: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.

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:

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

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

tu ne parles pas français?

No
How do you say ...spence was incorrect but is using his wit instead of admitting his error.

This whole house is fugly

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

: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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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