Initial Survey Checklist

[Derek Bicknell]

Hi all,

Does anyone use a checklist when they initially survey a new job?

I mainly do refurb and domestic jobs and I need to be more structured in the way I perform the initial survey.
I'm in the habit of taking photos, a few measurements and figure the system. But often forget to record other things, such as the load bearing on walls, access to header tanks, stop valves, the practicalities of draining down, and ALL the other little things that can challenge you along the way.

If you have such a checklist, would you mind sharing?
Many thanks, Del.

 

[Darren Jackson]

To be honest when I go look at a job I instinctively know what is required and only make a mental note of any anomalies which I then add to the quote with a contingency budget for any extras and unknowns. But then again 32yrs of doing this helps me and I used to have a check list many moons ago. but found it time wasting. now a days as its all in my head.

 

[Last Plumber]

I have to agree with Darren. It's all in my head. Back when I was a young man (in eighteen hundred and frozen to death), I did used to write down all sorts of reminders before I went to look at a job but it was mainly because it costs when you miss things and the customer doesn't see it your way. You learn by your mistakes and if it cost you money, you learn quick.

Simple reminders will help like:-

RCD/Electric
Gas Meter
Meter size.
pipe size. (Gas, Heating pipes)
Earthing.
Heat loss calcs.
Boiler size
Rad Valves / TRV's
Drain off.
Water Quality / Flushing (Chemicals/Filter)?
Flue
Other Gas appliances.
Make of Boiler
Ventilation
Condensate drain
Floor boards or chip board.
Joist run.
Water pressure
Flow rates
How many live there
Do you have baths or showers
What showers are they (mains compatible)?
Room stat? controls

A list like that will make sure you check everything. As long as it reminds you to look and think it will do. It could be endless depending on what kind of work you do. It does eventually sink in though.
I always sit in the van after and think through the job stage by stage and write it down whilst it is all fresh in my head. Write down a rough list of materials and what you plan to do on each day.

Hope that helps?

 

[Derek Bicknell]

To be honest when I go look at a job I instinctively know what is required....

That's my challenge, only just a year out of college and been drawn into working on my own.... and what I'd give for your 32yrs of experience. So, I'll take that journey, step by step and hope I don't tread on too many landmines Youtube and this great forum will be close companions.
Thank you.

 

[Derek Bicknell]

Hope that helps?[/QUOTE]
Sure does!

Thanks for taking the time to run up that list for me.
For the moment, I'm dodging anything that involves gas, so that shortens the list a little. But there's certainly a few on there that I wouldn't immediately think of.
I'll use this as a great starting point, whilst I'm still wet behind the ears (pun inteded), and I'm sure it'll sink in (boom, another!) soon enough and become ingrained.

Thank you both again. Del.