Hot take: Stopping my morning string line check cost me a whole section

For years, I always laid out my string line first thing at every job to double check the run was straight. Last month, I got lazy and skipped it to save time, figuring my measurements were good. Big mistake. We put up a 40-foot vinyl section before I saw the slight curve, and the client made us redo it all. Now I'm debating with myself: some guys say skipping small steps like that is how you stay fast and competitive, but others argue that basics like the string line prevent expensive redos. I lost a day's profit on that one job, but I also hate adding extra minutes to every setup. Has anyone else cut a corner to speed up and had it backfire, or is it better to just trust your eye and move quick?

2 comments

2 Comments

thea5153d ago

Staying fast and competitive is how you go broke. Speed means nothing if the work is wrong. That slight curve cost you a whole day's profit, that's proof. Rushing through basics just sets you up for a bigger mess later. A few minutes with the string line saves hours of tear down.

janahenderson3d ago

Disagree, being fast and being careful aren't opposites. A good crew gets both right.