K.E.
McNURNEY,inc.
|
| Employment Information
Drywall & Interior Plaster FAQ |
Drywall & Interior Plaster Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Get Ready For My Ceiling and Wall Contractor? New Construction: Double check that the job is ready. For a complete checklist, please Click Here. Have all furniture and accessories removed from where the work is being performed to a different room or as far from the work as possible. This includes all couches and chairs, paintings and pictures, appliances, rugs and drapery. If cabinets cannot be removed, be sure to remove any items inside them and seal them shut so dust will not get into them. Chandeliers and or light fixtures should be either removed or covered if needed.
Is Jobsite Cleanliness Important? While we are responsible for the cleaning of our work as outlined in our contract, we have found that there are benefits for all concerned when the jobsite is kept as clean as possible. The workers have less chance of an injury and as a result produce a nicer job, in a shorter time period.
Will There Be Any Dust? Yes. Dust may be quite heavy at times, depending upon the type of work taking place. Although a competent subcontractor will take every precaution to protect the surroundings, he cannot be held responsible for problems associated with dust . Dust is a normal part of the drywall / plastering trade and should be seriously considered by the building owner before commencement of the work. The heating and air conditioning of smaller rooms where the work will be performed should be turned off, so the dust will not intrude into the system, unless notified by the subcontractor otherwise. Doors and Windows should be in working order so that the subcontractor may place fans in them for ventilation if necessary.
What Will The Ceiling and Wall Contractor Require Onsite? Generally, the subcontractor will require clean water to mix materials, electricity and an area set aside where materials can be mixed (being a wet trade, the mixing area can get quite messy). Adequate ventilation. A small storage area, near the mixing area, for dry materials. Parking.
Is Jobsite Safety really that Important? Everyone knows that construction can be a very dangerous occupation. Accidents happen when you don't plan for their prevention. What many people don't know is that there is a method to measure a company's safety performance. All contractors (in the state of California) are required to carry Workers' Compensation Insurance and have an Experience Modification Rating (EMR) issued by the state of California Insurance Rating Bureau, based on the contractor's prior accident record. This Experience Modification Rating places them in relation to their peers. This benchmark is always defined as 1.00 and a better record is reflected in an EMR that is less than 1.00 K.E. McNurney, inc. has a current EMR rating of .63 placing our company not only in the top 1% of contractors in the state of California, but in the top 1% of ALL contractors in the United States! Our clients and employees both benefit. Our employees know we care about their safety, thus producing at a higher rate, and our customers save money through our lower overhead costs. It's a win, win situation.
What Should I Expect From the Ceiling and Wall Contractor? The ceiling and wall contractor will conduct a courtesy framing inspection after the framing subcontractor has completed his inspection as outlined above. Further areas in need of attention will be spray painted. Wood windows and door frames should be masked off. The production schedule will be strictly followed, however some allowance should be made for inclement weather conditions. Drywall joint compound must be thoroughly dry between coats and before painting. Interior plaster must be allowed to dry at least two weeks before painting. The interior ceiling and wall contractor is responsible for the cleanup of his debris, empty bags, boxes, masking materials and droppings associated with his trade. The ceiling and wall contractor is not responsible for the final washing of floors, walls, or windows (there may be a dust residue remaining).
When Can I Paint? What Kind of Primer Do We Use? A professional painter should be hired or consulted for the proper paint treatment of the ceilings and walls when completed and dry. (note: hire a professional painter. Drips, runs, holidays and "thinning" the materials will ruin a good interior ceiling and wall system) Drywall ceilings and walls: Drywall work in most cases will be ready for paint the day after cleanup has occurred. Drywall ceilings and walls should be primed using a high quality latex paint with heavy solids in lieu of "PVA" primer. Do not thin the paint with water. (note: over the last thirty years the paint industry has reduced the "solids" content of their paint products. Purchase the best paint you can afford for your project. Regardless of what the paint manufacture's say, "PVA" drywall primer is just a waste of your money, and a great profit center for them. Prime using a very good latex paint and please don't thin the material) Interior plaster ceilings and walls: Drying time varies with climatic conditions and the type of plasterwork completed, but expect at least two weeks between completion of interior plaster and painting. All interior plasterwork should receive a alkaline resistant primer to help combat efflorescence (an alkaline condition where a white powdery substance forms on the surface).
How Do I Know If You're A Good Ceiling and Wall Contractor? You should request a listing of prior projects from the contractor. Be sure it includes the owners or general contractors name and phone number, photos for projects not in your vicinity and the value of the projects (to be sure the subcontractor can handle your size project). To protect your property and financial well being, request a certificate of liability and workers' compensation insurance. Contact the contractor's state license board and make sure the subcontractor has a current license. The California Contractors State License Board can be reached on the internet at http://www.cslb.ca.gov Remember, the lowest price isn't always the best value.
We're Behind Schedule, Can I Install The Cabinets Before You Start? Do not install the cabinets, doors, hardwood floors, or any other "FINISH", until the ceilings and walls are completed, and ready for paint. Of course an exception to this rule is a time and materials contract for the ceilings and walls and we would be willing to work around anything.
What Is The Most Common Mistake Made By The Homeowner / Builder? In order to bring a project under budget and on time, a very complete, well defined set of plans, scope of work, and design details are required BEFORE CONSTRUCTION BEGINS for this process to be a success. Failure to plan in advance will delay the job, and costs will inevitably rise.
Can We Just Contract Direct With Your Employees? NO. Do You Have Any Guys That Aren't Busy? NO. Will Your Employees Work On Our Job Nights and We Will Pay Them Direct. NO.
Copyright © 1999 2000 2001 2002 by K.E. McNurney Inc. All rights reserved. All of the statements, opinions, specifications, and recommendations on Drywall & Interior Plaster Frequently Asked Questions contained on this website are for general information purposes only and are not intended to imply that these are the only materials, methods, procedures, or processes which are available or suitable. Always consult with your licensed building professional. By publishing this web site K.E. McNurney, Inc. makes no express or implied warranty or other representation as to the quality, characteristics, or suitability of the materials or techniques described herein, and specifically disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose which may arise by operation of law or otherwise.
|