any construction, architectes?

[Frisky]

Im getting back into my home business, doing house plans. I had to run by a reproduction place today to get some paper for our plotter and was checking out one of those calculators that is supposed to estimate risers and treads, riser heights, tread width. Lengths for rafters and right angles, concrete and square ups and slopes.

for about 150.00 is this worth the money?

I also want a Scale Master, for when im reviewing plans.. to do linear area and volume take offs. this goes for about 130.00

i've done good without both of these so far, but was wondering if its worth the money to get these tools?

 

[nycgirl]

YAH!!!! I'm proud of you.

 

[EnderJE]

Im getting back into my home business, doing house plans. I had to run by a reproduction place today to get some paper for our plotter and was checking out one of those calculators that is supposed to estimate risers and treads, riser heights, tread width. Lengths for rafters and right angles, concrete and saqure up slopes.

for about 150.00 is this worth the money?

I also want a Scale Master, for when im reviewing plans.. to do linear area and volume take offs. this goes for about 130.00

i've done good without both of these so far, but was wondering if its worth the money to get these tools?

What's your estimate income year over year for five years? Or in English, why not just get a shareware version of the calculator for some handheld until you establish yourself?

 

[Frisky]

What's your estimate income year over year for five years? Or in English, why not just get a shareware version of the calculator for some handheld until you establish yourself?

the three years i actually did it for profit i made pretty good. I tried the shareware but it was a bitch. I also want to get one of those Pocket Dimension things for when i do remodel jobs.

I searched for the shareware, but couldn't find any for this particular brand. I'd like to have it readly available for when i get those spur of the moment calls from home owners.

 

[Frisky]

YAH!!!! I'm proud of you.

time for business!

and im doing some extensive research for the resturant too... im gonna be a busy lady

 

[EnderJE]

the three years i actually did it for profit i made pretty good. I tried the shareware but it was a bitch. I also want to get one of those Pocket Dimension things for when i do remodel jobs.

I searched for the shareware, but couldn't find any for this particular brand. I'd like to have it readly available for when i get those spur of the moment calls from home owners.

You mean like this? Just googling for links...pretty cheap...

http://www.constructionbook.com/xq/ASP/ProductID.4454/id.458/qx/default2.htm

 

[nycgirl]

time for business!

and im doing some extensive research for the resturant too... im gonna be a busy lady

Yeah, I've been slacking. I'm getting back to business after my trip.

 

[EnderJE]

time for business!

and im doing some extensive research for the resturant too... im gonna be a busy lady

You're going to open a restaurant too? Wow. You're like Aunt Bea. Without Andy or Mayberry.

BTW, check EBay. The calcs I'm looking at are about ~80 CDN which is 2 cents USD.

 

[Frisky]

You mean like this? Just googling for links...pretty cheap...

http://www.constructionbook.com/xq/ASP/ProductID.4454/id.458/qx/default2.htm

hell that one is half the price!

gonna see the difference in functions.

I often times do material takeoffs too, just to estimate for the homeowner. Not sure if I can find one that will give me that function.

 

[DannoMight]

If it makes your job eaiser than yes. There is no substitute for good tools.

 

[Frisky]

If it makes your job eaiser than yes. There is no substitute for good tools.

im hoping it would... i've never used any of those. I use them for steel calculations but its a whole other deal.

 

[DannoMight]

Well if it helps you you will have it for your next jobs.

 

[velvett]

I wish you were in NY - you'd have a job right now and whatever gadgets you'd need.

 

[Gambino]

2 thumbs up for construction master calculators, good for stairs

 

[Frisky]

I wish you were in NY - you'd have a job right now and whatever gadgets you'd need.

I could be there in about 6 hours tops

how's the cad going vel?

my goodness, i need to break out of this steel work. Driving me insane, there is NO creativity in it at all! Sure im able to design skids and cages etc, but workload and weight are huge factors. who the hell cares how much your house weighs? LOL

I love the indivuality, the design, the insight that my homeowners give me when doing design work. I love a little of me in every home... and i make sure i get it in there, some way some how

 

[Frisky]

2 thumbs up for construction master calculators, good for stairs

lol

hell yea!

gotta love it though when you have stubborn homeowners that demand these huge risers! They are like OMG Xnumber stairs, can we make the riser higher?

Bwahahah...

Seriously, they come up with some weird requests.

I has one lady sketch a full bath on a memo pad. She had the bath at about 5x7 and she fit in a bedit, toilet, custom shower and a hot tub She like to piss her pants when i told her it wasn't possible. Her exact words to me were "but it all fit on paper"



I like to take my customers out on raw cement and draw out rooms so they can get a feel for the space, draw in furniture etc. Some people have NO feel for dimensions unless they are true to life.

 

[EnderJE]

I could be there in about 6 hours tops

how's the cad going vel?

my goodness, i need to break out of this steel work. Driving me insane, there is NO creativity in it at all! Sure im able to design skids and cages etc, but workload and weight are huge factors. who the hell cares how much your house weighs? LOL

I love the indivuality, the design, the insight that my homeowners give me when doing design work. I love a little of me in every home... and i make sure i get it in there, some way some how

Are you designing racking or something? Are you also saying that there's no creativity in racking design? Are you nuts? You can do amazing things with productivity measures and racking design.

<hmm...no sexual comments in the last few posts...yep, I must be at work>

 

[mrdeeznuts]

business supplies = tax write off

 

[Frisky]

Are you designing racking or something? Are you also saying that there's no creativity in racking design? Are you nuts? You can do amazing things with productivity measures and racking design.

<hmm...no sexual comments in the last few posts...yep, I must be at work>

hahah

there is little to NO creativity to steel design... IM TALKING CREATIVITY HERE ART! I've designed quite a few skids in these past years, and the cages... reels, tool boxes.. need i go on? It all ends up boiling down to weight, density of the steel etc. In the end, all the skids end up looking the same, the Cages the same. So damn boring

I want arc's and circles, I want eye candy dammit! LOL

Its the specific equipment that I'm designing right now that gives me no right or left, its a narrow path to get it as they need for weight and workload.

I loved doing piping, and vessels though, maybe because i'd only done a few and haven't tired of them just yet. lol.

 

[Raina]

Those calculators are so handy to have. Unless you're good at generating info about runs of stairs etc I think it's so easy to just punch it in and have it be right. So are scale masters (though it can be a pain to find the batteries for them since you can't just pick them up anywhere).

 

[EnderJE]

hahah

there is little to NO creativity to steel design... IM TALKING CREATIVITY HERE ART! I've designed quite a few skids in these past years, and the cages... reels, tool boxes.. need i go on? It all ends up boiling down to weight, density of the steel etc. In the end, all the skids end up looking the same, the Cages the same. So damn boring

I want arc's and circles, I want eye candy dammit! LOL

Its the specific equipment that I'm designing right now that gives me no right or left, its a narrow path to get it as they need for weight and workload.

I loved doing piping, and vessels though, maybe because i'd only done a few and haven't tired of them just yet. lol.

The "art" is in the ability to affect an area's productivity by changing the shape and configuration of the rack. However, I see your point, there won't be pretty flowers on it.

 

[Frisky]

Those calculators are so handy to have. Unless you're good at generating info about runs of stairs etc I think it's so easy to just punch it in and have it be right. So are scale masters (though it can be a pain to find the batteries for them since you can't just pick them up anywhere).

Im pretty good at doing stairs, rafters, etc.. but it still takes time and if i could just plug it all in it would be sweet!

I did material take off's for new and remodel construction for a bit and now I do residental and commerical blue prints when I have the spare time.

 

[Raina]

If I wasn't planning to leave the commercial lumber business I'd want to learn more about estimating. It's pretty fun.

 

[Frisky]

The "art" is in the ability to affect an area's productivity by changing the shape and configuration of the rack. However, I see your point, there won't be pretty flowers on it.

OH yea I could see me telling the engineer.... uh, just let me be creative with this one ok? And he's like Ez, we are aiming to make this as light and cost efficent as possible...

Oh but I want it to look purty! and then i get the... its a damn piece of rusty steel, who cares if its purty as long as its sturdy and doesn't exceed max weight.

Not sure 'exactly' what kind of rack your speaking of though, i've built quite a few pieces i've called racks, and due to the nature of the equipment, all ended up being a little different. But nothing major.

I love to play with roof pitches, get in the house and add in custom cabinets (which yes i design, and give cabinet dood hell ) Its all a touch of me! In steel, in the end it always comes down to the same thing! Sure you can design, blah blah blah, but there are so many variables, weight, load capacity etc, that its alot easier if you 'stick' to a design that has worked in the past.

 

[Frisky]

If I wasn't planning to leave the commercial lumber business I'd want to learn more about estimating. It's pretty fun.

I enjoyed estimating, Wasn't that hard just time consuming. once you learn the basics its pretty damn sweet!

I did concrete all the way to roof shingles. Was pretty damn accurate too

You should give it a go suga!

 

[EnderJE]

OH yea I could see me telling the engineer.... uh, just let me be creative with this one ok? And he's like Ez, we are aiming to make this as light and cost efficent as possible...

Oh but I want it to look purty! and then i get the... its a damn piece of rusty steel, who cares if its purty as long as its sturdy and doesn't exceed max weight.

Not sure 'exactly' what kind of rack your speaking of though, i've built quite a few pieces i've called racks, and due to the nature of the equipment, all ended up being a little different. But nothing major.

I love to play with roof pitches, get in the house and add in custom cabinets (which yes i design, and give cabinet dood hell ) Its all a touch of me! In steel, in the end it always comes down to the same thing! Sure you can design, blah blah blah, but there are so many variables, weight, load capacity etc, that its alot easier if you 'stick' to a design that has worked in the past.

lol

The racking that I was refering to is the one in a DC or a 3PL that holds goods. You can change the productivity of an area if you use different configuration (size, shape, depth, weight, etc) of racks.

Although some would prefer to go with tried and true design, they're missing the chance to improve the ability of an area. Thus, when another company does go with something new, then they'll be left behind.

However, like I said, I could see your point if you don't see that as art. I don't think that the people using the rack would care if it was scented with a hint of perfume or was covered in flowery girly shit.

 

[Raina]

I always turn down sales jobs. I don't want the headache when my heart's not in it. This isn't what I want to do in the scheme of things. Plus I have to admit that I enjoy the financial side of things.

 

[Frisky]

lol

The racking that I was refering to is the one in a DC or a 3PL that holds goods. You can change the productivity of an area if you use different configuration (size, shape, depth, weight, etc) of racks.

Although some would prefer to go with tried and true design, they're missing the chance to improve the ability of an area. Thus, when another company does go with something new, then they'll be left behind.

However, like I said, I could see your point if you don't see that as art. I don't think that the people using the rack would care if it was scented with a hint of perfume or was covered in flowery girly shit.

lol

very VERY seldom do I do things like that. Most of my design work has to do with production. So being creative isn't as easy.

here is an expample

 

[EnderJE]

lol

very VERY seldom do I do things like that. Most of my design work has to do with production. So being creative isn't as easy.

here is an expample

You forgot the perfume and flowery shit.

BTW, I see.

 

[Frisky]

You forgot the perfume and flowery shit.

BTW, I see.

I added little daisy's in all the holes

 

[chesty]

Im getting back into my home business, doing house plans. I had to run by a reproduction place today to get some paper for our plotter and was checking out one of those calculators that is supposed to estimate risers and treads, riser heights, tread width. Lengths for rafters and right angles, concrete and square ups and slopes.

for about 150.00 is this worth the money?

I also want a Scale Master, for when im reviewing plans.. to do linear area and volume take offs. this goes for about 130.00

i've done good without both of these so far, but was wondering if its worth the money to get these tools?

What software are you using at home? SolidWorks still? I am pretty sure things like that or Autocad will do all of that for you. Those prices sound pretty steep. You could by a single calculator or write a few simple programs for the computer that would do all of that for you and cost you basically nothing.

Do you use a print service to plot out your dwgs?

 

[velvett]

I could be there in about 6 hours tops

how's the cad going vel?

my goodness, i need to break out of this steel work. Driving me insane, there is NO creativity in it at all! Sure im able to design skids and cages etc, but workload and weight are huge factors. who the hell cares how much your house weighs? LOL

I love the indivuality, the design, the insight that my homeowners give me when doing design work. I love a little of me in every home... and i make sure i get it in there, some way some how

I am enjoying it... A LOT...

So far I've done four kitchens - 3 are being built and a house plans.

It's been really inspiring to me so how knows I might go back to that furniture/case good line a boxed away a few years ago.


Very excited for you!!!!!!

 

[Frisky]

I am enjoying it... A LOT...

So far I've done four kitchens - 3 are being built and a house plans.

It's been really inspiring to me so how knows I might go back to that furniture/case good line a boxed away a few years ago.


Very excited for you!!!!!!

omg

i'd love to see some of your work!

im in the process of fixing up a screwed up plan for an interior decorator friend. Trade off She's gonna come and help me get my house in tip top shape.

If you need ANYTHING, templets, blocks, anything let me know. I have tons of to scale foundations, blocks, widows, doors, fireplaces etc. Years of work saved.

im excited for you too sweets

 

[Mr. dB]

I'm surprised someone doesn't have an Excel spreadsheet that does all those calculations. It could probably all fit on one page.

 

[Frisky]

I'm surprised someone doesn't have an Excel spreadsheet that does all those calculations. It could probably all fit on one page.

im sure i could make one with no prob, i'd like something more portable than my laptop for when i meet with clients though.

I just go the laptop and normally it stays home while i go to work and sometimes i end up making a spur of the moment meeting with a homeowner.

 

[EnderJE]

im sure i could make one with no prob, i'd like something more portable than my laptop for when i meet with clients though.

I just go the laptop and normally it stays home while i go to work and sometimes i end up making a spur of the moment meeting with a homeowner.

Get a PDA and put it on that.

Wait.

Lemme guess, you want me to add it to the list.

 

[Frisky]

Get a PDA and put it on that.

Wait.

Lemme guess, you want me to add it to the list.

yep

that would be da shit

 

[MattTheSkywalker]

most of the riser and tread shit is defined by local building code...here in FL anyway, so it just becomes a math problem, and you can get the dimensions off of the elevations or floor plans. That's what the scale is for.

I've never used them, and my projects have had some ridiculous staircases...

That said.....

if it makes your life easier, then yeah, spend the money.

 

[velvett]

most of the riser and tread shit is defined by local building code...here in FL anyway, so it just becomes a math problem, and you can get the dimensions off of the elevations or floor plans. That's what the scale is for.

I've never used them, and my projects have had some ridiculous staircases...

That said.....

if it makes your life easier, then yeah, spend the money.

You're funny.

You have to draw those elevations first before you can measure them.

And of course the count of tread and risers would depend of the ceiling height, stair layout, landings and final tread to riser ratio.

As for scale - well that's really just about plot size.

Which just goes to prove it really is all about size and inches after all.

 

[Frisky]

most of the riser and tread shit is defined by local building code...here in FL anyway, so it just becomes a math problem, and you can get the dimensions off of the elevations or floor plans. That's what the scale is for.

I've never used them, and my projects have had some ridiculous staircases...

That said.....

if it makes your life easier, then yeah, spend the money.

im still debating if it will or not. I do this for the benifit of the homeowner but any good contractor will figure it all out on his own, just as a good roofer can figure out the shingles, etc. I like to provide my homeowners with as much information up front as possible.

The ones im working with now would like material estimates, its a bitch for me to complete a plan... then they realize they either want to increase or decrease the square footage due to price. If i can do all of this before i complete the 'final' touch on the plans it may make my life easier.

I do way to much for these people.. and charge way too little

btw, matty, what is the going rate for a full set of plans in your area?

 

[MattTheSkywalker]

im still debating if it will or not. I do this for the benifit of the homeowner but any good contractor will figure it all out on his own, just as a good roofer can figure out the shingles, etc. I like to provide my homeowners with as much information up front as possible.

The ones im working with now would like material estimates, its a bitch for me to complete a plan... then they realize they either want to increase or decrease the square footage due to price. If i can do all of this before i complete the 'final' touch on the plans it may make my life easier.

I do way to much for these people.. and charge way too little

btw, matty, what is the going rate for a full set of plans in your area?

No idea. In FL, you can use a "home designer", but you must have an engineer of record to file plans with the city.

 

[MattTheSkywalker]

You're funny.

You have to draw those elevations first before you can measure them.

And of course the count of tread and risers would depend of the ceiling height, stair layout, landings and final tread to riser ratio.

As for scale - well that's really just about plot size.

Which just goes to prove it really is all about size and inches after all.

Drawing the shit is a simple computer program. It scales itself.

In FL all that shit is defined by local building codes. Your risers and treads have to stay within certain boundaries, so it's not really an issue. Must be the old peeps living here, or all the builders who want to cut 100000000000000000 treads for a development all at once.

I like tacos.

 

[velvett]

Drawing the shit is a simple computer program. It scales itself.

Clearly you've never drawn nor plotted a cad drawing - and I mean real Autocad program not the $29.99 crap you buy at Best Buy.

It's drawn lifesize and only "scaled" down when it is plotted - a human being imputs the data into the "simple" computer program so those stairs and "simple shit" don't scale themselves nor does the drawing just appear when you push a button unless it's a block or an xref.

Damn, I wish my kitchens would have just drawn themselves - I'd get paid to play.

 

[MattTheSkywalker]

Clearly you've never drawn nor plotted a cad drawing - and I mean real Autocad program not the $29.99 crap you buy at Best Buy.

It's drawn lifesize and only "scaled" down when it is plotted - a human being imputs the data into the "simple" computer program stair and "simple shit" doesn't just appear when you push a button unless it's a block or an xref.

Damn, I wish my kitchens would have just drawn themselves - I'd get paid to play.

I also am not a good example because I design a house by handing out pages from magazines and saying "do that".

My checks clear though and I pay fast.

 

[velvett]

I also am not a good example because I design a house by handing out pages from magazines and saying "do that".

My checks clear though and I pay fast.

LOL

You hire people that do because you don't know how, that's what makes the world go round. And that's not designing, that's just knowing what you like.

But it takes a bigger person just admit that they don't know something than try to make it appear that other seems that they don't know what they are talking about.

You might want to try it sometime, you know, between check writing.

 

[MattTheSkywalker]

LOL

You hire people that do because you don't know how, that's what makes the world go round. And that's not designing, that's just knowing what you like.

But it takes a bigger person just admit that they don't know something than try to make it appear that other seems that they don't know what they are talking about.

You might want to try it sometime, you know, between check writing.

Stuff I suck at

cooking
bowling
skiing
vacuuming
hockey (ok at roller hockey)
choosing flowers
saying no to chocolate

That's all I'm admitting here.

 

[Frisky]

lol

its amazing how people think that just one click and the damn thing draws itself, scales itself, dimensions itself...

My homeowners are the same, think i can make a change when the entire plan is done and its nothing.. hell you change an exterior wall and it changes the elevations, floor plans, roof plan and foundation plan. its not that damn easy to move that wall 2' over sugar, everything has to change when you do that.

most think its a click of the button and all just magically changes it self. Lol BOTH in my houseplans and the oilfield work i do.

its alot more than just lines... everything has to be the exact dimension so that when you plot it it comes out to scale. I wish i could just scribble some lines and then fudge dimensions and that would work... but thats not the case

lol

 

[MattTheSkywalker]

lol

its amazing how people think that just one click and the damn thing draws itself, scales itself, dimensions itself...

My homeowners are the same, think i can make a change when the entire plan is done and its nothing.. hell you change an exterior wall and it changes the elevations, floor plans, roof plan and foundation plan. its not that damn easy to move that wall 2' over sugar, everything has to change when you do that.

most think its a click of the button and all just magically changes it self. Lol BOTH in my houseplans and the oilfield work i do.

its alot more than just lines... everything has to be the exact dimension so that when you plot it it comes out to scale. I wish i could just scribble some lines and then fudge dimensions and that would work... but thats not the case

lol

I hear you...for real....but let's not be over dramatic...for the most part it does draw itself - if it is load bearing then the system warns you, etc. It's not rocket science, I've done it before and it is pretty easy to do.

You've seen those plans from like 1940 that engineers and architects drew by hand with engineers' rulers?

That's some shit.

 

[Frisky]

I hear you...for real....but let's not be over dramatic...for the most part it does draw itself - if it is load bearing then the system warns you, etc. It's not rocket science, I've done it before and it is pretty easy to do.

You've seen those plans from like 1940 that engineers and architects drew by hand with engineers' rulers?

That's some shit.

depends on what program your using.. autocad isn't like the solidsmodeling program i use at work. every line, is drawn by the end user. the system doesn't warn you.... you can fudge all you want. its up to the designer to make sure the dimensions are true, the pitch is true..etc.

Not sure what program you used, but my configuration of autocad doesn't warn me at all.

I've also done hand drawn house plans.. yep those were a bitch, esp with revisons. I have one of those said rulers and i use it daily. I'm pretty ol'school.

 

[Mr. dB]

You hire people that do because you don't know how, that's what makes the world go round. And that's not designing, that's just knowing what you like.

Arguing with a dilletente who thinks he's an architect and an engineer must be taxing...

 

[MattTheSkywalker]

Arguing with a dilletente who thinks he's an architect and an engineer must be taxing...

God forbid I ever think I am either of those. I would rather put out my eyes than do those jobs for a living.

 

[gotmilk]

I'm pretty ol'school.

What's business like since the HurriTsunaiWave hit?

 

[Tryn2]

I didnt read this thread, but your knowledge of shit I dont know about makes you that much hotter.......

 

[Frisky]

What's business like since the HurriTsunaiWave hit?

Crazy busy as of late. Lumber started dropping so people are trying to get in there fast.

 

[Frisky]

I didnt read this thread, but your knowledge of shit I dont know about makes you that much hotter.......

aww thank you hun

 

[EnderJE]

aww thank you hun

...

 

[velvett]

I hear you...for real....but let's not be over dramatic...for the most part it does draw itself - if it is load bearing then the system warns you, etc. It's not rocket science, I've done it before and it is pretty easy to do.

You've seen those plans from like 1940 that engineers and architects drew by hand with engineers' rulers?

That's some shit.

I'm not in a sugar coating mood so I will just come out with it.

You're so wrong it's no longer funny...

I've been drawing by hand for 14 years and the only comparision I can think of is the difference between hand writing a term paper verses typing one - yah typing one with a typewriter or word processor - no spell check no grammar check you would be responsible for your own spelling and your own grammar usage.

I hope that you are just kidding around and being a pain in the ass because if what you think and what you are saying you think are true - than my clients are even more potentially ignorant than I already know.

Truly scary.


As for calculators I have two project caluclators (both were under 100 bucks ) and a very basic hand handheld one and a few scale rulers and I will tell you I use the the basic calculator, scrap paper and my scale the most often.

Sometimes I will sketch the stairs on grid paper in 1/4" moreso for stair parts than anything else and use my scale and calculator - for me it's easier to just see it in my head and do the numbers that way and check myself the old fashioned way. That said, I think it's what you are used to that sometimes works best.

In regard to investment - only do it if you feel confident that it will improve on what you aleady know how to do or help you work faster.

 

[velvett]

I didnt read this thread, but your knowledge of shit I dont know about makes you that much hotter.......

Seriously right?

 

[gotmilk]

Crazy busy as of late. Lumber started dropping so people are trying to get in there fast.

Are the ports fully open? I can get cheap-ass lumber easily. Shipping is the problem lately

 

[Mr. dB]

God forbid I ever think I am either of those. I would rather put out my eyes than do those jobs for a living.

Well, when you make statements like "I designed my own house" that's what your're implying.

 

[Megalomaniac]

I designed and built this myself.

 

[Tryn2]

Of course...Its not e-flirting either....There are some very good looking women on here. Some however carry themselves very well. She's always stood out, having a specialty and knowing her shit about it is very hot.....Smart women who happen to be very attractive are cream of the crop...............Looks always catch the eye point blank.....When they are intelligent it just takes your breathe away.

 

[gotmilk]

I designed and built this myself.

Did you use a Casio Tax and Exchange Dual Leaf solar SL-200TE calculator?

 

[Megalomaniac]

Did you use a Casio Tax and Exchange Dual Leaf solar SL-200TE calculator?

exactly, well for the field work. I stuck to autocad for most of the larger figures and concepts.

 

[big4life]

I can't draw/design worth a shit, but I admire anyone who can create something in their head, put it on paper, and then have it built. That takes talent and skill, no matter what tools they use.

 

[gotmilk]

I can't draw/design worth a shit, but I admire anyone who can create something in their head, put it on paper, and then have it built. That takes talent and skill, no matter what tools they use.

I like taking the original drawings, copying them with a color copier, and framing them.

 

[big4life]

I like taking the original drawings, copying them with a color copier, and framing them.

One of the cool things that came with my house is the original drawings. I found them in the back of my hallway closet. It's a basic 1960 ranch, but the drawings are still cool.

 

[MattTheSkywalker]

Well, when you make statements like "I designed my own house" that's what your're implying.

Construction from the ground up requires a lot of knowledge about a lot of shit. Architects, desginers, even engineers are like the building trades - they know what they know and they don't know anything else about the project. A plumber knows plumbing. An HVAC guy knows air-conditioning, An architect (or worse) designer knows architecture and design. That's what they do by trade. None of them can collectively put a project together.

Do I know as much as a plumber about plumbing? No, and I don't need to. Do I know when the plumber didn't use his head and took up too much space in the trusses and now I have to have the truss re-engineered because the plumber fucked up? Yep.

Do I know as much about engineering as my engineer? Of course not, but I know which materials I am going to use before he prepares the drawings I will file with the city, and that makes his life easier (and my bill cheaper).

You could go to any tradesperson on my crews and they would know much more about their trade, than I would. And I know more about the every trade BUT theirs...and this is applicable across all trades, from architect to insulation.

Integrating the skill sets is a MUCH higher level skill set than being a tradesperson, architect or designer. Knowing when to bring in each trade is what I mean by "designed and built my own house". Did I hunch over a desk with a CAD program ? Fuck no, let a drafting student do that for his architect boss. I told him how it should look and what materials should be used. Then I bought the materials. Then I supervised the construction until it looked right. Then, in with the next trade. It's not rocket science mang.

I'm amused at criticism from a collection of people who work with a simple (yes it is simple) computer program and defend it so vigourously. Ever wonder why it's the builders, not the plumbers, architects or designers who live in $5M homes? Now ya know.

 

[Mr. dB]

I'm amused at criticism from a collection of people who work with a simple (yes it is simple) computer program and defend it so vigourously. Ever wonder why it's the builders, not the plumbers, architects or designers who live in $5M homes? Now ya know.

Then you're a contractor...

 

[Frisky]

Construction from the ground up requires a lot of knowledge about a lot of shit. Architects, desginers, even engineers are like the building trades - they know what they know and they don't know anything else about the project. A plumber knows plumbing. An HVAC guy knows air-conditioning, An architect (or worse) designer knows architecture and design. That's what they do by trade. None of them can collectively put a project together.

Do I know as much as a plumber about plumbing? No, and I don't need to. Do I know when the plumber didn't use his head and took up too much space in the trusses and now I have to have the truss re-engineered because the plumber fucked up? Yep.

Do I know as much about engineering as my engineer? Of course not, but I know which materials I am going to use before he prepares the drawings I will file with the city, and that makes his life easier (and my bill cheaper).

You could go to any tradesperson on my crews and they would know much more about their trade, than I would. And I know more about the every trade BUT theirs...and this is applicable across all trades, from architect to insulation.

Integrating the skill sets is a MUCH higher level skill set than being a tradesperson, architect or designer. Knowing when to bring in each trade is what I mean by "designed and built my own house". Did I hunch over a desk with a CAD program ? Fuck no, let a drafting student do that for his architect boss. I told him how it should look and what materials should be used. Then I bought the materials. Then I supervised the construction until it looked right. Then, in with the next trade. It's not rocket science mang.

I'm amused at criticism from a collection of people who work with a simple (yes it is simple) computer program and defend it so vigourously. Ever wonder why it's the builders, not the plumbers, architects or designers who live in $5M homes? Now ya know.

matt...

oh not to get bitchy here.. but listen one sec

not all homeowners know this shit, not all know what they want. Most don't even know what a damn 2x4 is. So sure i'm just a draftsperson but i have to know all this shit, from plumbing to electrical.. rafters, floor joists, pitches, framing, interior and exterior.. from the ground up. Concrete specs, insulations. ALL OF IT.

So it may 'just be' a computer program I plug it all into, but i couldn't do it blindly.. don't fool yourself thinking auto cad has it all avaliable for me. Its all custom done customer to customer

I refuse to work for an architect! Why? Becuase they don't do a fucking thing. and they pay their draftspeople like shit!

I don't sit here and call your job 'simple' becaue i've never done it from beginning to end of project. Do mine from beginning to end.. meaning deal with the homeower, the tons of questions (yes they want to know everything from us too) Deal with the changes in the plans that they assume are nothing but end up setting me back a day or two.. which is hours of work to move one fucking exterior wall. Deal with the 'why' can't it look like this, can you see if you can make this look this way .... blah blah blah.

Im amazed at how people discount and belittle the people that are behind the scenes. If you think its so easy, ah.. then lets see you deal with two freaking adults, bitching over every damn spec of the house... not even knowing what they want nor any perception of dimensions on paper. Then have to know answers to all of their questions.. from ac to window.. from interior flooring to plumbing and electrical?

Sure its easy to say... ah what you do ain't shit.. until you decide to take a walk on the other side.

 

[MattTheSkywalker]

Then you're a contractor...

I do that. I also manage the financial end of stuff.

I also eat mexican food and upon completion of the job take my crews to happy hour at the strip club of their choice.

Beer, anyone?

 

[Frisky]

btw, a builder wouldn't have shit if it wern't for the little people like me making his life easier.

 

[MattTheSkywalker]

Frisky

We got out of the construction biz in NY because we got sick of homeowners. real conversation (and I am sure velvett has heard 100000 of these)


Surgeon's wife: I don't like the grout in the 5th bathroom
Our guy: OK, we'll change it, it's be $X.

Surgeon: that's kinda high, it's just tile and grout.
Our guy: I had my knee scoped last year. The doctor charged me $4000. I didn;t say "Come on doc, it's just a knee". This is the price.

We got back into this business so we could manage it end to end and not have to deal with homeowners. I know your pain.

 

[Frisky]

Are the ports fully open? I can get cheap-ass lumber easily. Shipping is the problem lately

Shipping locally?

Not sure of the shipping out of state with the lumber co's i deal with.

and actually lumber doesn't have much of a mark up.. most assume it does but where the co's make their money is on the other shit. Electrical, doors, plumbing, roofing, cabinets, etc. They mark that shit up sometimes in the excess of 70%.

I worked in sales for a lumber co, doing also some material takeoffs and new home projects. My X also works in that field and when we were remodeling, we were able to get most things at cost, It wasn't the lumber we saved on, It was paint, doors.. all the other finising things.

One pointer i can tell you and i tell my homeowners, is don't settle. Go in get a bid and then go get at least 3 other bids. Then work the lumber co's you want to use. Give them the bottom number and tell them to beat it. You'll be surprised at how badly they want your business. I've seen instances where they make little profit just to get the business and advertise a damn sign at the construction site.. if its a good area.

I had to do plenty of dealing with homeowners and go back and forth with my supervisor, most times I didn't want to take the cut but because of the location, they would anyway.. which sucked for my commission.

 

[velvett]

Then you're a contractor...

Well he IS something, contractor isn't what would come time mind first...

 

[Frisky]

Frisky

We got out of the construction biz in NY because we got sick of homeowners. real conversation (and I am sure velvett has heard 100000 of these)


Surgeon's wife: I don't like the grout in the 5th bathroom
Our guy: OK, we'll change it, it's be $X.

Surgeon: that's kinda high, it's just tile and grout.
Our guy: I had my knee scoped last year. The doctor charged me $4000. I didn;t say "Come on doc, it's just a knee". This is the price.

We got back into this business so we could manage it end to end and not have to deal with homeowners. I know your pain.

Oh i understand

and granted not all draftspeople go to the detail i go to, or care to understand the building process.. they just plug and play. I come from a background in the lumber business.. doing material takeoffs and estimations. working with roofers, plumbers, etc.. they wouldn't even have to tell me what they needed.. i would have it all together and ready to go.

I exceeded my expectations as a draftsperson, but I pride myself in my work and my knowledge of the building industry. I can estimate insulation to flooring to roof shingles... not becuase it was required, but because if feel to better help my customer I have to have a solid understanding of the building process.

maybe im few and far inbetween, and trust me I know quite a few draftspeople I wouldn't let design a dog house for me much less something im paying half a mil for.

I do these plans for little profit, sometimes if any after i pay for copies, etc. I go above and beyond the expectations any draftsperson i know does. From researching window specs, uv rating, doors.. etc. If they have a question, any question.. ill get them an answer.

I've often times ended up in the hole, countless hours of work and minimal pay.. not even enough to say it was worth it. Should i raise my prices? Prolly so, and maybe i will soon, being im about a 1/4 of the going rate here. I love what I do, I love seeing how happy my customer is with the finished product and being able to go and enjoy that view myself when its all done.

gosh im a schmuck

LOL

 

[velvett]

Knowing when to bring in each trade is what I mean by "designed and built my own house".

You were your own production manager.

Wow, class - lets all be very impressed.

 

[velvett]

Frisky

We got out of the construction biz in NY because we got sick of homeowners. real conversation (and I am sure velvett has heard 100000 of these)


Surgeon's wife: I don't like the grout in the 5th bathroom
Our guy: OK, we'll change it, it's be $X.

Surgeon: that's kinda high, it's just tile and grout.
Our guy: I had my knee scoped last year. The doctor charged me $4000. I didn;t say "Come on doc, it's just a knee". This is the price.

We got back into this business so we could manage it end to end and not have to deal with homeowners. I know your pain.

LOL

The only thing people understand is an INVOICE with a change order attached and until the invoice is paid the job is shut down.

Take the client's MONEY and the client's TIME - is the only way to get the job done.

In my experience the only way to be successful out by me (where one guy has more money than the next and it's never "about the money" ) is to be a bigger asshole than the client with disposable $$$ - it's something I don't like and has taken me a few years to swallow but it is sink or swim.

I've waited 20 weeks for custom cabinetry (media room) from a furniture maker and had the client change their mind after it was installed, even thought there were marked periods of approval from drawings, to wood, to finish and stain samples to the actual cabinetry set up live in a warehouse for the last approval before it goes into the finishing room.

And somehow that becomes my problem.

It's dirty business but from what I gather all industries - all business are the same.

All I can say is - respect the trades because practical hands on knowledge and experience is more valuable than anything you can read in a book or learn in class.

And by trades I mean the plumber, electrican, mason, tile installer, painter, roofer, framer and yeah even the draftsperson - but those people will often know more than the GC/builder, architect and the designer.

Knowing what looks pretty doesn't mean you know how to build it.

 

[gotmilk]

and actually lumber doesn't have much of a mark up..

We get it directly from the mills here in Maine....anything that cannot be turned into prime lumber ends up at their pulp mill and turned into paper products...or Q-tips.

Our main port has piles and piles of cheap Douglas Fir, Red Cedar, Yellow Cedar, Hem, and shitpiles of Chinese Teak. You're right about lumber not having much of a markup...it sucks.

I was just curious how the damage to the Southern ports affected importing wood products. Importing and unloading must be a pain due to the lack of working docks.

 

[Frisky]

We get it directly from the mills here in Maine....anything that cannot be turned into prime lumber ends up at their pulp mill and turned into paper products...or Q-tips.

Our main port has piles and piles of cheap Douglas Fir, Red Cedar, Yellow Cedar, Hem, and shitpiles of Chinese Teak. You're right about lumber not having much of a markup...it sucks.

I was just curious how the damage to the Southern ports affected importing wood products. Importing and unloading must be a pain due to the lack of working docks.

not sure about the docks here.. im most certain the lack of had alot to do with a crazy increase in prices. Alot of our shipments are truck shipped out of Miss, Ark, i'm guessing just the particular mill we chose to use. Not sure what they are using now though, My x still is in the business, i've been out for going on 10 years. I still deal alot with it but not that aspect of it.

 

[chesty]

Clearly you've never drawn nor plotted a cad drawing - and I mean real Autocad program not the $29.99 crap you buy at Best Buy.

It's drawn lifesize and only "scaled" down when it is plotted - a human being imputs the data into the "simple" computer program so those stairs and "simple shit" don't scale themselves nor does the drawing just appear when you push a button unless it's a block or an xref.

Damn, I wish my kitchens would have just drawn themselves - I'd get paid to play.

Autocad? Your kidding right? I use Catia, UG, SolidWorks, ProE, etc. Now those are real CAD programs.

 

[Mr. dB]

Autocad? Your kidding right? I use Catia, UG, SolidWorks, ProE, etc. Now those are real CAD programs.

I was waiting for this...

 

[chesty]

I was waiting for this...

I just can't believe AutoCad still exists!

 

[velvett]

Autocad? Your kidding right? I use Catia, UG, SolidWorks, ProE, etc. Now those are real CAD programs.

Did we actually read the thread or do you want to just try and insult me? (I don't have to take the time to insult you - you do that all by yourself to yourself when you post about your ex-wife(s), girlfriends or dating experiences)

Now, class be impressed with Chesty he uses the big boy CAD programs AND knows them by name.

My point was - the information is imputed by you the program does not just draw itself and tell you when you make a mistake in your design.

 

[chesty]

Did we actually read the thread or do you want to just try and insult me? (I don't have to take the time to insult you - you do that all by yourself to yourself when you post about your ex-wife(s), girlfriends or dating experiences)

Now, class be impressed with Chesty he uses the big boy CAD programs AND knows them by name.

My point was - the information is imputed by you the program does not just draw itself and tell you when you make a mistake in your design.

Your right I talk about my ex, big deal, if you can't take humor than don't reply, and btw

it is inputed, not IMPUTED.

 

[Mr. dB]

You're both wrong, the past tense of the verb "to input" is "input". "The information is input by you the program does not just draw itself..."

 

[velvett]

LOL

Yep it's no secret I need an editor.

 

[Frisky]

i use both solid works and auto cad.. and truth be known, solidworks is alot easier once you learn the functions

so fucking easy to say blah blah,.. all these other programs basically tell you ... oh no you can't do that.. where as auto cad will allow you to do what ever you want.. thats where your knowledge of the application comes in.

 

[velvett]

Your right I talk about my ex, big deal, if you can't take humor than don't reply, and btw

it is inputed, not IMPUTED.

Darlin' - that wasn't humor nor was my comment it was basic cattiness.

The input thought - now THAT is funny.

 

[chesty]

I try. And yes, inputed is a word, to be technically correct one has made inputs, or an input has been made, but one also may have inputed something, like during sex.