Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Mike George on July 11, 2006, 05:45:46 pm

Title: builders cleans - why do them?
Post by: Mike George on July 11, 2006, 05:45:46 pm

All my work is residential but one of my customers is going into property developing and I agreed to do a builders clean for him.

I underpriced it at £60 (4-bed detached, probably should have been around £120 for inside and out) but even if I got full whack I don't think I'd do it again - all that hard work removing lumps of rendering and the stress of worrying about scratches.

Does anybody actually enjoy them?

Title: Re: builders cleans - why do them?
Post by: Trevor Knight on July 11, 2006, 06:09:24 pm

Gave them up purely because of "supposed scratches" caused by cleaning the windows.

There are so many trades wandering around that the opportunity for someone to damage the window was just far to high in relation to the income return.

Have never looked back  :D

Regards,
Trev

Title: Re: builders cleans - why do them?
Post by: jeff1 on July 11, 2006, 06:36:16 pm

only ever did one, underpriced it, but can happily say NEVER again.  ;D

Title: Re: builders cleans - why do them?
Post by: Mike_G on July 11, 2006, 06:40:24 pm

I always hated them. As a self employed person you can pick and choose your work (eventually) but sadly not if you work for  somebody and to most companies it's just about money, the ones I have worked for in the past would take on anything just to make a shilling and that sadly included lots of builders cleans. And more often than not they really cocked up the prices, but we still had to do the work.

Title: Re: builders cleans - why do them?
Post by: ronaldo on July 11, 2006, 06:57:35 pm

Exactly what the topic says, why do them???

Title: Re: builders cleans - why do them?
Post by: Cleaner Windows on July 11, 2006, 07:03:39 pm

ive only done one for a local developer and can honestly say it was s**t, didnt enjoy it at all. I couldnt believe that they manage to get so much crap all over the windows...surely they should have some protection over them until the messy work has all finished?!!

Title: Re: builders cleans - why do them?
Post by: Neil Mc Anulty on July 11, 2006, 07:05:33 pm

Hi
I have to say I now dont mind them, It took a while though and a lot of research on the scratched glass. Luckily I was never caught for any damged glass.
I also now protect glass for builders with peelable paint, and is proving to be a success. It cuts down on damaged glass and save time and headaches on the initial clean.
Plus with so many people disliking the job means I can command a decent price ;D


Cheers
Neil

Title: Re: builders cleans - why do them?
Post by: Mike George on July 11, 2006, 07:44:38 pm

Thanks for the replies - I'm glad it's not just me!

Quote from: nr_neil on July 11, 2006, 07:05:33 pm

I also now protect glass for builders with peelable paint, and is proving to be a success.

Can you tell me more about this peelable paint? Is it transparent and is it tough?

I could suggest he uses it for his next development.

Title: Re: builders cleans - why do them?
Post by: steve m on July 11, 2006, 08:08:05 pm

the mrs. runs a cleaning company for three major sites in the local area. All the three bed houses  on the sites we do are priced roughly at the hundred pound mark. Yes they are grief but I get three done a day, so you can do the maths. mostly next door to each other, any flats and the contractor pays for the cherry picker.

  like I said grief but I think worht it

Title: Re: builders cleans - why do them?
Post by: rosskesava on July 11, 2006, 08:34:41 pm

We do builders cleans and they are a real boring pain in the rear but when we quote, we quote way, way over the top.

Odd thing is that from time to time they get accepted.  :o

Title: Re: builders cleans - why do them?
Post by: P @ F on July 11, 2006, 10:01:27 pm

I used to work for a firm that only dealt with them , was never down to the workers if the glass got scratched , bosses insurance always paid out , thing was , we were always carefull , but somehow the glass was always damaged according to the site managers !
Not done one since i have been on my own , but if i ever do get asked it will be a huge quote , and i will have a written stipulation , due to the nature of the work scratches are not covered by my insurance !

 Thats the only way i will ever do one !

 Rich   P @ F

Title: Re: builders cleans - why do them?
Post by: Neil Mc Anulty on July 12, 2006, 09:11:23 am

Hi Mike George
I have only limited access to the computer at the minute you can give me a call on 07765785285 or by next week I will be back on line and email is ncs9@msn.com

Cheers
Neil

Title: Re: builders cleans - why do them?
Post by: Neil Mc Anulty on July 15, 2006, 05:36:37 pm

Hi
Peelable paint is not transparent but will let enough light through for other trades to continue working without the need to rig up additional lighting.
It has the durability of plastic film but has much more benefits ie
easily applied, will not peel away or blow off in the wind, will not leave residue caused by the adhesive breaking down.

I distribute the product in Ireland and offer a supply and appliation service as an enhancement to the builders initial clean service in my local area.

Anybody needing more info can contact me ncs@msn.com

Cheers
Neil

Title: Re: builders cleans - why do them?
Post by: Mike George on July 16, 2006, 07:10:25 am

Thanks Neil

I've got your number on a post-it in my diary but haven't got around to ringing you yet!