It Ain't Like Coolidge Street

I recall one time as a kid helping my Dad paint the outside of our house on Coolidge Street in Phoenix. (That was before they installed the vinyl siding.) The original brick exterior was white. We painted it gray. For access we had an extension ladder and a simple stepladder. That involved a lot of climbing up and down the ladder, carrying paint cans and roller pans, not to mention brushes and rollers, and rags, and edgers, and all the accoutrements of DIY housepainting. I don't remember how long the project took, but I imagine quite a few days...a bonding experience for Dad and son.

Recently a Japanese contractor repainted the exterior of our house here on the Yokosuka Navy Base. The process would have fascinated Stuart.

First, a very nice Japanese lady who speaks excellent English stopped by to inform us that this project would take place over about a two week period. She also provided us with a detailed written game plan, telling us exactly what to expect on any given day. Follow-on daily notes stuck to our front door documented progress to plan, which included some unavoidable weather delays. Sometimes the nice Japanese lady would stop by, with the non-English speaking foreman, to provide verbal updates and a preview of the day ahead.

Several days were devoted to erecting elaborate scaffolding encircling the entire house. I am reminded of the erector set with which I whiled away countless childhood hours on Coolidge Street. 

Then the entire house was powerwashed. Following this step, an outer veil of material was attached to the scaffolding, presumably to keep paint spray and debris from escaping into the environment. It could also shade the painters as they worked in unseasonably high temperatures and afternoon sun.

Following the actual painting, a series of inspections resulted in another day of touch-up work. Then another inspection before the contractor was allowed to tear down the scaffolding. This step took two days. A final inspection authorized the contractor to actually remove the disassembled scaffolding to the next house down the street.

Careful advance planning. Attention to detail. Daily documentation of progress to plan. Frequent communications with the customer. Rigorous quality assurance. All resulted in a very nice-looking product. A good model for business, or for government.

I wonder how that house on Coolidge Street is looking these days.