Hot take: I think working alone is way better than having a helper on most jobs

I had a conversation with this older installer, Dave, at the supply house last Thursday and he was going on about how you gotta have a second pair of hands for efficiency. But honestly, ever since I started flying solo about 2 years ago my work has gotten cleaner and I finish faster. He said "you'll wear yourself out carrying rolls by yourself" but I just use a power stretcher and cut everything in the hallway. No one messing up my seams or stretching too tight while I'm not looking. Plus I don't have to split the check which is huge when you're doing a 1500 square foot house for $2.50 a yard. Does anyone else prefer working alone or am I the weird one here?

2 comments

2 Comments

cole_bailey8516d ago

The thing nobody talks about is how much having a helper messes with your rhythm for trimming and fitting. When I'm solo I can work in a flow state where every cut is exactly where I want it. @the_mason mentioned helpers wrecking seams but they also wreck your mental focus. I had this kid two years ago who would always be asking questions right when I was doing a tricky door jamb cut. Every single time. You just don't get that when you're by yourself.

the_mason16d ago

Dave's been in the game since before power stretchers were common, so I get his take. But I've watched too many helpers wreck a good seam to trust anyone else with my work.