Once and awhile I get a frustrating call about someone hiring a contractor where the skills did not match the promise. Sometimes the work is poor, isn’t finished, or is in such a state that it needs to be redone. …
Craft vs Assembly
Dryer Vents
We take dryer vents for granted. The venting concept is simple enough; allowing moist, hot air a direct path to the exterior of the house. Putting a vent in correctly can be tricky, but if you do it successfully you…
Metal Roofing and Repairs: The Good, The Bad, and the Real Ugly
The Rhode Island economy was booming in the 1880s. The economic prosperity created some of the most spectacular late 19th century architecture across our state, with styles like Second Empire and Queen Anne having complex mansard roofs, curved window hoods,…
Race to Bottom: Let the Buyer Beware
I have to say I am frustrated for all building owners. I know there are great craftspeople and honest contractors everywhere, although I am seeing less and less work done right. I call it “The Race to The Bottom”. This…
Painting Metal
Hi. I live in a mobile home. We picked up a carport from another mobile home that had a fire, and we have tried to paint it but it keeps peeling, Do know if there some type of paint we can…
Reducing Door Drafts
Any suggestions on how I can make my doors fit better and reduce draft? Doors have a unique purpose for a building. They are the principle means of egress. There are meant to work with relative consistency and predictability. …
Why Painting Is A Craft Trade
I recently attended a conference with some of the most diverse international craftspeople in the world. But what did they all have in common? A desire to learn AND exchange trades knowledge and techniques. They put the company shirts aside…
By rob |
March 1, 2012 |
Contractors, Design, Do it yourself, Doors, Lead Paint, Maintenance, Metal, Painting, Saving Money, Tips and Techniques, Tools, Trades, Windows, Wood |
1 Comment |
Read more Painting Deserves Respect and Requires Experience
Painting is a trade without respect. Anyone can paint, just not well. Painting is the easiest part about painting, with about 80% prep. But oh boy there are many ways to screw it up. Painting can make great carpentry work…
Dealing With Lead Paint
The game of maintaining a house has changed. We have to take caution and be responsible for our actions. There was a time where products were used for longevity and protection, despite their known hazards to people and the environment. …
Proper Painting Lasts Longer
The seasons have changed from miserable to warm sunshine, so our attention switches from inside to out. Painting is back to the top of the list. The realization of scraping and painting, again, starts to sink in. Stop. Before you…
By rob |
March 1, 2012 |
Analysis, Contractors, Do it yourself, Doors, Family, Floors, Green, Lead Paint, Maintenance, Metal, Painting, Porches and Decks, Saving Money, Scams, Seasons, Tips and Techniques, Tools, Trades, Windows, Wood |
2 Comments |
Read more