This happened a few days ago. We werent roof cleaning. We were softwashing the buildings of an apartment complex. It just happened to be that this was a HUD project.
We were shut down by a Hud inspector who just happened to be making his rounds that day. At the time I didnt know that he couldnt stop us from working but not wanting any trouble I played as nice as possible.
I was not allowed to explain our process.
I was told to present an msds from my supplier stating that what comes out of our guns is safe. Knowing that wasnt happening we packed up at 2:00pm and drove over an hour back home.
That afternoon I faxed a letter to the inspectors office outlining our process (we softwash with large gpm pressure washers at a 20:1 ratio) and example uses of Sh. We were told that the Hud inspector could not stop us from working but our letter would be passed along and research would continue.
So we went to work the next day not knowing if we would be left alone or who knows... Seriously guys, I never expected this. We were dsing buildings. They wouldve stroked out had they smelled a 30% roof mix! It was a shock to me in front of my customer whos trust I had gained.
I posted this story on a few other bbs the evening after it happened looking for others opinions. I received some good advice from many different contractors by pm and phone. Thanks everyone.
The next day I was contacted by the PWNA. They offered to put together a letter for the inspector and my customer supporting me as a contractor and the methods that I use. What was I to say to this?! A NATIONAL organization taking my side against an....... over zealous government worker. I believe we wont have anymore trouble on this job and I know that as long as I wash I will be a member of the Power Washers of North America.
Ive posted this here for a few different reasons. I didnt mean for it to run this long.
This is real. It could be anyone of us at any time for no other reason than were in the wrong place at the wrong time.
I wanted to thank the PWNA. I never expected that kind of support.
I wanted to say that I hope the RCIA can someday become this kind of an organization. A voice for contractors like myself against those who would put us out of work for no reason other than they dont understand what we are doing.
This happened a few days ago. We werent roof cleaning. We were softwashing the buildings of an apartment complex. It just happened to be that this was a HUD project.
We were shut down by a Hud inspector who just happened to be making his rounds that day. At the time I didnt know that he couldnt stop us from working but not wanting any trouble I played as nice as possible.
I was not allowed to explain our process.
I was told to present an msds from my supplier stating that what comes out of our guns is safe. Knowing that wasnt happening we packed up at 2:00pm and drove over an hour back home.
That afternoon I faxed a letter to the inspectors office outlining our process (we softwash with large gpm pressure washers at a 20:1 ratio) and example uses of Sh. We were told that the Hud inspector could not stop us from working but our letter would be passed along and research would continue.
So we went to work the next day not knowing if we would be left alone or who knows... Seriously guys, I never expected this. We were dsing buildings. They wouldve stroked out had they smelled a 30% roof mix! It was a shock to me in front of my customer whos trust I had gained.
I posted this story on a few other bbs the evening after it happened looking for others opinions. I received some good advice from many different contractors by pm and phone. Thanks everyone.
The next day I was contacted by the PWNA. They offered to put together a letter for the inspector and my customer supporting me as a contractor and the methods that I use. What was I to say to this?! A NATIONAL organization taking my side against an....... over zealous government worker. I believe we wont have anymore trouble on this job and I know that as long as I wash I will be a member of the Power Washers of North America.
Ive posted this here for a few different reasons. I didnt mean for it to run this long.
This is real. It could be anyone of us at any time for no other reason than were in the wrong place at the wrong time.
I wanted to thank the PWNA. I never expected that kind of support.
I wanted to say that I hope the RCIA can someday become this kind of an organization. A voice for contractors like myself against those who would put us out of work for no reason other than they dont understand what we are doing.
Chris
Chris,
Mike Hilborne is a get it done kind of guy. Id expect nothing less from the PWNA! Scott the new Prez is super supportive and has a great vision for that org. I joined the PWNA this year and it has already reaped me benefits abound.
I wanted to say that I hope the RCIA can someday become this kind of an organization. A voice for contractors like myself against those who would put us out of work for no reason other than they dont understand what we are doing.
Chris
I agree. I would like to see RCIA become like PWNA. The problem for some members here is that it takes money to run with the big dogs like PWNA. PWNA charges $350 a year for membership. So should RCIA. You have made more than that from what this board has taught you. $350 would separate the wanna be member/lurker from the serious RCIA member that wants a strong member organization to represent us now.
I keep my msds in a folder in the truck. When I showed it to him he got even more... excited. Weve all read the msds for 12%. We know the difference between hot full strength Sh and downstreamed housewash mix. I was not allowed to explain our process.
I wanted to say that I hope the RCIA can someday become this kind of an organization. A voice for contractors like myself against those who would put us out of work for no reason other than they dont understand what we are doing.
Chris
I agree. I would like to see RCIA become like PWNA. The problem for some members here is that it takes money to run with the big dogs like PWNA. PWNA charges $350 a year for membership. So should RCIA. You have made more than that from what this board has taught you. $350 would separate the wanna be member/lurker from the serious RCIA member that wants a strong member organization to represent us now.
What I've been trying to get across to the guests for over 2 weeks now. RCIA has some serious things going on in support of this exact type of occurance and other problems you may encounter. Without the FULL support of everyone ($$$) this will take a long time. How long can you wait?? Til you're run out of business? Swallow your selfishness and become a paid member. The benefits will far outweigh the cost. Gary
I wanted to say that I hope the RCIA can someday become this kind of an organization. A voice for contractors like myself against those who would put us out of work for no reason other than they dont understand what we are doing.
Chris
I agree. I would like to see RCIA become like PWNA. The problem for some members here is that it takes money to run with the big dogs like PWNA. PWNA charges $350 a year for membership. So should RCIA. You have made more than that from what this board has taught you. $350 would separate the wanna be member/lurker from the serious RCIA member that wants a strong member organization to represent us now.
What I've been trying to get across to the guests for over 2 weeks now. RCIA has some serious things going on in support of this exact type of occurance and other problems you may encounter. Without the FULL support of everyone ($$$) this will take a long time. How long can you wait?? Til you're run out of business? Swallow your selfishness and become a paid member. The benefits will far outweigh the cost. Gary
As one of the new kids on the block I can't say anything but good about becoming a member here. It took me less than a week to see that $100.00 was not much to ask for to help build RICA into what it will soon become and we will be able to play a big part in that process. Did I have the extra cash with a dead remodeling industry all the other expenses associated with start up and a kid in college? Not really but my thought was that the dues are part of my start up/set up expense. I just wish I found RICA sooner!
Join and help your organization grow. It will help you, just like PWNA helped in this post!
If we wind up getting legal challenges to roof clenaing by licensure or legislation, we've got to be a large, strong organization.
And only paid membership can make that happen!
VERY TRUE STATEMENTS, BELIEVE IT, ITS COMING!!! The industry is stiil in its infantsy. As it grows and becomes well known, there will be more regulations and interference by government..BUILD NOW, TO DEFEND LATER.!!
If we wind up getting legal challenges to roof clenaing by licensure or legislation, we've got to be a large, strong organization.
And only paid membership can make that happen!
I dont think throwing money at somthing is the answer. Having a good plan is the answer.
Do we have a good one?
BTW we finished the job today. The Hud inspector never showed back up to my relief. I dont mind being right every now and then! Plus having influencial help doest hurt (PWNA) HAHA