Do you know what tools your installer must have to complete that important project? And it’s not enough that you know; you need to make sure the installer has those tools available to him. Whether they’re your in-house installers or your subcontractors, there are ways you can require or educate installers about the tools needed on the job site.

One simple way is to look in the installer’s truck to see if they have the proper tools before they head out to the job site. Another is to do inspections. In our shop, we have toolbox inspections and require men to bring in their toolbox and have a list of tools we think that is required. Then we go from box to box and note the tools that are not in their boxes. Give a list to an installer what tools are not found.

Sometimes, we tie inspections into a small installation or tool seminar with help from our local distributor. This gives the distributor a chance to show new tools or methods; we ask our distributor for a “tool discount” for those installers who purchase at the time of their event. This also works well for your subcontractors.

When visiting a job site, take time to look at what tools are being used. Whether it’s ceramic, sheet vinyl or composition tile, carpet, laminate, or wood, make sure the right trowels are being used. Just because you order new trowels for the job doesn’t mean they are being used.  Many installation warranties are based on using the right sized trowels. Specific tools are made with one goal in mind, that is, to insure a quality installation.

Proper tools can make a difference of hundreds of hours on a large project and also help resolve safety issues on site. Proper tools can make or break a job and have a big impact on the customers overall acceptance of the project and your project’s profit.