Remodelers still love listening to their radios, and a majority don't allow personal music from headphones while working. That's all according to an early August poll of our newsletter readers released this morning after receiving a tip that some remodelers were banning radios from jobsites. 730 remodelers replied to our survey and the results show that only 18% of respondents have a company policy in place that bans radios from jobsites.

Those that don't allow music aren't just doing it because they love the sound of hammers and drills though. Some remodelers cited basic safety as the reason they don't have music on the site. Others mentioned that communication is key to getting jobs done on time, and radios interfere with that if they're turned up too loud.

"Too distracting," wrote one remodeler. "Often we are working in a home with the residents in the next room or on the next floor. I have no desire to offend someone with talk radio, gospel, blues, rock, rap, etc. Plus it's just another piece of equipment to carry in and out and watch for as we work."

One remodeler liked the idea of music, but found that personal tastes were too varied and led to problems between workers:

"Music for the most part is a major distraction at a jobsite. Invariably, there will be 'that guy' who plays his brand of music just a little too loud, which will distract and annoy other workers, and create animus. Personal music delivered by way of earbuds can be dangerous from the standpoint of the listener being unable to hear properly. Music is terrific, but it really doesn't have a place at the construction site."

Some remodelers actually found that having a radio or music on site actually provided benefits for contractors and had a positive influence on workflow.

"I think music on the jobsite can be beneficial," wrote another remodeler. "It helps with morale and can provide a 'rhythm' to the work day. As the owner/crew leader I reserve the right to control volume and to some extent content. We have a small three person crew and for the most part our musical tastes are complimentary. If there was dissent about volume, genre I would probably veto the radio. I am not into headphones on the job because I feel it makes it harder for everyone to be on the same wave length."

One remodeler has a system in place to use the music playing on the radio to improve their relationship with clients:

"Radio rule #1: Find out what kind of music your client likes then play that kind of music. I have a passion for music and really do listen to all genres. I usually have a playlist ready to please just about any client. I am often complimented on my music selection and sometimes that has led to good conversation and better relationships. Radio rule #2: When in doubt, play classical music. Classical music rarely ever offends anyone and creates an air of elegance and a perception of culture."

Several remodelers also mentioned that they have radio behavior officially written into company policy, limiting volume on jobsites, and always getting approval from the homeowner first before turning the music on.

As for what remodelers are listening to when they do have a radio on-site, rock and roll was by far the favorite genre, with 321 remodelers choosing the genre over others. Country was the second most popular genre with 195 selecting it. The "other" answer option provided a myriad of responses, with National Public Radio being a popular choice. Podcasts, books on tape, and Hawaiian music also had a few fans.