Construction projects are very complex. There are many construction workers, subcontractors, plumbers, and electricians working in different areas at the same time. This, combined with dust, debris, and heavy construction materials, often results in damage to expensive home finishes such as cabinets, countertops, doors, etc. Here is a list of the top ten accessories that tend to get damaged during the building process:
1) cabinets – In residential construction, cabinets are often one of the most expensive and easily damaged fixtures. According to NAHB’s New Construction Cost Breakdown*, cabinets cost an average of about $10,395 to install in a new home. They tend to be installed quite early in the construction process, so they can be easily damaged by stucco spraying, the impact of misplaced tool belts, and general carelessness by subcontractors. A great way to prevent damage to your cabinets is to use thick adhesive foam like Protecta-Foam to cover your cabinets. It’s easy to install and protects cabinets from splashes, dust, dirt, and sudden impacts.
two) doors – Just like cabinets, both interior and exterior doors can be quite expensive. On average, interior doors cost homeowners around $2,883, while exterior doors cost $2,150. Luxury homes often have large front doors that can cost upwards of $10,000. Doors are also installed early in the construction process, and with subcontractors and construction workers coming in and out, sometimes with heavy equipment in hand, dents and dents are a persistent problem. To prevent damage, use reinforced corrugated cardboard or special door protection such as Door Guard™. This will prevent dents and scratches and help builders deliver a truly new, quality product to homeowners.
3) Bathtubs/Showers – Bathtubs and shower trays are some of the most difficult fixtures to protect from damage in a home. Along with windows, they are the first item to be installed; very early in the process of building the bathroom. Bathtubs average around $4,346, but can be much more. Once the tub has been installed, subcontractors such as electricians, tile installers, and plumbers will work in and around the expensive tub. Many submarines actually do their job while standing inside the tub, and some construction workers even use it as a toilet! With so many people working in the area, damage can happen very easily. Coupled with a company policy that absolutely prohibits the use of the tub as a toilet, builders can use a spray tub protectant that dries to a rubbery consistency and peels off easily when the project is finished.
4) carpets – Most homes have extensive carpeting, which often shows dirt and debris easily and is more difficult to clean than other types of flooring. The average price of carpet for a home is around $8,363. Foot traffic can create dirt and dust from subcontractors and may end up requiring the builder to replace some carpeting or pick up the bill for expensive cleaning after the job is already complete. A great way to prevent carpet damage is to use carpet cling films. These clear films stick to carpet, but need to be replaced every thirty days to prevent adhesive transfer. Be sure to check the quality of the carpet film before you buy it – any film less than 3 mils is low quality and may not protect carpets adequately.
5) Laminate flooring – Homeowners love hardwood floors and they are very common in new residential construction. On average, hardwood floors cost $1,939 to install in a new home. Floors are subjected to many things that can result in damage, including foot traffic, heavy materials or machinery, dust, dirt, and general debris. It is absolutely critical to take steps to protect hardwood floors during construction. The first thing to consider is how long the floors have been in place. If they are newly installed and still healing or breathing, breathable protection is available. There are many different types of protection ranging from a light-duty protective film to recycled fabric and heavy-duty build plates.
6) door legs – Legs are often bumped and scratched during construction. Since they are installed very early in the process, every subcontractor that comes in with installation material or tools could inflict damage that results in the need for replacement or, at the very least, repair. Legs are usually around $148 for a house. Many different types of leg protection are reusable, so a single box of ten will last for several projects. There are many options ranging from plastic to cardboard to fabric.
7) Ladder – Similar to the problem with the carpets and hardwood floors, the stairs see a lot of foot traffic before the house is complete. Stairs for a typical home typically cost around $1,052 to build and install. Stairs are usually carpeted or hardwood. With construction workers and subcontractors going up and down to complete their work, the stairs really need to be covered to ensure they look their best when the homeowner moves in. There are several types of stair protection depending on whether the stairs are carpeted or wooden. While many general floor protection products can be used to protect stairs, only a few specialized types of surface protection will protect stairs without the need for tape that could damage paint.
8) thresholds – The thresholds of the doors get very dirty and scratched in a work. On average, thresholds cost around $213 per house. While that doesn’t sound like much, the threshold is the entrance to your home, and as such, homeowners want to make sure it looks perfect. There are several high quality 9 mils protection tapes on the market that do a great job of protecting sills at a cost effective price. If the house is being built in a sunny or hot area, it is important to take the time to invest in protection that has UV-protective qualities.
9) countertops – Countertops in a home are extremely important to the homeowner. Countertops, along with cabinets, are a significant cost of a kitchen remodel and must look perfect for the homeowner to be satisfied. At an average price of $5,141, it’s important to avoid damage or scratches that can occur from careless subcontractors or construction workers who leave behind a large, messy mess of glasses, cans, food, liquids, or other debris. Paint drips, mud and stucco splatters, etc. it can ruin an expensive countertop. There are two main types of countertop protection; film and adhesive bubble. If you decide to use film, be sure to invest in a high quality 3mil film. If heavy-duty protection is needed, the Tack Guard™ bubble is the way to go. It’s a thick sticky bubble that sticks to counters without leaving a residue. It looks professional and is a great digger for workers looking to place trash on the countertop.
10) Handrails and Railings – Handrails and handrails are often overlooked during construction. After they’re installed, they can be subject to paint and stucco splatter, dust, scratches from movement, and more. Handrails and banisters in an average home cost around $646. Investing in protection is a wise investment when considering the potential costs that damage could incur. An effective way to protect handrails is to use adhesive bubble wrap. Swiftwrap™ is a great handrail product because the adhesive sticks to itself instead of the handrail. This makes removal very easy and eliminates the possibility of adhesive transfer.
With the right protection, builders can protect these expensive fixtures and save time and money on replacement/repair costs. For more information on shielding materials, visit www.buildsitepro.com.
*Average material cost estimates are:
2011 NAHB New Construction Cost Breakdown