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October 16, 2007
New Skills Save The Day
Ever had to move a crew at the last minute to a task they've never done before? It can salvage the schedule -- or sabotage it.
With the 2008 HGTV Dream Home approaching completion in Islamorada, Fla., builder Juan Dellanos had to get his shell crew to handle the interior finish carpentry. Seems his normal finish carpenter -- himself -- was too busy with a ton of other things.
Four things had to happen for this unplanned adjustment to work:
- His crew had to be willing to learn;
- Juan had to adjust his schedule and others' to add instruction time and ongoing QC;
- He had to be an effective teacher in a high-pressure situation;
- His crew had to pull off quality, detailed work fast.
They ripped it. They tackled the huge staircase, they learned to return shoe rails with a 45, they added extra accents to the window trim and extended the jams. They saved the schedule.
"These guys had to come from using a hammer and a skill saw on a shell," says Juan, "to going inside and learning how to use a biscuit cutter, a joiner, and how to plane it down to the right size. That's been the best part of this job for me."
The key, he adds, is having people who like their work and who respond to new instruction by wanting to learn even more.
Check out this article on teaching new skills. And this related article on:
delegating.
What do you think? Tell us about your experiences with OTJ instruction. Have you had any experiences like Juan's, when it saved you? Or any disasters with it that taught you a valuable lesson?
Posted by Richard Wall, HGTVPro.com Staff at October 16, 2007 11:38 AM
Comments
I am very proud of the crews you have working that can change to another job and do it well. Congratulations!!
Posted by: Jackie at October 19, 2007 11:07 AM
Good management by Juan and great opportunity for the workers to learn new skills. Perhaps it wasn't the best situation for all of them but a great team will do it - and it appears they are just that. Best wishes on the final stretch of their jobs.
Posted by: Pat at October 20, 2007 10:10 AM
I want to build me home.How do I go by building my home.could you please some information on getting started, on building my home,I have my land and I need help
Posted by: daisy at October 21, 2007 2:10 AM
I'm just amazed at the strength and integrity in the work crew and Juan. It's just so wonderful to know that there are caring people, dedicated to the best possible outcome and willing to push past fears and move into the unknown to accomplish it.
Posted by: Cassandra at January 9, 2008 1:34 AM
A great crew is one that is flexible enough to learn every aspect of the job. From framing to painting, electrical to plumbing..It all has to come together. That's what makes a great team and keeps things running in a smooth fashion. Doesn't matter if you're in the construction business or working in an office. The more flexible you are, the more valuable you are as an employee. Cross training is useful in any work place.
Well done Juan! Cudos to you and your team!
Posted by: Marjorie Elwood at January 20, 2008 11:14 AM
I noticed you put a wood frame roof on top of an otherwise "concrete block" building.
Why, are you still using WOOD?
Formosa Termites are rampant in south Florida now. Wood meanwhile, is simply not exceptable for South Florida weather; especially directly on the coast. Yes: I know this meets "Code"
The "Code" or minimums are not sufficient for a "Dream Home". Superior homes that meet the needs of the future in South Florida are made with Insulated Concrete Forms WITH Concrete Roof Decks.
We get your point of "insure and leave" because the tidel surge on the coast will take this home "out".
Sincerely
Felicia Hudson
Posted by: Felicia Hudson at February 1, 2008 8:47 AM
