Why high-end builders are using surface protection

Key points: Why are builders using surface protection for every project?

• Prevents costly rework: Protecting finished surfaces avoids scratches, dents, chips and stains that require repairs before handover.
• Saves time and money: Fixing damage after the fact is far more expensive and time-consuming than protecting surfaces from the start.
• Improves site efficiency and professionalism: A clean, protected site sets a standard that both trades and clients notice and respect.
• Covers the whole job, not just the end: Smart builders protect floors, joinery, fixtures and appliances from the project’s beginning, both indoors and outdoors.
• Delivers better handover quality: Proper installation of protection (meaning it’s taped, sealed and fitted correctly) helps ensure fewer defects and a higher-quality finish for clients.

Prevent damage from happening in the first place

If there’s one thing every tradie hates, it’s wasting time and money on a job they thought they’d already completed. And the main reason that happens, says Shaun Byrnes, Operations Manager with high-end Albury-Wodonga-based builders Gilchrist Homes, is when you need to repair or clean up defects that could have been avoided in the first place.

“It’s an absolute truth of the building world that where unavoidable costs arise is when you have to go back at or during handover to clean things, fix things or replace things that got damaged during the build,” Shaun says.

“Temporary surface protection is absolutely necessary to reduce risk of construction damage, increase productivity and quality ... and cut your costs.”

Shaun shares his expert tips on how experienced building firms and tradespeople are keeping their sites protected and avoiding those callbacks.

Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves and a mask, for example) when required on the job. Always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Tip 1: Operate a clean jobsite

The first step, Shaun says, is to create a “clean culture” on your sites. “It’s about setting a standard for trades, and even little things onsite like bin bags or somewhere to put bottles and cans can help,” he says.

“If the building site is a mess, then the tradies will treat it like a mess. If it’s clean, with bins, protection down, then they’re going to see that this is a clean site. They won’t just be bringing sheets through and not care if they hit plaster walls. It’s a visual cue that they need to be careful.

“And your clients see that, too, and remember the professionalism.” 

Tip 2: Why surface protection is a must

According to Shaun, high-end builders are using protection products far more than before and a lot earlier in their builds to increase building-site efficiency.

“Builders will often put down drop cloths before something like painting or plastering to stop drips, but smart builders are covering everything, even floorboards and polished concrete, usually something that happens at a very early stage, as soon as it’s down,” he says.

The same goes for joinery, appliances, fixtures and more. Protect finished work and you’re far less likely to be dealing with scratches, dents, chipped finishes, damaged joinery, and more.

“We’ve all seen it happen. Learn from the experiences and make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

Tip 3: Invest in surface protection to save time and money

Nobody likes spending more money than is needed, but protection is essential, Shaun says.

“Products like Ramboard, Builders Edge Carpet Film and Surface Protection rolls, drop sheets and more are building products and you should think of them like that,” he says.

“The reality is that even with great trades who genuinely try to look after the job, some damage still happens. Subs [sub-contractors] come in focused on their own task, and sometimes they’re not fully aware of what they’re impacting around them. That’s why you have to proactively protect finished work as you go. If you treat the site almost like you’re childproofing it, you prevent accidental damage, save time on rework and make handover far smoother.” 

Tip 4: How to install surface protection properly

Moving up from leftover cardboard or carpet offcuts to purpose-made protection is good, but it needs to be installed properly, Shaun adds. Stair protection can’t slip. Window film needs to cover the space completely and even the best benchtop or floor protection won’t do its job if it’s not in place properly.

“If you don’t tape down flooring protection, for example, there’s no point in doing it,” Shaun says. “You’ll get rocks, screws or dirt under the edges, then you’re going to be standing on top pushing that into the flooring. Same with carpet film. Take it to the edge because, trust me, getting stains out of wool carpets is a nightmare!”

Tip 5: Remember to use outdoor surface protection, too

Don’t forget outdoor areas, either. Protective matting as part of your builder site management will stop rocks, mud and more being tracked through in the first place. And covering fences, walls and other vertical surfaces will protect them from overspray from render or concrete, both incredibly hard to get off once set.

“If there’s external concrete, there’s overspray, so throw the black film over the fences,” Shaun says.

“It might seem like overkill but let’s face it, if there’s concrete overspray on there, you know who's going to be pressure washing it.”

Every piece of protection means less construction rework and higher project handover quality.

Need more support?

Get in touch with a Bunnings Trade Specialist today for help with sourcing, quoting and delivery.

Frequently asked questions: Building-site surface protection

Is build protection expensive?

Not when you compare it to the cost of repairs and clean-ups, and the potential for lost business.

Do I really need to use protection?

If you want to save time and money in the long run, then yes! You’ll see the difference at handover.

When should I put down protection?

As early as possible. In some cases (like painting), before you start, or as soon as a task is completed. Don’t forget to lay protective measures outside, too.

What sort of protection is best?

Whatever is appropriate to the job. If you aren’t sure, a Bunnings Trade Specialist is always on hand for support and help.