Daniel’s Diary: Supporting Safer Trades, Making Properties Safer & A New Chapter for Schools
Another week, another couple of jobs ticked off — but this week has been a little different.
As well as getting stuck into the usual property maintenance work and making properties safer, I’ve spent some time supporting a local police initiative around tool theft and security. We’ve also had an important business update of our own, which opens the door to providing our property maintenance services to a whole new group of clients.
So, here’s what’s been happening in this week’s Daniel’s Diary.
A Visit to Screwfix, Epsom to Support the Police Tool Marking Event
This week I headed down to Screwfix to support the local police while they were speaking with tradespeople about SelectaDNA and tool marking.
For anyone working in the building and construction industry, tools are a big investment — and unfortunately, tool theft is something that can have a huge impact on tradespeople.
It isn't simply the cost of replacing a drill, saw or set of tools. If your equipment disappears, it can mean losing valuable working time and potentially having to rearrange jobs while replacements are found.
Tool marking and property identification schemes are designed to help make equipment more identifiable and potentially act as a deterrent to thieves.
For me, it was good to be there supporting the conversation and encouraging fellow tradespeople to think about protecting their equipment.
A simple reminder for tradespeople
If you rely on your tools every day, it’s worth taking a few minutes to think about how well protected they are.
Keep a record of serial numbers, take photographs of your equipment and consider appropriate security or identification measures.
It’s one of those things you hope you'll never need — but if the worst happens, having your tools properly documented can make a big difference.
Removing an Unsafe Wall & Giving the Property a Fresh New Look - Making Properties Safer
Back on the tools, we had a rather different challenge this week.
We were called in to deal with an old wall that had become unsafe and was starting to fall into a public footpath.
This wasn't just a case of improving the appearance of a property. When a wall begins to deteriorate and presents a risk to people using a public footpath, it needs to be taken seriously.
After assessing the situation, the decision was made to remove the old wall and replace it with a new fence.
The weather wasn't exactly on our side either. We had torrential rain throughout the job, but that didn't stop us from getting on with it and making sure the work was carried out safely and responsibly.
Once the unsafe wall was removed and the area made safe, the new fencing gave the property a much smarter and cleaner appearance.
Don't ignore signs of an unsafe boundary
Boundary walls and fences are easy to overlook because they're outside the main part of the house.
But if you notice:
Crumbling or loose bricks
Large cracks
Leaning sections
Loose coping stones
Mortar that has deteriorated
A wall beginning to move
…it’s worth getting it looked at before the problem gets worse.
A small crack doesn't necessarily mean a wall needs replacing, but movement or instability shouldn't be ignored — particularly where a boundary is next to a pavement or public area.
A New Chapter for Daniel Smoker Property Maintenance
And finally, a bit of news from the business.
My enhanced DBS check has now come through.
Why is that important?
Well, it means I can now extend the same professional property maintenance service I provide to homeowners and landlords into schools and other settings where an enhanced DBS check is required.
Schools have buildings that need looking after just like any other property. From general repairs and maintenance through to decorating, fencing and keeping outdoor areas in good condition, there are plenty of jobs that need doing throughout the year.
Having the appropriate DBS clearance gives schools and education settings an additional layer of reassurance when arranging maintenance work.
It’s something I’m particularly pleased about because it opens up another area where I can put the same approach into practice:
Turn up when I say I will. Do the job properly. Keep the site tidy. And treat the property with respect.
From Homeowners to Schools. Still the Same Approach.
Although this week's work has been varied, there's a common thread running through all of it.
Whether I'm working on a family home, a boundary next to a public footpath, or eventually carrying out maintenance work at a school, the principles remain the same.
Good communication, safe working practices, attention to detail and quality workmanship.
That's what Daniel Smoker Property Maintenance is all about.
We're continuing to provide property maintenance and building services across Epsom, Surrey and the surrounding areas, helping homeowners, landlords and now education settings keep their properties safe, functional and well maintained.
Need Property Maintenance in Surrey?
If you've got a repair that needs attention, a wall or fence that's becoming unsafe, or general maintenance you've been putting off, don't wait until a small problem becomes a big one.
📞 Get in touch with Daniel Smoker Property Maintenance to book your free estimate.
From repairs and fencing to roofing, decorating and general property maintenance, we're always happy to have a look and talk through the options with you.
Until next week, Daniel ✌🏻
Comments