Slow and steady

We had a productive weekend. The boys built shelving and started on the frame for our shack. My friend Leigh and I spent a bit of time pulling junk for building material out of the creek.

CONTAINERS

The shipping container which will be used for storage now has shelving (fibreboard and recycled steel for brackets) cost, $200. Containers are great as they are secure and weather proof and you can move them. Also, they are reasonably cheap. You can purchase one in good nick for about $1500-$2000. There are lots to choose from online.

RAMMED EARTH WORKSHOP ROOF

We used Laminated veneer lumber for the rafters which is made from plantation timber and colorbond roof iron in Woodland Grey. Woodland Grey is a funky colour and the most popular, so it's easy to get it if you need to do repairs. The roof project cost $3000 in materials and two days in labour for three workers. This also included all fascia work and guttering (all recycled material), plus a secondhand water tank for the roof (9000ltrs) for $800.

A NOTE ON HIRED AND VOLUNTEERED HELP

Of course high productivity is want you want to achieve in these situations but it's not the be all and end all.

Having a good crew of people who you can have a laugh with it really important. It's also imperative of you look at what skills and knowledge people bring into the mix. You may hire someone who isn't that fit and not as productive in that area, but they might be a good communicator, keep up the moral, and be assigned tasks no questions asked.

Look after your workers.

Make sure there is enough water and other sustenance. If you feed people, they don't wonder off the job site at lunchtime and come back an hour and a half later. Your spending money on lunch but saving much more $ by increased time and productivity. Plus the crew love it because they're getting fed. You also have a chance to build relationship with your team and enjoy yourselves because your eating together.

Working bee's are great too, especially for gardening projects. People love to get their hands dirty. Don't try to recruit friends who aren't really into it. I've had lots of offers for help and believe me when the time comes I'll use it. Again look after your crew and throw a big BBQ/ picnic in the afternoon to say thanks.