Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: sunshine windows on June 17, 2015, 01:50:04 pm

Title: Builders clean
Post by: sunshine windows on June 17, 2015, 01:50:04 pm
Been asked to do a builders clean, specifically stating that no sharp objects are to be used on the glass.

So, that rules out using a scraper blade which is what I would normally use. What alternative methods/chemicals can be applied safely to new windows to remove builders residue and tape.

Cheers
Title: Re: Builders clean
Post by: chris turner on June 17, 2015, 05:56:16 pm
Someone on here posted a link for a spray cement remover that's meant to be good.
Also clover tar and bitumen is ace for removing sticky marks, stains etc
Title: Re: Builders clean
Post by: Soupy on June 17, 2015, 06:10:06 pm
Belle cleaner works OK for removing cement:

http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/261619001426?txnId=1633150795016

It's no good for heavily splattered glass though. Why are you not allowed to clean it with a scraper? Is it some kind of 'special' treated glass or do these builders know more about cleaning glass than you do?

If it's normal glass, scrapers are industry standard. If they don't want scratches on the windows, a competent, trained window cleaner with industry standard equipment is their best bet. That is of course assuming that they haven't scratched the windows already.

If they are insistent that you can't use a scraper I'd get a scratch waiver signed stating that they agree that they have specified that you do not use the industry standard equipment.
Title: Re: Builders clean
Post by: sunshine windows on June 17, 2015, 06:39:39 pm
Thanks guys,

I'm going to view the plot tomorrow afternoon. It's a huge stand alone domestic which will probably take all day to clean if I was using scrapers, so god knows how long alternative methods will take.

I've priced it very well, but not sure I even want it to be honest. Will make that decision once I've seen it.

If anyone else is competent in this type of work and fancies it, let me know.

It's near fairford
Title: Re: Builders clean
Post by: sunshine windows on June 17, 2015, 06:53:36 pm
Not sure why they're insisting on no scrapers, will find out tomorrow.
Title: Re: Builders clean
Post by: Ian101 on June 17, 2015, 07:08:21 pm
http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=196492.0
Title: Re: Builders clean
Post by: sunshine windows on June 17, 2015, 07:46:36 pm
Thanks Ian
Title: Re: Builders clean
Post by: deeege on June 17, 2015, 10:08:15 pm
Thanks guys,

I'm going to view the plot tomorrow afternoon. It's a huge stand alone domestic which will probably take all day to clean if I was using scrapers, so god knows how long alternative methods will take.

I've priced it very well, but not sure I even want it to be honest. Will make that decision once I've seen it.

If anyone else is competent in this type of work and fancies it, let me know.

It's near fairford

How do you know that you've priced it well if you haven't seen it?

If you've put in a price per hour (I'm assuming £30+ per hour) and the builder has accepted that then I'd want paying up front, no exceptions.
Title: Re: Builders clean
Post by: sunshine windows on June 17, 2015, 10:44:04 pm
I priced it based on what I'd want for a full hard days work. Which doesn't happen very often  ;D

Only seen the job off plans sent via email.

As for up front, I don't think that's an option. 
Title: Re: Builders clean
Post by: KS Cleaning on June 17, 2015, 10:52:34 pm
Thanks guys,

I'm going to view the plot tomorrow afternoon. It's a huge stand alone domestic which will probably take all day to clean if I was using scrapers, so god knows how long alternative methods will take.

I've priced it very well, but not sure I even want it to be honest. Will make that decision once I've seen it.

If anyone else is competent in this type of work and fancies it, let me know.

It's near fairford
That's the thing with builders cleans, you may think you have priced it well, but like you say you don't know how long it's gonna take, could be a lot more difficult than what meets the eye, or you could land lucky and they might clean up easier than expected.
Title: Re: Builders clean
Post by: seamus campbell on June 18, 2015, 02:25:34 pm
Wouldn't touch it,   Sounds like a big headache , hate builders cleans
Title: Re: Builders clean
Post by: AuRavelling79 on June 18, 2015, 02:35:14 pm
Wouldn't touch it,   Sounds like a big headache , hate builders cleans

This /\/\/\/\/\
Title: Re: Builders clean
Post by: sunshine windows on June 18, 2015, 05:10:23 pm
Just been to see it and pulled out!

Frames are coated wood with cheap all over them. I would know what to use on them to get them spotless without damaging the surface.

My original price was £500, thinking it would take a day, I wouldn't touch it for less tha £2500. It would take forever to get them spotless
Title: Re: Builders clean
Post by: lal on June 18, 2015, 05:59:05 pm
Just been to see it and pulled out!

Frames are coated wood with cheap all over them. I would know what to use on them to get them spotless without damaging the surface.

My original price was £500, thinking it would take a day, I wouldn't touch it for less tha £2500. It would take forever to get them spotless

Better to be safe than sorry.
Title: Re: Builders clean
Post by: supernova77 on June 18, 2015, 06:04:25 pm
I've only ever done 1 builders clean... About 7 years ago... Never ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever again!




























Ever ever!
Title: Re: Builders clean
Post by: lal on June 18, 2015, 06:30:24 pm
I've only ever done 1 builders clean... About 7 years ago... Never ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever again!

 +1,  been there done it, same as you never again.


























Ever ever!
Title: Re: Builders clean
Post by: chris turner on June 18, 2015, 06:37:57 pm
Iv got 256 plots to do on top of my usual round, should be fun!
Once you know what your doing there not all that bad.
Title: Re: Builders clean
Post by: supernova77 on June 18, 2015, 07:21:39 pm
Iv got 256 plots to do on top of my usual round, should be fun!
Once you know what your doing there not all that bad.


I suppose someone has to do them!

:)
Title: Re: Builders clean
Post by: Walter Mitty on June 18, 2015, 07:54:54 pm
I would just say, "No problem.  My doctor doesn't let me have sharp objects anyway."
Title: Re: Builders clean
Post by: deeege on June 18, 2015, 08:11:28 pm
There's a big difference between national house builders and local builders.

National builders work can be profitable if you know what you're doing. There will never be any silicone to remove and rarely any cement either. Most of the work is in the de taping of the frames. We have done nearly 100 plots in the last 60 days, not had to remove a single bit of silicone.

Local builders or one off houses can be an absolute nightmare. They will often be covered in silicone, cement and paint. Low quality glass is common which will scratch easily. Never do this type of work without payment up front.

In my opinion, anyway.