow as a result of improper installation

Dryer Cleaning - A Simple Solution

Unlike many health and safety issues we are faced with in the home, this safety problems has an easy and economical solution. The best way to prevent the possibility of a dryer fire harming your family is with a thorough dryer inspection by the professionals at DUCTBUSTERS®.

A key to effective dryer performance is optimal airflow. A properly installed all-metal dryer vent will help ensure this airflow. DUCTBUSTERS® will check to ensure there is proper airflow for the dryer and that the right equipment is in use.

Causes & Cures of Dryer Fires

Reduced airflow and lint build-up cause overheating and prevent fast drying action. When this happens, the high temperature limit safety switches cycle on and off continuously and thus may fail over a period of time. This results in higher costs of operation and could result in a costly and dangerous dryer fire.

DUCTBUSTERS® uses a variety of specialized tools and procedures to clean dryer vent ductwork. The entire process usually takes about one hour. However, cleaning is only one part of our service. The dryer vent is also inspected for several mechanical issues that should be checked by a professional duct cleaner. DUCTBUSTERS® is the qualified choice.

BACK TO TOP^

Advance Warning Signs

• Clothes (especially towels or jeans) take a very long time to dry.
  
• Clothes are hotter than usual at the end of the cycle.
  
• Flapper on vent hood doesn't open when dryer is on.

If you notice any of these signs, schedule a professional dryer cleaning or inspection immediately. You could save money and even your life with this simple procedure.

BACK TO TOP^

Technicians Cleaning Checklist - Schedule Today!

• Dryer duct must be at least 4" diameter and as large as dryer outlet.
  
• Concealed ducts must be rigid metal (galvanized or aluminum) duct.
  
• Duct joints shall be secured with metal tape, never screws or rivets.
  
• Joints are installed so the pipe connections point in the direction of the airflow (away from the dryer).
  
• Dryer vents shall be independent of all other systems and terminate outdoors. (Do not vent into another chimney or vent) Outside termination hood should be equipped with a backdraft damper.
  
• Use of flexible metal connectors between the dryer and the duct. Plastic connector ducting is not recommended.
  
• Assure the rodent and bird screen protection is intact.

BACK TO TOP^

Save Money Starting Today!

The use of proper venting materials helps to achieve maximum performance, which could extend the life of your dryer. When clothes are given the appropriate amount of air, they dry quicker, are subject to less tumbling, and result in less electric or gas usage from your dryer. There's also less wear and tear on your clothing, increasing the life of your clothing. Think of the savings!

[DustinC 64]

We have lived in the same house for about three years now.last year my dryer practically cooked my clothes.They were crispy and the dryer was hot to the touch. I took apart the 4 inch wide exhaust pipe which was about 35 feet long to the side of the house versus going about 7 feet to the back of the house.besides the obvious problem with the pipe being to long they also had 4 screws holding each section together that had been catching lint for over 16 years.All 35 feet of the pipe was packed with lint.I mean packed! several pounds. Its definately a legitimate concern. We were lucky.

[Jesse 15]

We were lucky.

You were damn lucky....you know how fast a pile of lint burns up....I can't imagine a 35' long pile buning up!

Thats a good story to put in an add.

[RCBill 14]

Jesse,

What are most frequently requested services? What are the most profitable offerings? What services are the least profitable? What services can be offered in a yearly maintenance program?

There is a handyman franchise here that gets $75/hr.

TIA

Bill

[Jesse 15]

Jesse,

What are most frequently requested services? What services are the least profitable? What services can be offered in a yearly maintenance program?

There is a handyman franchise here that gets $75/hr.

TIA

Bill

What are most frequently requested services?

For residential work the most requested services are to power wash, clean gutters, change light bulbs, dust/ repair/ or install ceiling fans and change out lock sets and exterior caulking.

For commercial restaurant work by far the most requested services are tile repair and re grouting and with kitchen wall repair (FRP and drywall) from water damage. Also minor interior / exterior painting and caulking.

Office buildings without a maintenance staff always want large artwork, marker boards and clocks hung.

What are the most profitable offerings?

The most profitable work is power washing and it is not done by the hour due to my large investment. There really is no least profitable work unless you count out of town night work for the franchises. I only charge 1 way for out of town and that may have to change soon.

What services can be offered in a yearly maintenance program?

That all depends on how you market it. I'm not a good salesman so I have never tried yearly maintenance programs.

There is a handyman franchise here that gets $75/hr.

I have seen #'s from $50 for an individual to $125 for a franchise per hour but most franchises will go buy a cost guide like the ones from Home tech.

I like the hourly system because my clients like to add work while I'm there and always seem to want it thrown in for free. I will not do free estimates either unless it is for power washing.