.... easiest job Ive ever had...all solo.....many more coming down the pike. I can post them up if there is any interest.

Pretty but not sure what I think about the layout… efficiency?
Joking, thought you retired,,,,nice work

Pretty but not sure what I think about the layout… efficiency?
Joking, thought you retired,,,,nice work
I was thinking the same thing, gold accents aside I wouldn’t want to have to pack a bag and get a pillow to move between the sink and fridge. I’d also like the oven on the other side of the range. But I also like smaller kitchens so everything is within arms reach. Install is handsome though.

I was thinking the same thing, gold accents aside I wouldn’t want to have to pack a bag and get a pillow to move between the sink and fridge. I’d also like the oven on the other side of the range. But I also like smaller kitchens so everything is within arms reach. Install is handsome though.

Thanks...im never involved with the layouts....and many i don't like. I got others that aren't great either but I'll post them

I was thinking the same thing, gold accents aside I wouldn’t want to have to pack a bag and get a pillow to move between the sink and fridge. I’d also like the oven on the other side of the range. But I also like smaller kitchens so everything is within arms reach. Install is handsome though.

Thanks...im never involved with the layouts....and many i don't like. I got others that aren't great either but I'll post them. I prefer a shorter triangle between sink range and fridge

Pretty but not sure what I think about the layout… efficiency?
Joking, thought you retired,,,,nice work

Not retired...working much shorter hours for same pay and benefits. The year end bonuses get bigger every year and they can't stand the idea of me hanging it up

I was thinking the same thing, gold accents aside I wouldn’t want to have to pack a bag and get a pillow to move between the sink and fridge. I’d also like the oven on the other side of the range. But I also like smaller kitchens so everything is within arms reach. Install is handsome though.

You are observant and correct and ...I got a few more you won't like.:o
You do have a good eye and I like your honest opinion and sense of humor

Are those built by you or your company? They look like nice quality. The company I work for has their own cabinet shop. The quality is exceptional but I dont love the way they do bases.The bases are set on remade toe kicks. Level the toe kicks and set bases on top, as long as everything is level both ways the boxes are perfect. Took some getting used to. Now they are talking about French cleats to hang on as they sit on bases.

Are those built by you or your company? They look like nice quality. The company I work for has their own cabinet shop. The quality is exceptional but I dont love the way they do bases.The bases are set on remade toe kicks. Level the toe kicks and set bases on top, as long as everything is level both ways the boxes are perfect. Took some getting used to. Now they are talking about French cleats to hang on as they sit on bases.


Hooked, they are just stock cabinets. Our cabinet supplier offers our customers either Fabuwood or Legacy. Legacy is made in America and slightly better than the imported crap. Nothing close to the quality a shop like yours can produce.
Spence will hopefully chime in....he has a good sense about style and functionality. This one has the same fault......work triangle less than optimal

this one from a few months ago is different...interior walls so no window

Hooked, they are just stock cabinets. Our cabinet supplier offers our customers either Fabuwood or Legacy. Legacy is made in America and slightly better than the imported crap. Nothing close to the quality a shop like yours can produce.
Spence will hopefully chime in....he has a good sense about style and functionality. This one has the same fault......work triangle less than optimal
It’s hard to tell without understanding what’s behind the opening in the middle. Assuming it’s a mud room and access to a garage. At least with the large island you can set up a tent on your way to the oven if a storm rolls in.

That being said, I don’t mind the ovens being far away, those don’t need constant attention, but when I cook I like to be able to clean around the sink and put things in the dishwasher while attending to the stove which is problematic here unless you need the exercise.

The angled corner cabinets are nice. Mine are decent quality solid oak cabinets but have the double hinged doors in the corners which are impossible to keep in alignment.

this one from a few months ago is different...interior walls so no window
Cheap appliances and a microwave/vent over the stove is a total show stopper for me. It’s just as hideous as a TV over a fireplace.

Now, if anyone here has a TV over their fireplace please don’t be offended. Rest assured Mother Nature will reprocess your home into the Earth in a hundred years and all your sins will be swept away.

Cheap appliances and a microwave/vent over the stove is a total show stopper for me. It’s just as hideous as a TV over a fireplace.

Now, if anyone here has a TV over their fireplace please don’t be offended. Rest assured Mother Nature will reprocess your home into the Earth in a hundred years and all your sins will be swept away.


Thanks Spence......I hope someday I can show a kitchen that you like. I gather you know your way around a kitchen. Besides being a carpenter I cook very often and im good at it.



Ive been working outside for a change....they didnt want the regular outside trim guys doing this and two other windows on the front elevation.

Thanks Spence......I hope someday I can show a kitchen that you like. I gather you know your way around a kitchen. Besides being a carpenter I cook very often and im good at it.



Ive been working outside for a change....they didnt want the regular outside trim guys doing this and two other windows on the front elevation.
Nice detail but I’m sure it costs. The floating panel look under the windows adds a lot of visual interest. How is the foundation going to be finished or will the grade come up?

Nice detail but I’m sure it costs. The floating panel look under the windows adds a lot of visual interest. How is the foundation going to be finished or will the grade come up?


Its all PVC ... i didnt see the invoices or know how many hours....but yeah...just for curb appeal... looks nice and they thought it was worth it so..:huh:.i enjoyed doing them and was so cold doing it it brought back memories of flipping staging planks with frozen snow on them. Did staging planks get hevier or is it me?

The building lot was quite a bit lower than street level and the entire front yard will be a good sized septic system area for the four and a half baths that will be filled in entirely..... they didnt pay much for the land and the back is walkout with covered decks. it will be good. Pretty big kitchen and cabinets everywhere.

Its all PVC ... i didnt see the invoices or know how many hours....but yeah...just for curb appeal... looks nice and they thought it was worth it so..:huh:.i enjoyed doing them and was so cold doing it it brought back memories of flipping staging planks with frozen snow on them. Did staging planks get hevier or is it me?
I never thought I’d let PVC anywhere near my house but last summer did my deck, wrap around porch and stairs in all in Azek Vintage Collection with Azek Pinnacle railing on the stairs. Material cost sucked but damn it looks great. Cortex system with plugs are nearly invisible.

I never thought I’d let PVC anywhere near my house but last summer did my deck, wrap around porch and stairs in all in Azek Vintage Collection with Azek Pinnacle railing on the stairs. Material cost sucked but damn it looks great. Cortex system with plugs are nearly invisible.


All pvc trim and hardiplank siding....zero fingerjointed crap sapwood crooked overpriced canadian lumber that rots.

Another alternative product to canadian lumber. It is clearly superior to their over priced garbage and its made in America. If these were made of wood I would have to order extra to compensate for defects.

Another alternative product to canadian lumber. It is clearly superior to their over priced garbage and its made in America. If these were made of wood I would have to order extra to compensate for defects.
Probably made in the USA of Canadian oil. I’m serious.

Probably made in the USA of Canadian oil. I’m serious.

We have oil. This is not the TDS thread.

Customer paid a small fortune for these doors..... good quality lumber is getting harder to come by and longevity and price is an issue... so alternative products will replace this before long. The entire pool shed siding and trim is pvc.....made to last so you wont have to replace later and pay for lumber again.

Thanks Spence......I hope someday I can show a kitchen that you like. I gather you know your way around a kitchen. Besides being a carpenter I cook very often and im good at it.



Ive been working outside for a change....they didnt want the regular outside trim guys doing this and two other windows on the front elevation.

Is that white drip edge on the gable rakes ?

Nice job

We have oil. This is not the TDS thread.
Has nothing to do with TDS. I’m just pointing out that the US imports billions of $ in Canadian polyethylene every year and it’s quite likely the materials you’re using are made with it. Often it’s cheaper to import and manufacture closer to the customer than use distillates from domestic oil.

I know you pride yourself on excellence, just trying to keep my end up.

Has nothing to do with TDS. I’m just pointing out that the US imports billions of $ in Canadian polyethylene every year and it’s quite likely the materials you’re using are made with it. Often it’s cheaper to import and manufacture closer to the customer than use distillates from domestic oil.

I know you pride yourself on excellence, just trying to keep my end up.

Its made in Mississippi so stop with the expert on everything BS



Im adequate.....all honor and glory goes to God for anything I achieve....he blessed me with good health, physically and mentally and the greatest parents. As far as comenting on construction topics ...stick to something you are better at. Like pundit.

Is that white drip edge on the gable rakes ?

Nice job


Yes it is. Thank god for rich people :doh:......the work being thrown at me will outlast my existence.

Somebody tried being a pretend stairbuilder. Ive been asked to replace entire post and railings. More work to fix than do right the first time.

Its made in Mississippi so stop with the expert on everything BS
I work in manufacturing including process and petro chemical industries, I can’t help being knowledgeable. Sounds like you’re using ACRE, rice and PVC product.

Im adequate.....all honor and glory goes to God for anything I achieve....he blessed me with good health, physically and mentally and the greatest parents. As far as comenting on construction topics ...stick to something you are better at. Like pundit.
You do nice work, I’ve done enough of my own remodeling in my life to recognize it.

I work in manufacturing including process and petro chemical industries, I can’t help being knowledgeable. Sounds like you’re using ACRE, rice and PVC product.


You do nice work, I’ve done enough of my own remodeling in my life to recognize it.

Thanks Spence ...i do like your take on these things estheticly....If you are interested I'll post more images
I'm a genuinely nice person ....get along well with others help everyone i can ..admired by some and respected by most....who know the real me.
Though not with this group.

Do you have examples of your work...remodeling or professional? I'm sure you are discerning enough to not settle for anything done poorly.

Do you have examples of your work...remodeling or professional? I'm sure you are discerning enough to not settle for anything done poorly.
I might have some pics of the bathroom I did at the last house, did all the tile, custom cabinets etc… you’d laugh at my techniques but they looked great. I’ve never done carpentry professionally.

Today I let the pros do the real work for the most part, it’s worth every penny if they are good.

Thats me in the oven:angel:

Thats me in the oven:angel:
You look really, really great.

Finally a layout I could cook in. Does the oven have a dedicated vent or does it cycle back into the room?

You look really, really great.

Finally a layout I could cook in. Does the oven have a dedicated vent or does it cycle back into the room?

No it does not. You noticed I've kept my physique...even at age 69. Younger guys at work can't believe t and I can still out produce them by working smarter.

Recently completed these and a few others

Three more new homes we are building in the Highlands of Fall River. Nice views of the river. Company I work for are experts at land acquisition. Acreage in Dighton has been in the works for a new subdivision.....they wont move on it until the time is right. We have other profitable projects going for now. By weird coincidence we are building a million dollar house across the street from me on the owners lot. I could just walk but need a truckfull of tools or im useless.

You look really, really great.

Finally a layout I could cook in. Does the oven have a dedicated vent or does it cycle back into the room?

Did you notice the little MIL kitchen.... efficient and easy to clean up.
Next install wont be ready for a bit. Spence ...how is the layout.

Did you notice the little MIL kitchen.... efficient and easy to clean up.
Next install wont be ready for a bit. Spence ...how is the layout.
Pretty efficient, the island position at the base of the triangle will help staging between work stations, though I wonder if the area in front of the sink may get crowded if you have more than one person trying to cook and clean at the same time. If it were my house I would ask for the dishwasher to be to the right of the sink.

I know no layout is perfect and I like to beotch. As I’ve said I prefer tight kitchens and like to cook alone.

According to my math...i have spent well over 100,000 hours at my trade. Impossible to remember all of it except for some photos... but we seldom carried cameras with us so not many were documented. I am in the process of attempting to digitize some older 35 mm camera and Polaroid photos. Found these from about 25 years ago when I was in charge of large commercial millwork installations with six to eight finish carpenters as my crew. Banks, libraries, airports, hospitals, country clubs, retirement homes and others I dont remember. The money was good but the travel.... after a few years caused me to seek opportunities closer to home

Owner wanted a quick fix of his rotted porch posts up in Maine......owed him a big favor so made the 5 hour drive last fall. He wants more but I told him never again... i prefer sleeping in my own bed at home.

Nice workmanship. Its always nice to see craftsman who take pride in their craft. I have been trying to post some pictures but for some reason it won't upload. Started as a kid in 1983, I wish I had taken more pictures as I became a better carpenter but we didn't have phones in those days. I was a stair builder for a few different companies and that is a very rewarding craft. I did the stairs in Drew Bledsoe's house many years ago. 3 stacked curved stair cases with a 12' glass octagon ceiling above it. Very difficult project. Now I am building for a company out of Tiverton and its all high end clients. It amazes me where all the money comes from. They sure have deep pockets.If I can figure out whats wrong with my picture uploading I will get a few posted.

Nice workmanship. Its always nice to see craftsman who take pride in their craft. I have been trying to post some pictures but for some reason it won't upload. Started as a kid in 1983, I wish I had taken more pictures as I became a better carpenter but we didn't have phones in those days. I was a stair builder for a few different companies and that is a very rewarding craft. I did the stairs in Drew Bledsoe's house many years ago. 3 stacked curved stair cases with a 12' glass octagon ceiling above it. Very difficult project. Now I am building for a company out of Tiverton and its all high end clients. It amazes me where all the money comes from i will get a few posted.

Thanks ....please do. It is becoming a rare skill set these days. I've built complete stairways with a handsaw and block plane back in the seventies. I used a D23 disston twelve point on oak treadst to cut a fine pencil mark right down the middle...including returns on open treads...with mitered skirt boards. We would put a three eights bevel on the top edges of skirtboards with a block plane 60 1/2p Stanley low angle

:rollem:

Whole house renovation underway....90's home in pretty bad shape. Owner has moved on to another home and wants to upgrade just about everything before putting on the market. The stair railing job and alot of other finish carpentry was hacked by amateurs

Tools of the trade back a few decades ago. I still prefer the folding lufkin rule for inside measurements. The spiral ratchet is just for nostalgia and to get a laugh out of the youngins.
And some of the crap work im going to fix.

Tools of the trade back a few decades ago. I still prefer the folding lufkin rule for inside measurements. The spiral ratchet is just for nostalgia and to get a laugh out of the youngins.
And some of the crap work im going to fix.

seem funny to see a multi tool blade on the same table with those older tools.

seem funny to see a multi tool blade on the same table with those older tools.


I love the old tools...but have adapted. Multitool was definitely a game changer. I worked for a gentleman from Portugal, who started as an apprentice at age 11, sent away from his home to work for a clock cabinet maker who treated him poorly. They built these beautiful and intricate grandfather clock casework as well as many others...ALL with hand tools. He came to this country and established his own company and became a success almost immediately. He and his sons now produce and install quality millwork for large commercial jobs.


More pics of the rehab house....nothing great.....not fun like new work.

built-ins for two different jobs....spence might have some comments on the TV location:eek5:

More pics of the rehab house....nothing great.....not fun like new work.
Is that a palm tree motif on the wainscoting or am I seeing things?

built-ins for two different jobs....spence might have some comments on the TV location:eek5:
I have three issues.

1) The TV above the fireplace as noted
2) The wall space left above and below a 16:9 flatscreen
3) Not sure why they didn’t install a proper recessed AV box to ensure the power plug or HDMI doesn’t interfere with the screen that likely will be angled down

I have three issues.

1) The TV above the fireplace as noted
2) The wall space left above and below a 16:9 flatscreen
3) Not sure why they didn’t install a proper recessed AV box to ensure the power plug or HDMI doesn’t interfere with the screen that likely will be angled down

Excellent analysis...now go look up how to spell Canadian

Excellent analysis...now go look up how to spell Canadian
tu ne parles pas français?

tu ne parles pas français?
No
How do you say ...spence was incorrect but is using his wit instead of admitting his error.

Is that a palm tree motif on the wainscoting or am I seeing things?

This whole house is fugly

I have three issues.

1) The TV above the fireplace as noted
2) The wall space left above and below a 16:9 flatscreen
3) Not sure why they didn’t install a proper recessed AV box to ensure the power plug or HDMI doesn’t interfere with the screen that likely will be angled down

Your probably right about all of that. But are the built ins ok...or...too tall too wide...wrong color...too plain...too ornate not funtional...just ok...nice...good idea....bad idea. Just kidding I'm not that impressed with my work either.

Your probably right about all of that. But are the built ins ok...or...too tall too wide...wrong color...too plain...too ornate not funtional...just ok...nice...good idea....bad idea. Just kidding I'm not that impressed with my work either.
Can’t go wrong with white. Not sure I’m a fan of the beadboard. Detail is appropriate but hard to tell all of your mistakes from the photos.

As for width it seems like on most of them you were constrained by previous construction so they are good for what you had.

So adequate?.....I'm thrilled

So adequate?.....I'm thrilled
:bshake:

:bshake:

I don't take offense of your comment...but you would not be a customer i would tolerate long.... pack up my #^&#^&#^&#^& and say nothing....or maybe tell you to find someone else.hidin:

Another photo of old photo to add to my digitized files.
Built this back in 1990? Framed, roofed, sided, interior finish work too.
There was a hatch and ladder to ascend to the widows walk

This job will drag on and on. Subs are in now after the demo to do rough wiring and plumbing. Owner didnt want to sell the place as is.....dumping a crapload of money....which he has plenty of....was the path he chose.

This job will drag on and on. Subs are in now after the demo to do rough wiring and plumbing. Owner didnt want to sell the place as is.....dumping a crapload of money....which he has plenty of....was the path he chose.
I’m not understanding that section of drywall at an angle about 30” above the floor to the left of the shower?

I’m not understanding that section of drywall at an angle about 30” above the floor to the left of the shower?

Me either? The layout of this house is atrocious.

This last house we finished had lots of different color walls and trim....and even wallpaper. Most houses we do get one color throughout by owners choice.

Paint by number..... and some got changed after first coat because homeowner wasnt liking them.

This last house we finished had lots of different color walls and trim....and even wallpaper. Most houses we do get one color throughout by owners choice.
Nice details, that wallpaper looks spendy, not many people use it any more. I do hope that old brass finish ceiling fixture is temporary.

Nice details, that wallpaper looks spendy, not many people use it any more. I do hope that old brass finish ceiling fixture is temporary.
I know it bugs the hell out of most people to be watched but I’d rather they do things the way I want the first time, even if it costs a little more or adds a little extra time as they’re trying to get to the next job.


Almost never see wall paper anymore......I was good at that too....my grandma was a pro.


As far as customer interference i have many stories.


One was a man who told me that he spent 80K on his cabinets...and that he expected my installation to be perfect. I approached him and said respectfully. "Nothing I do is perfect and it is not too late to get someone else" His response " Oh....um no you go ahead."


More recently I was sent to install cabinets and counters on a third floor business office. Job super says stuff wont fit in elevator and he offered to help me carry it up a narrow dog leg stairway. His attempt at helping was lame and he actually was making things worse so I instructed him to let go. When we got up there he stood there as I got ready to take measurements and begin. I asked "Are you going to watch".... "Yes" he said "and to help"
I looked him dead in the eye and replied "If you want to help me go and disappear for a while. So he did. Its not arrogance....it is self assured and I dont take #^&#^&#^&#^& from any customers

Nice details, that wallpaper looks spendy, not many people use it any more. I do hope that old brass finish ceiling fixture is temporary.

I work at the fire house with a guy, in his early 60s who still hangs paper on a regular basis. He is a painter but does a lot of wall paper. I didn't think there was a demand for it but I guess its a high end thing. From what I hear he is not cheap.

Looking through my files.. found some others with better layouts...i think.
Spence.....i would like your opinion?

Final stages of installation for authenticity....and because I hardly recall doing this one. Island sink...with D.W. to right of it.

Never been crazy about island sinks, always think the funky loop vent isn’t going to work well. I like the scale of these, as I’ve said I like small kitchens.

The last one with the blue island looks nice though I don’t care for the fridge. No issue with French Doors but fridge drawers are a failure point so why add another pair. Also not totally loving the floor choice but I’d need to see it in person before I render a final verdict. Not really a fan of wood or wood finishes for a kitchen.

Never been crazy about island sinks, always think the funky loop vent isn’t going to work well. I like the scale of these, as I’ve said I like small kitchens.

The last one with the blue island looks nice though I don’t care for the fridge. No issue with French Doors but fridge drawers are a failure point so why add another pair. Also not totally loving the floor choice but I’d need to see it in person before I render a final verdict. Not really a fan of wood or wood finishes for a kitchen.


Thanks......the island sink venting has never been a problem when done correctly. As far as hardwood in the kitchen you are in the minority. I agree about small kitchens....more efficient. I like to be one or two steps from everything when I cook.

Thanks......the island sink venting has never been a problem when done correctly. As far as hardwood in the kitchen you are in the minority. I agree about small kitchens....more efficient. I like to be one or two steps from everything when I cook.
Just because I may be in the minority doesn’t mean everybody else isn’t wrong :hee:

For me it’s about visual stability and function. A kitchen can be a chaotic place and long planks create a sense of movement. I also like a little contrast from a wood floor and it makes the kitchen look a place to work.

Just because I may be in the minority doesn’t mean everybody else isn’t wrong :hee:

For me it’s about visual stability and function. A kitchen can be a chaotic place and long planks create a sense of movement. I also like a little contrast from a wood floor and it makes the kitchen look a place to work.


Agreed....this is just the current trend.....and will most likely pass.
Wasnt demeaning your opinion so dont be sensitive.
Theres a reason being a critic is the easiest job in the world. Everybody is so good at it. Spence without your comments it wouldnt be worth posting my crap.

Looking back at 1975-76-77 respectively Still here.

still working on it almost 50 years later. Side walking on ladders to paint.

Not a fan of high ceilings.....heating a lot of unused volume. Gas fireplace going in the cathedral ceiling gable end