Innovative
Apprentice Training
Types of Hiring What’s the Right
Business Structure Holiday
Voucher Inside Why Painters
Wear White www.aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au www.aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au
From the Editor
EDITOR
Hi everyone,
Nigel Gorman
As we head towards the end of the year, many are planning their next move for 2015. Does that include new apprentices for your business? Or are you seeking to up-skill some of your existing staff? If you missed it recently, we’ve launched a brand new initiative that puts you in control of training of your staff, when, where and how. We’ve made it possible for training to be fully flexible, with multimodal delivery methods. Your apprentices will undertake their theory online when it suits you best (no more being short staffed during ‘block training’), and much of the practical teaching and assessment can take place on your own jobs by our trainers, using mobile testing simulators and submission of video evidence; a combination of approaches tailor made to suit your business and your student.
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Sadly this month we say farewell to our Member Services Officer. Colin’s move to the coast and an offer of a new opportunity there has meant that he leaves us for now, but we know he will continue to be a part of our organisation, as one of our early supporters. So, Bye for now Colin. Best of luck with your new role, and we look forward to contributions from a whole new industry perspective. Look inside for information from JDL Strategies who are offering $250 travel vouchers for attending one of their FREE Fast Track to Wealth Seminars happening across the country in November. Details for registration are on page 8 & 9. You might find some valuable tips for your financial future, as well as a chance to take a break... Its win-win! Remember if you are needing assistance Aussie Painters Network is here to help. Happy Painting!
Caroline Miall CONTRIBUTORS • Ash Shetty • Caroline Miall • Colin Thompson • Jennie Gorman • Jim Baker • Leo Babauta • Ludo de Lathouder • Monroe Porter • Nigel Gorman • Robert Bauman • Sandra Price • Scott Robertson
Nigel Gorman
nigel@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au
07 3555 8010
GRAPHIC DESIGNER J. Anne Delgado
Contents Page 06
Why Wear Painters Whites?
Page 09
What’s your Wealth Plan?
Page 10
Systemization
Page 13 Subcontractors vs. Employees vs. Labour Hire Page 21
Social Media … do you have a strategy?
Page 22
What’s the RIGHT Business Structure for You?
Page 26 Record Setting Rise in Construction Industry Employment Rates Page 29
Painting in a Commercial Setting
Page 30
The Smart Way to Stick to Habits
Page 33 Innovation, Technology ` and Progress Page 37 Suicide Prevention Program Making Inroads Page 38
7 Insurance Terms Explained
Page 40 The Hidden Cost of Cheap Paint Rollers Page 42 Safe Handling of Materials and Equipment Page 44
The Industry Idiots
Page 45
Important Contacts
In the Chair
Advertisers
It is with some regret that I must say that this will be my last report for Aussie Painters Network. I have been successful in securing a position as a Supervisor for a local painting company and am looking forward to a new challenge. I have enjoyed my time here and helping the team build a great organisation and also enjoyed talking to painters on the phone and out in the field as well as visiting paint shops all over Brisbane and the Gold Coast. My only regret is that we couldn’t go further afield and visit areas in other states and territories, and I’m sure someone new at the Network will enjoy that opportunity soon. I will still be associated with APN in some way and hope to contribute articles and other information that may be of help to you and your Business. Membership numbers are steadily increasing and I urge you to continue to support Aussie Painters Network as it is the only national organisation of its kind, offering support and information to all of those participating in our industry. Continuing on from October’s Safety Month events, we are publishing a series of articles relating to safety in the work place to remind us that employers must provide a safe environment for work, and employees must not place themselves in unnecessary danger with reckless practices. So, thanks for all your collegiality and thanks to Aussie Painters Network having me here. Look out for my contributions in future editions of Aussie Painters Network; I’ll be able to write from a whole other perspective of our industry in my new role. Colin Thompson colin@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au Aussie Painters Network Your Partners in Painting 07 3555 8010 1800 355 344
Opinions and viewpoints expressed in the Aussie Painting Contractor Magazine do not necessarily represent those of the editor, staff or publisher or any Aussie Painters Network’s staff or related parties. The publisher, Aussie Painters Network and Aussie Painting Contractor Magazine personnel are not liable for any mistake, misprint or omission. Information contained in the Aussie Painting Contractor Magazine is intended to inform and illustrate and should not be taken as financial, legal or accounting advice. You should seek professional advice before making any business related decisions. We are not liable for any losses you may incur directly or indirectly as a result of reading Aussie Painting Contractor Magazine. Reproduction of any material or contents of the magazine without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.
WHY WEAR
Painters Whites? I have always worn white painters overalls during work hours. As a young apprentice employed at a large Melbourne painting company during the late 70’s this was compulsory. Maybe as this was the norm when I was starting out in the trade you would call me an “old school “painter. As it is traditional that painters wear whites this helps to identify you on a building site. You can simply arrive at the job and without even introducing yourself, everyone knows who you are from the colour of your overalls. I insist that my employees wear painter’s whites of some description. A white shirt and white painters pants is acceptable and during summer white painters shorts is fine with me. My employees represent my company and this is the professional image I wish to present when we are working at a job. It’s disappointing that these days some painters have discarded the whites and choose to wear paint splashed jeans or track pants covered in paint. I feel they look unprofessional and amateurish. Wearing painters whites makes a statement to the homeowner that “I am a professional Master Painter”. Imagine the following scenario: If a painter is working on a house exterior wearing paint splashed jeans with an old shirt, looking like a home handyman, a person driving past the house would be reluctant to identify you as a professional painter and ask for a quote on their own house. I always wear my white painters overalls and white painters cap when I quote a job. When I ring a doorbell, I want the homeowner to associate me as a painter when they open their door. This also ensures that they are dealing with the person who is undertaking the work, not a salesman that is only interested in a commission. So I say, let’s all make a concerted effort to wear our painters whites with pride! by : Brian Carroll Brian Carroll’s Painting Services
6 | Aussie Painters Network
Contact Graco Australia: 03 9468 8500 | 0417 723 360 darren_jones@graco.com
2014 November Issue | 7
8 | Aussie Painters Network
What’s your
Wealth Plan?
Hey! In the next minute you have the opportunity to learn how to set yourself free financially and get a free $250 travel voucher, so sit tight and take it all in if you’re ready to change your financial situation (and life) NOW!
Joe and Kerry attended our property education event and you can too as Aussie Painters Network has sponsored your tickets! Normally tickets are $1500 but it’s free for you (and your partner/friend).
Are you sick and tired of living week-to-week and not knowing when your next pay check might be? Life can be hectic when you’re a tradie, especially when you’re not sure when your next job’s coming in.
At our next Fast Track To Wealth event, you’ll learn: 1. Accountant approved strategies to pay next-to-zero tax. LEGALLY. 2. Massive asset accumulation strategies — so you can sleep easy at night. 3. AND— learn how to take advantage of the economic conditions regardless of boom, bubble or GFC. 4. How to build the property portfolio that creates the lifestyle you want with minimal risk. 5. How to buy property on the income you have (no need for a second job).
If this is you it’s probably time for a reality check. Have you thought about your future? Let’s be honest, our bodies aren’t cut out for long-term hard labour. It’s time to start thinking NOW. What’s your wealth plan? Meet Joe— he’s a tiler from the Gold Coast We asked Joe and his partner (now wife) Kerry what their wealth plan was when we first met them 12 years ago at one of our educational events. They didn’t have a plan. So we implemented a strategy that enabled them to pay off their mortgage in 10 years, buy 3 more investment properties and now Joe only works 30 hours per week. He plans to be fully retired in 4 years. Guess what? He’ll be 52 years young. Not bad, right? The financial strategy we implemented for Joe and Kerry is the SAME strategy we’ve used to create over 723 millionaires in the last 19 years. These people are ordinary, everyday Aussies. Millionaires— all done through smart investing.
To shake things up we’re offering a special gift for you. For just registering and attending our Fast Track to Wealth event you will get a $250 travel voucher. Think about a lovely cocktail by the pool at the Sharaton, Mantra and Hilton resorts to name a few! Not a bad way to spoil your other half! Our next Fast Track to Wealth events are: • Perth November 1, 2014 • Brisbane November 8, 2014 • Melbourne November 15, 2014 • Sydney November 29, 2014 • Adelaide December 6, 2014 Register right now so you don’t miss out on your spot
Book here http://jdlfasttrackseminar.com/apn/ (limited number per city).
2014 November Issue | 9
Systemisation Most successful businesses have a well-documented set of systems and procedures.
This could take the form of -
• internal procedures, such as check lists and
manuals, for regular tasks • processes to record staff’s time • client checklists letting them know what you require to complete a job
There are great advantages to creating systems. For instance work is performed consistently in the same way new staff will settle quickly and have an increased understanding of what is expected and then productivity is improved time is saved invaluable knowledge is not lost when a staff member leaves your business becomes more attractive to buyers and for a higher price
It can be very overwhelming knowing where to start, so here are 6 tasks to help you get along. 1. Mail – Incoming and Outgoing 2. Answering the phone 3. Filing 4. Banking 5. Emailing 6. Purchasing and maintaining office supplies and equipment
10 | Aussie Painters Network
Some businesses are more able to be systemized than others. Take some time to think about what you could systemize and get started today.
www.pricebookkeepingsolutions.com.au 0468 944 130
2014 November Issue | 11
Request-a-Quote
www.aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au 1800 355 344 or 07 3555 8010 info@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au
12 | Aussie Painters Network
Subcontractors vs. Employees vs. Labour Hire Summer is here! And while
everyone else gets into holiday mode, brings out the short-shorts and suddenly decide they love cricket for some unknown reason, us painters are getting out those rollers for our busy period. Increased demand will sometimes compel a tradie to mutter the most painful statement imaginable: “I wish I could, but I’m all booked out”. To lose work due to increased demand should not be an option. The solution is simple. More painters = more capability. The three possibilities will be rolled out below.
Subcontractors
Hiring another painting business for a daily rate or specific project is a popular option for meeting increased labour demand. My personal experiences with subbies have been positive in terms of profitability (all fixed prices). However, the difficulties I have endured include using the materials we supply for their own private jobs, speaking directly to the client to go around the company and quality issues. The quality issues arise mainly because when you set a fixed rate with a person, it is
equivalent to showing them the finish line with no one watching the race… Most contestants won’t stay between the lines and might cut corners to finish.
Pros
+ Fixed priced for work. + Pay when the job is done or at set milestones. + All insurances obligations are passed on to the subcontractor. + Labour is an established painting team with experience. + Self-managed projects. + Good for cash flow depending on the agreed credit terms. + Can easily run multiple jobs in many locations.
Cons
- Inclined to cut corners to finish quickly. - Risk of the subcontractor stealing current or future work. - Increased admin costs to monitor and keep insurance details etc. - There is a negative stigma attached to using subcontractors. - If a variation occurs, new negotiations will have to take place and completion may be delayed. - Subcontractors might walk out on a job if they have better offers.
Internal Employees
Although hiring internal staff is the cheapest option (on a per job basis), it is also carries the highest risk. It is important to understand that increased summer revenue is not forever consistent and therefore a permanent employee contract may not be feasible. My recommendation is to use this option if you want to build a business on a guaranteed quality-focused service, more so than concentrating efforts to guarantee profits using subcontractors.
Pros
+ Full control on staff selection. + Complete quality control (Instructions are followed as per requirement). + Clients prefer companies with internal staff. + Immediate response to any project changes and variations. + Cheaper than the other two options. + The same people show up to the job and build rapport with clients. + Internal staff are long-term investments that you can train, motivate and grow.
Continue on Page 14... 2014 November Issue | 13
Subcontractors vs.
Employees vs. Labour Hire Cons
- You require a trustworthy supervisor. - Employee costs such as sick leave, annual leave, superannuation etc. - Increased insurance costs. - Dealing with employee conflicts (dismissals and industrial relations).
Labour Hire Companies
Using labour hire companies is common for large construction projects. Why? Because you need 10+ skilled painters quickly and can afford to pay a premium for the service. However, the talent I have come across has been subpar. Most struggle with communication and do not possess the skills to get work on their own. The other issue is that you meet the team on the day of the project. There is no interviewing or screening process by you… So basically, think of an arranged marriage with 10 painters and meeting at the wedding…
Below are the rates to expect: Site Foreman Painter Spray Painter Line Marker
$65.00 - $70.00 + GST p/h $45.62 + GST p/h $45.62 + GST p/h $42.76 + GST p/h
If you need advice, help with contracts or need to finance your paint project. Email me at ash@omegapaints.com.au
14 | Aussie Painters Network
Pros
+ Simply get an invoice from one company for the labour used. + Immediate response for as many painters you require to start. + Screening and interviews have been taken care of by the hire company. + All insurance obligations are passed on to labour hire company.
Cons
- Most expensive option. - Lack of staff motivation due to the vast companies and jobs worked on. - Can only meet the staff on the day of work commencement. The moral of story is summed up below. - If you want security and to ensure profit, go with subbies. - If you want to build your business and control quality, go with internal staff. - If you don’t have time to interview or look for people and need labour urgently, get a labour hire company.
by : Ash Shetty Director Supply & Apply
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2014 November Issue | 17
Inspirations Paint Wins
Website of the Year The 2014 Annual NEWi Awards for Digital Creativity showcases the best work in technology, advertising, design and communications. This month Inspirations Paint’s website www.InspirationsPaint.com.au won Best Website of the Year 2014 and the mobile version of the site won Best Retail Solution 2014. Inspirations Paint’s Head of Marketing, Joel Goodsir stated, “Our new website was specifically built to make people’s painting projects easier”. Goodsir went on to say, “We’re stoked that this has translated nto useful solutions for customers and recognition as Best Website of the Year”. Inspirations Paint is Australia’s largest network of paint specialist stores with over 100 stores across every state of Australia. All stores service both the trade and retail markets, which translates to 1 in every 6 litres of paint sold in Australia being supplied by an Inspirations Paint store. The award winning website, which launched in February, is built around four main pillars; Get Inspired (photo gallery and colour wall), Get Advice (articles, videos, FAQs), Painting Products (online eCommerce store) and Find a Store (detailed info on all stores and services offered). Goodsir explained that testing was done with real DIY customers before the website build, to ensure that the content, the design and the flow of the website gave customers exactly what they wanted. He said the site allows customers to select their colours and plan their painting project regardless of whether they’re DIYers or using a trade painter. By signing up to the Inspirations paint loyalty program, Paint Club, users of the website can ask questions online, see colours they’ve previously recorded in-store and buy products online. Inspirations Paint’s advertising agency, The Village of Useful, who designed and built the website also won Digital Agency of the Year at the October award ceremony.
www.inspirationspaint.com.au
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2014 November Issue | 19
The portable, inexpensive method to prevent paint waste-water polluting the environment.
The Mobile PaintWash can also be used for storage when empty, and has no moving parts or expensive filters. It's ideal for the professional painter who cares about the environment and the health of our planet.
Protect your client's garden, and the environment by using the Mobile PaintWash! Contact GreenPainters for more information: Ph: 1300 319 790
My Costing Guide ‘My Costing Guide’ is a fully automated program where all you have to do is add or change the variables and the total price will appear in an instant. It is simple to use and can be personalised to your own business. Personalise your own rates instead of using a recommended rate!
20 | Aussie Painters Network
www.mytools4business.com/mycostingguide
Social Media …
do you have a strategy? Social media is the most important part of your marketing. It not only enhances but reinforces the outcomes you want from your business. We need to have strategies that help us achieve what we have created by making sure it is in both our business and marketing plans. Most small businesses are not aware of how important it is to have both a business and marketing plan so that they are moving in the right direction. If we do not know what we want our business to be in the future, we can’t create it, so the clarity of our VISION for our business is very important. Social media gives us the opportunity to market ourselves to a wider group of people and businesses whom we would never have the opportunity to connect.
gruent. In today’s business world, we as small business owners are viewed personally as much as our businesses are. If someone does not like you, they will not do business with you and use your products or services.
the social media platforms that suit you and your business i.e. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest being the main ones. It is important that you work out what campaigns you plan to run to achieve your marketing goals.
When we first commence business we are full of enthusiasm and if we do not create systems to support ourselves and the business in general we will be behind the eight-ball. So, a one-page business plan of what you want to create for the next year is important. Create a onepage marketing plan as well noting that social media is a large part of marketing in today’s business world. This does not mean you do no other market though!!
If you have an electronic newsletter and or magazine these can be used very effectively in your social media plan. Remember that your website is also another way you can boost your social media presence. It is important that you link everything including your flyers and brochures, your business card and signage too, so you can have a story that is consistent and congruent.
When you are creating your marketing plan it is important to know what your objectives are. Find out
I suggest that if you are not savvy with social media, learn how to make it happen for you.
Are you aware that when you are using a social media platform, no matter which one, your aim is to create your likeability both personally and as a business. Then you can become known for your skill set and expertise in your subject by gaining the trust that you do know what you are speaking about. Social media can make or break you and your reputation in business. Your efforts on social media will play an enormous role in achieving what you want for you and your business. I believe that you and your business come together as one if they are con-
I like personally to use for myself and show my clients how they can create a social media diary to make sure that they get a good coverage that will be of interest to their clients. Every day it is essential to have different posts that show off you and your business. If you have many pages, this can be a quite detailed process initially but by pre scheduling our posts, we can make sure we are well planned with what needs to go out i.e. Monday post videos, Tuesday may be articles, Wednesday has testimonial, Thursday quotes etc.
www.connexionsunlimited.com.au 2014 November Issue | 21
What’s the RIGHT Business Structure for You? By Munroe Porter
For years I have lectured on the different contractor business structures and how you can make money at each stage but how businesses are less profitable between these plateaus. We recently used our networking data to specifically track and prove this based on thousands of data points. These steps are a natural transition and follow sales growth of the company but failure to maximize your profit at one level before going to the next level can create devastating stress. The following chart details these steps.
so referrals are strong. If you like to work with your hands, don’t like to manage or are a control freak this model might work for you.
Professional Tradesperson: This contractor still works in the field, charges high prices and gets most work by referral. This contractor model will have 200-300k in sales. The owner works as foreman, has 1 or 2 other employees and does a few estimates at night or on the weekend. Because he still is on each and every job, he does not need a lot of systems or record keeping. He or she also does not need a lot of advertising as he does not have to sell very many jobs to keep busy. He also does good work
They basically charge a little above wages, say $35 to $45 an hour, and never make it financially. Such a low rate just does not cover costs and they need to be charging $60 to $65 an hour. For example, the average cost to operate a heavy duty utility including fuel, insurance and replacement cost is $14,000 a year. That’s why many contractors of this size drive older trucks. Working 40 hours a week, 50 weeks a year equals 2000 hours, so the truck would cost $7 an hour. That’s why many contractors at this
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There are several drawbacks in this model. First, it is hard to stay small because when you do good work and are just earning wages, your business can grow quickly. When this owner stops physically working on the job the numbers no longer work. Another mistake is that most contactors who work at this level don’t charge enough.
level drive junky trucks as they just do not build replacement costs into their prices. This owner also needs disability insurance and to save for retirement. Home Alone Contractor: This contractor does 500k to 1m in sales. Has admin help, an inexpensive facility, is beginning to develop key lead field people and the owner sells and project manages work. The biggest mistake contractors make at this level is having inadequate administrative help. Contractors tend to have an inexperienced family member or a $20$25 an hour employee who just answers the phone. Contractors by nature tend to be disorganized. A strong organized admin person can do the books, job cost, screen and set your appointments, order material, call customers for colors and to schedule. The right person will not need to be told what to do but will rather take charge and guide you. I would rather see a contractor at this level have a really good person at $25-30 / hour for 20 hours a week than a weak person full time at $20 an hour. Because this company just has 2 or 3 crews, the owner can still check jobs regularly and with the office person doing admin, they can spend much of their time selling. This type of contractor can make $100 to $200k salary and profit.
Continue on Page 25...
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2014 November Issue | 23
4 /1311 Ipswich Rd, Rocklea, Queensland, Australia 4106 1800 355 344 info@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au
24 | Aussie Painters Network
What’s the RIGHT Business Structure for You? Common mistakes for this type of size of contractor other than having poor admin is to start adding salespeople and production managers without competent office staff and systems. This results in much less profit and the disorganization factor sets in. Without a plan to develop lead people and some preplanning, the owner can become a glorified job site babysitter and material picker upper. If you want to make $50 an hour, you have to do task work $50 an hour. Owner-Driven Organization: This contractor does 1m to 1.5m in sales and is the most profitable model. This model is much like the Home Alone model except the owner is a high energy sales machine and the administrator is extremely strong and manages details. Strong foreman have also been developed so jobsite babysitting is held to a minimum. One senior field person might help schedule, do warranty work etc. but they still spend enough time in the field to pay for themselves. This type of contractor can make $200k to $400k a year and can be extremely profitable but it is all based on owner capacity. When these types of owners max out and begin to add assistants, project managers, salespeople, etc., profits do not grow with this expansion. Many of these owners simply want to sell and do not have the personality or will not take the time to manage other managers. Again our advice for this type of owner is to have disability insurance and at least someone in the organization who can measure and estimate jobs should he become sick. Frequently, this type of business makes no more money between 1.5m and 2.5m in sales.
Contractor Management Team: This business will have sales between 2.5m to 50m and is all about the owner’s ability to manage managers. Owners of this type of business have to realize that it is no longer about their being a star but rather their ability to create stars. This business will have managers over departments and/or branches, or a controller who can maximize IT and constantly works to build a field organization to do the work. Owners who appreciate the analytical nature of business tend to do better and enjoy this type of business. This organization is an institution and not as dependent on the owner to drive sales. Many contractors strive to get to this point but a lot of them do not have the patience or personality to manage this type of business. It takes time and commitment to build an organization that will be profitable at this level. In summary, you may not agree with my findings but 30 years of contractor consulting backs this up. We also have propriety numbers to prove. Allowing growth to push you beyond the maximum profit level of each business type is going to create a painful business structure with more stress and less profit. If you want to discuss it, just give me a call 0011 1 800 864-0284 Monroe Porter is president of PROOF Management a firm that teaches seminars and runs networking groups for painting contractors. Several Aussie painting contractors travel to the US each year to participate in his programs.
www.proofman.com 2014 November Issue | 25
Record Setting Rise in Construction Industry
Employment Rates
• Industry employment levels are breaking records with over 1 million employed • ABS: Construction industry is now the nation’s third largest employer
Chief economist, Peter Jones, at Master Builders Australia, the amount of jobs that have risen in the construction industry is at a rate of 1.5%. This rate was seasonally adjusted during the August quarter. The exact number of people employed in the construction industry is now at 1,028,500! “The welcome growth confirms the need for the Government to prioritize support for employers in established industries which are performing in their rebalancing of funding for skills training,” he said. “Overall, industry employment is being driven by the recovery in residential building and before the full impact of the downturn in mining-related engineering construction takes effect,” he said. The one area that has stood out the most from others is New South Wales. Their construction employment growth up to August has risen by 10.1%, or 29,000 to be exact. This will be the third quarter in a row with over 300,000 levels of building and construction employment in that state.
26 | Aussie Painters Network
“The construction industry in New South Wales has moved from being a basket case to be a fast emerging ‘powerhouse’ with building and construction well and truly at the forefront of the turnaround,” noted Jones. The construction rates in other states are doing fairly well also, even though they aren’t at the rate that New South Wales is currently at. Jones has said that in Queensland the 3.3% decline in the construction employment is mostly due to the rise of residential building that translates into jobs, and this helps to deter a pitfall in jobs while the boom in the mining sector is coming to a close. Victoria has been at a healthy rate but has went down slightly, and employment in West Australia slightly decreased by 0.4% but they are holding a higher level because of their strong role in residential building. This ends up compensating for the weakness in non-residential construction. Tasmania has seen much progress, with a rise of 600 more jobs throughout the year, this due in thanks to “long-awaited revival in fortunes”.
ABIS www.aubis.com.au
2014 November Issue | 27
Aussie App Store allows you to edit and manage an iPhone, iPad and Android app online using our powerful (CMS) content management system. Every app created by Aussie App Store is a native app that appears in the iTunes app store and Google marketplace. Our easy to use content management system allows for beautiful app design, customisation and functionality across a broad range of mobile devices. Update your app’s content or appearance whenever you choose by using our powerful CMS (Content Management System) without having to send your app to Apple and Google for a time wasting update. Aussie App Store creates apps especially for small business. Our charter is to create you a state of the art app tailored specifically to your business’s needs. Aussie App Store offers a no questions asked 30 day unconditional money back guarantee. If for whatever reason you are unsatisfied with your mobile application within the first month of service.
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Address: 4/1311 Ipswich Road, Rocklea Qld 4106 Phone: 1300 494 188 Email: info@aussieappstore.com.au 28 | Aussie Painters Network
www.aussieappstore.com.au
Painting in a
Commercial Setting
occupied by employees and customers while the work is taking place will require the use low-odour paints. This helps minimise the effects that the smell of curing paints have over the occupants of the building.
Exterior Painting – things to remember
Often when we think professional painters, we mainly think of homes, forgetting that many businesses undertake predominantly commercial properties, which can involve a totally different approach and even skill set to achieve a successful job. So how would one make the transition from house painter to painting commercial premises? In order to paint commercial buildings, you may need to invest in some more specialised equipment and investigate differentapproaches, if this is an area you want to branch into successfully. To start with though, here are a few considerations that you might not have encountered with domestic painting. Obviously the factor with the most impact on the job will be whether it is interior or exterior and whether the premises is currently occupied by either/or businesses and customers. • Exterior projects will require you to take both the height and the full surface area of the property into consideration. To paint commercial buildings greater than a single story high will require the use of scaffolding, and in certain cases, suspended scaffolding, if the property is three stories or higher. • Interior projects will require you to take the working environment into consideration before commencing. To paint commercial buildings that are going to be
• Stuff ups like paint spills or damaged surrounds could cost you dearly in commercial premises, eating into profits. • Cover all flower beds and landscaping elements around the base of the building with canvas drop cloths. Do not use plastic as it will not allow plants to breathe and will absorb paint. Plastic tarps do not absorb paint, nor do they allow paint to dry quickly, which creates more of chance for accidental tracking, if you should happen to step into the wet paint puddle. • A commercial setting is potentially very busy with car and people traffic, so remember that the public’s safety is now your responsibility too! There is no room for error with workplace health and safety in this environment; the impact could be greater than in a domestic setting. • You will need to remove and take good care of any accessories or decorations from the building (of which there could be many). Store them safely making sure that all fittings, screws etc are not lost or separated.
Interior Painting – things to remember
• Preparation for the interior of any commercial building would start with negotiations to access it; the business will need to make staff aware of your requirements, and how long they need to find alternative space. Customers should be advised accordingly to make your job that much easier. • The staff/owners of the business would need to clear the room to an agreed extent, and make sure you can get around any heavy equipment/filing cabinets etc. Ensure any items remaining are properly draped with drop cloths, again remembering potential liability for damage. by : Caroline Miall caroline@aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au
2014 November Issue | 29
The Smart Way to Stick to Habits Let’s get a jump on those pointless, doomed to fail, New Year’s resolutions, and make things better now instead! I wish it was as easy as it sounds. Achieving goals is not easy. Lose ten kilos, complete a project, study, quit smoking, improve your business, be a better parent... Whatever your goal is, many of us struggle with sticking to our best intentions and making things happen, in the now, so that our lives are better in the future. Life gets in the way of itself, especially after kids join you on your journey. Read on for part one of some sagely advice, from someone whose done hard yards in habits, to see if any nugget of truth was written just for you. Sticking to a new habit isn’t easy — but if you set up your habit change smartly, you can make it stick. Starting a new habit isn’t too hard — we often get excited about starting an exercise plan or diet or waking up early, for example. But a number of obstacles get in the way of sticking to the habit long enough for it to become automatic.
Here are the usual obstacles: 1. You lose enthusiasm: Probably the No. 1 reason people fail is that the enthusiasm they feel when they first start the habit, when they’re fantasizing about how great it’ll be, fades away after a few days or a week. The habit isn’t as great as you fantasized, usually. So you drop the habit before you see the benefits. 2. You forget: After the habit becomes automatic, you don’t need a reminder. But in the beginning it’s easy to forget if you don’t have reminders set up. 3. Your mind tells you that you can’t: When things get tough, your mind says, “This is too hard!” or “You don’t need to do this!” or “Why are you punishing yourself?” or “Skipping it this time won’t hurt!” These are just weaselly ways to get out of discomfort. 4. You miss a day or two and then toss in the towel: It feels good to get a streak going, but if you miss a day or two, you get really discouraged. You feel like quitting, because now you have to start all over. 5. You get distracted by other things: The Internet, for example, is so distracting that you might never do your habit. You have so many choices of fun or easy things to do that the habit seems like a less attractive choice.
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6. Illness or travel or a crisis gets in the way: Sometimes something comes up that takes priority, and the habit gets pushed to the background … which is fine, if you started again when the illness goes away or you get back from your trip. But because you missed it, it’s hard to get back on track.
Let’s figure out a smart system that gets around these obstacles.
Addressing Each Obstacle Let’s address each obstacle one by one, before putting it all together into one system: 1. Enthusiasm: The answer to this is making a big commitment. Let’s say you decide you’re going to eat carrots at dinner every day … after you lose your vim and vigor for this new diet, you just stop. But what if you had $10,000 bet on whether you’d stick to this habit for a month? You’d forget about your lack of enthusiasm and just eat the carrots, no matter what. Other ways to make a big commitment: tell 1,000 people about it, and commit to a really embarrassing consequence if you fail. 2. Forgetting: Set up 5 visual reminders, and tie it to an existing part of your daily routine. For example, every time you take a shower, you might do the new habit of flossing … so put up signs and sticky notes everywhere, put your floss on your towel, put reminders in your phone, have your spouse remind you, etc. 3. Negative thoughts: Don’t negotiate with these terrorists. Notice when these thoughts come up, and banish them. Don’t let yourself fall victim to them.
Recognize them for the habit-killers that they are, the lies they are. 4. Missing a day or two: Set up accountability, so that if you miss a day, you get back on track immediately. Figure out what went wrong, and address that problem. Have someone hold you accountable for getting back on track. 5. Distracted: Remove choices. Don’t have any visible choices other than what you want to happen. Set up a choice architecture. 6. Illness or crisis or travel: Again, set up accountability so that you get back on track immediately. Have a planned break if needed, and start again as soon as the break is over.
by Leo Babauta, a successful ‘simplicity’ blogger & author from California, is the creator of top 25 Blog, Zen Habits, chronicling his insights from acting significant changes in his personal and working life. We are delighted to share some of his observations in this months’ eMag.
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Innovation, Technology and
PROGRESS So much has changed since I first started my painting career nearly 45 years ago. You don’t realise how much until you do a particular job and think, ‘I remember when….’ This thought flashed through my mind a few days ago when hanging some wallpaper at a clients’ house. What happened to the days when you used to cut the wallpaper lengths and paste them? The last two jobs I have completed, the process is to paste the wall first and hang the paper dry. Sooo difficult! (or is there something I’m doing wrong?). By pasting the wallpaper first, you can prepare multiple drops at a time. Once the third has been pasted, the first one has had time to soak and is ready to hang. Because the paper lengths have been folded after the pasting, applying the wallpaper to the wall is simple and easy to manoeuvre. The process of pasting the wall first is that you can only paste enough for one drop at a time (as the paste will be dry before you get to hang the next drop). Hanging the dry wallpaper then is a feat in itself as I found that there isn’t as much slide capability (it sticks as soon as you apply it to the wall). You also have to be careful not to miss any of the pasting around the cornice, skirting, frames or light switches etc, otherwise the paper is not going to adhere. Call me oldfashioned, but I much prefer the original way.
This led me thinking of the stories my dad used to tell of when he was young and how he had to get up before the rise of the sun and carry all his tools and painting gear in a push-cart. I thought that was bazaar and antiquated, but now I find when I look back, I have similar stories to tell. When I started my apprenticeship in 1970, all paint was applied by brush. To paint a ceiling you would set up a scaffold (two step ladders and a timber plank) and ‘blockbusters’ would be used (these are 6 by 1½ inch brushes). After a few hours swinging one of those above your head, you really felt that you had been working. My memory is a bit vague on this but I’m sure it was within twelve months that a new invention was introduced to the painting world. ‘The Roller’. How great was that?
Even greater still, a few months later someone thought of attaching a pole to it. As you can imagine, this made such a difference to the way we painted surfaces and the speed we could do it in. The spray-gun came many years later, which I guess was the very start of the problem that painters had with the plasterers and the way they set their joins. One of the next innovations that hit the market around 1975-6 was a new product that Selleys brought out. My business partner and I were invited by Dulux to their official launching in Perth and were both given a tube of filler and a device to squeeze it out of. It was called ‘No-More-Gaps’. Our verdict was that it would never take off as it was too expensive and clumsy, so for the next few years we continued with filling cracks with Poly-filler.
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Innovation, Technology and Progress Other things that have changed over the years have been the price of paint and the price of painting. We had the contract with Jennings, Mansard and Plunket homes and our preferred paint was Dulux. We used Dulux Spring for the walls and ceilings and as we were going through so much material, we used to buy it by the pallet at a really good price; $1 per litre. That’s right, $10 for a 10 litre drum (they didn’t come in 15 litres then). But, for a standard three bedroom, one bathroom brick house, painting the whole interior, gutter, fascia, eaves and roof-pipes for the total contract price of $385, you wouldn’t want to be paying anymore for your paint.
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Like the changes my father encountered through his career, I have seen my fair share of changes also. Gone are the days of using a typewriter to write a quote or having a mobile phone that came in a case, ‘Innovation, Technology and Progress’ will be a part in everyone’s lives. So for those young people out there who are reading this, in 2044 you will be saying to yourself like I am now, ‘I remember when….’ by : Jim Baker www.mytools4business.com
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The Aussie Painters Network App Just search the App Store or Google Play for Aussie Painters Network.
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1800 355 344
Suicide Prevention Program
Making Inroads Mates in Construction have achieved a 10 percent reduction in the risk of suicide over a five-year period between 2008 and 2012 in Queensland, a new report by the Hunter Medical Research Institute has found. It’s easy to forget sometimes, just how big a problem suicide is among young men in Australia, and more specifically even, in the Construction Industry. Before Mates in Construction began operating, the figure for suicides from within the industry was at least SIX times higher the average for males in Australia. Fortunately this statistic has seen some relief, particularly in Queensland where the program began in 2008. Mates in Construction has been helping to lower this shocking figure by identifying the danger zones and training those in the industry to be aware of risk factors and signs in themselves and co workers. A combination of factors that often converge for members of our industry can lead to relationship and financial difficulty (the two of the most common risk factors for suicide:
• 98% male dominated industry and the tendency for Australian men to have difficulty talking over personal problems • Long working hours / low job security • High rates of drinking / self medicating • Increasing costs / competition For more information, or to get involved, see
www.matesinconstruction.com.au
Make someones day with a beautiful hamper 2014 November Issue | 37
7 Insurance Terms
Explained Insurance companies love to use jargon. Some insurance policies make attempts to write in plain English, but even the best have trouble resisting some words like “third party” or “products liability.”
4. Period of Insurance: means the dates that the insurance policy runs for. The start date is the “inception date” and the end date is the “expiry date.” Days between is the period you have paid insurance for.
Here are simple explanations for some of the most common insurance terms you might come across through your business & vehicle insurance:
5. Market Value: means the worth of the item (like a car, a prime mover, a spray-gun) before the claim happened. It takes into account the individual item, so the market value for a 2010 Toyota Hilux that has been polished every week would be different to one that goes bush & has never gotten a service.
1. You: It doesn’t mean you, the reader. The insurers use it to mean a range of different people depending on the type of insurance. It generally means you the business, you the owner, you the employee & you the family members. Also called: The Insured; 2. Third Party: means everyone who isn’t “You” (the 1st party) or the insurer (the 2nd party). It means the man on the street, the building down the road & the customers you do work for. 3. Liability: means “responsibility.” When it is paired with something like “public liability” it means responsibility to the public at large, & “legal liability” means your responsibility to follow the law.
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6. Total Loss: means it would cost the insurance company more to repair the item than it would be replace the item. Also called: Write Off 7. Endorsement: means one of 2 things. It can mean an update to your insurance – like changing your postal address. It can also mean a change to your insurance cover – like removing cover for overspray, or adding cover for your tools of trade. by : Scott Robertson www.consolidatedi.com.au
www.consolidatedi .com.au Phone: +61 7 3292 1100 | Fax: +61 7 3292 1110 Email: contactus@consolidatedi.com.au I just wanted to say a BIG THANK YOU for referring me to Consolidated Insurance Pty Ltd. I spoke to Scott about our Business Insurance and with little time, Scott emailed me back a comprehensive package for our Business and we saved over $1,000.00. Thanks again Aussie Painters Network for the great referral and all your ongoing help. Sonya Baker www.bakerbrosmasterpainters.com.au
The Hidden Cost of Cheap Paint Rollers The price of paint rollers varies from a few dollars, to over $20. Why would you pay more? The answer is productivity. The quality of the material used to make the fabric can make a big difference to your productivity. The productivity of different paint roller fabric materials used under the same circumstances (same person, roller speed, temperature, surface etc.) is very different. A comparison from one of the paint roller manufacturer, rolling one coat on a plasterboard surface (wall/ceiling) using different fabric material paints the picture: Polyamide/sheepskin Polyacrylic Polyester
70m2 per hour High quality material 45m2 per hour Medium quality material 35 m2 per hour Cheap material
Using these productivity figures it shows that if you have 700m2 of plasterboard your rolling time with a high quality roller would be approx. 10 Hours, with the medium quality roller the same area would take approx. 15.5 hours and with the cheap roller it will take approx. 20 hours. What if a roller paints only 10% more productive? This means 10% quicker painting or saving 15 min for the 70m2 3 coat-job. A painter could earn at least $12 more using a 10% better roller at $45/hr. Assuming that the cheap roller costs $12 and the only slightly better roller costs $20 (10% better in this case): Then the cost of a better roller is earned back in 2 painting hours, as you can paint 10% more in the same time and you will have a better quality finish and less splatter. The calculations above are based on a real test example for a European manufacturer and confirmed by Dulux and on the Resene productivity tables. Cheaper fabrics do serve a purpose. Good microfibers for paint rollers are an example of polyester/polyamide blend but the smart and super fine structure of the fibres still makes them extremely productive. The productivity will depend on manufacturing process and structure of the fabric. Coating fabrics with Teflon also increases the productivity of the fabric dramatically (up to 30%). The conclusion is clear, spending a little more on the roller with a better fabric, will save you time and money. If you are not sure about fabric materials, choose Polyamide rollers. Information can be difficult to find and many paint rollers have limited info on the package. Be aware that not all polyamide or microfibers rollers have the same productivity. Never go for the cheaper roller sleevesif the price is the only reason. Try different rollers to find the best rollers for your jobs. A more expensive roller can pay back its price within hours of painting. Ludo de Lathouder
Looking for improvements in your business? “How To Become AReally Successful Painter� can really help you.
A copy of my book is available online jimbaker@notjustapainter.com.au
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Safe Handling
of Materials and Equipment General workplace management
Most jobs involve carrying out some type of manual task using the body to move or hold an object, people or animals. Manual tasks cover a wide range of activities including stacking shelves, working on a conveyor line and entering data into a computer. Some manual tasks are hazardous and may cause musculoskeletal disorders. These are the most common workplace injuries across Australia. Implementing Control Measures Training in the type of control measures implemented should be provided during induction into a new job and as part of an on-going manual task risk control program. Training should be provided to: • workers required to carry out, supervise or manage hazardous manual tasks • In-house designers, engineers and officers responsible for the selection and maintenance of plant and/or the design and organisation of the job/task Any health/safety representatives. The training should include information on: • manual task risk management, including the characteristics of hazardous manual tasks • specific manual task risks and the measures in place to control them • how to perform manual tasks safely, including the use of mechanical aids, tools, equipment and safe work procedures • how to report a problem or maintenance issues. You should review your training program regularly and also when there is change to work processes, plant or equipment, implementation of new control measures, relevant legislation or other issues that may impact when the task is performed.
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http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/swa/about/ publications/pages/hazardous-manual-tasks-cop You should keep records of induction and training given to your workers. The records can include information such as the date of the session, the topics dealt with, and the name and signature of the trainer and each of the workers who attended the session. http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/swa/ about/publications/pages/haz Flammable or combustible substances include: Flammable and combustible liquids, including waste liquids, in containers, whether empty or full many paints contain flammable substances, and spray painting is hazardous if painting mist comes into contact with a source of ignition. Possible sources of ignition include: • open flames such as matches, lighters, cigarettes, welding and cutting torches • hot surfaces including engines, motors and light bulbs • chemical reactions, mixing hazardous chemicals can generate heat or static (e.g. when mixing of two-pack epoxy paints creates heat) • sparks from electrical equipment and portable electric tools such as abrasive grinding wheels, radios and mobile phones • static electricity from poorly-earthed equipment. Spontaneous fires may also be started by incorrectly stored flammable materials, paint/solvent soaked rags, build up of paint residue in work areas or equipment.
Ways to control hazards
• Eliminate ignition sources from hazardous areas around flammable liquids, correctly earth equipment and eliminate short circuits. (Hazardous areas for spray painting areas and flammable liquid storage areas are identified by AS60079.10.1 Explosive atmospheres: Classification of areas – Explosive gas atmospheres) • Ensure work areas are well ventilated to prevent the accumulation of flammable vapours. • Mix and pour flammable liquids in a clearly designated area with adequate ventilation and free of ignition sources. • Before pouring flammable liquids from one container to another, set both containers down on an earthed surface, then bring the containers into contact while pouring. Keep them in contact while pouring (it is best to connect them with alligator clips). • When using containers with air lines, replace the plugs as soon as the air lines are disconnected. • Treat empty flammable solvent, thinners or paint drums or cans as if they contain residual liquid and explosive vapours until they can be correctly disposed of. • Store and handle flammable liquids correctly (e.g. store flammable paints and solvents in containers with lids to prevent evaporation/generation of flammable vapours). • Remove LP gas cylinders or fuel tanks from vehicles before placing them in a spray booth/bake oven. Where this is not practical, operate the spray booth/ bake oven at the lowest possible temperature and below the levels where it is possible for fuel vapour to be released to the atmosphere. • Establish a spray zone with warning signs that restrict access.
Paint ( Courtesy of Sita)
Paint contains chemicals such as solvents and metals that can contaminate our groundwater and endanger human health. It is important to not put these items into your garbage bin. By recycling your paint you can play an important role in protecting our environment. SITA is licensed to accept residential and commercial quantities of paint. Please contact Customer Service on 13 13 35 for more information What else can I do with my paint and paint-related chemicals? Residents may be able to dispose of their paint free of charge through one of the following services; Further information on paint: § Buy only the amount of paint you need for the immediate job. Your retailer can help you estimate the quantity you need. § Use up left over paint, or give it to a friend to use. § Read the labels for safety instructions. § Never mix paint with any other liquid or solid substance, other than as directed on the label. § Never put liquid paint in the garbage bin and never pour it down the drain. § Store leftover paint in the original container with the label intact. § Secure the lid of the paint container well and turn it upside down. This will help create a seal around the lid and maintain the quality of the paint. § Store paint away from extreme temperatures. § Keep paint away from children and pets.
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The Industry
Idiots
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Important Contacts Aussie Painters Network www.aussiepaintersnetwork.com.au
Ph. 1800 355 344
Master Painters & Decorators Australia www.masterpainters.asn.au Ph. 08 9471 6662 National Institute for Painting and Decorating www.painters.edu.au Ph. 1300 319 790 Australian Tax Office www.ato.gov.au
Award Rates www.fairwork.gov.au
Ph. 13 72 26 / Ph. 13 28 65 Ph. 13 13 94
Fair Work Building & Construction www.fwbc.gov.au Ph. 1800 003 338 Mates In Construction www.matesinconstruction.com.au
Ph. 1300 642 111
Workplace Health and Safety Contacts STATE ACT NSW NT QLD SA VIC WA
Website www.worksafe.act.gov.au www.workcover.nsw.gov.au www.worksafe.nt.gov.au www.deir.qld.gov.au www.safework.sa.gov.au www.worksafe.vic.gov.au www.safetyline.wa.gov.au
Phone (02)62073000 13 10 50 1800 019 115 1300 369 915 1300 365 255 1800 136 089 1300 307 877
Cancer Council Australia ACT NSW NT QLD SA VIC WA
www.actcancer.org www.cancercouncil.com.au www.cancercouncilnt.com.au www.cancerqld.org.au www.cancersa.org.au www.cancervic.org.au www.cancerwa.asn.au
(02) 6257 9999 (02) 9334 1900 (08) 8927 4888 (07) 3634 5100 (08) 8291 4111 (03) 9635 5000 (08) 9212 4333 2014 November Issue | 45
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