Learning the trades

[cgmojoco]

I'm building a house on my property and would like to learn as much as I can about the trades of construction in as many facets possible over the next year.  I want to learn as much as I can through reading materials.  Does anyone have any recommendations?

I've subscribed to the Journal of Light Construction and have their back isssues usb stick that I find very useful but they are lacking in thorough step by step processes for trades and are more geared for TIPS or augmenting general trade knowledge.  I've read a few books I purchased from the local borg for some trades....not sure if that is the best way to go....any advice welcome

 

[Wuffles]

You said any advice welcome, so here's mine.

You can't beat on the job experience, I don't care what anyone says. Everything I have learned about building/construction in the past 8 years is from watching people who know what they are doing, intently, and asking questions. I bought books at the outset and tried to read about it, but it simply doesn't work like that. Does depend on how hands-on you are intending to be of course. If you just want an understanding so you know no-one is pulling the wool over your eyes perhaps the books will help.

You can always learn from your own mistakes, but know your limits so the mistakes aren't too expensive.

Just my 1 pence (at today's exchange rate).

 

[ShawnRussell]

Volunteer for a Habitat for Humanity project. Also check local High Schools and see if I you can volunteer in class. I approached a local builder and offered free gopher(may be spelled go-for) in exchange for knowledge. The gopher approach may be limited due to insurance and risk, the person I asked was a friend of a friend.

 

[Sparktrician]

I'm going to suggest that you first make friends with a good construction project manager, one that has the PMP (Project Management Professional) designation after his (or her) name.  Get that person to go through the sequencing of trades on a given job site so you understand the interrelationship of the various trades' functions.  Then get with someone from each of the trades and spend time as a go-fer for them.  You'd be surprised how much you'll learn, and with boots on the ground, you'll have a much better understanding of the issues that confront each of the trades and why they're sequenced in a certain manner.  You'll also learn how one supplier's or contractor's failure to perform timely affects the rest of the project. 

 

[rizzoa13]

I don't know about residential but commercial project managers are about the most worthless guys on a job site. They have very minimal knowledge of anything except scheduling and punch list.

My advice, don't stress about learning too much before you actually get your hands on something. It's easy enough with the internet nowadays to figure out the correct way to do something, the skills will only come with hands on practice so you'll make mistakes but be patient.

P.S. Take your time on the rough work and make sure everything is square, level and plumb. You'll thank yourself later.

 

[tjbnwi]

Invest in material and practice. Better a waste on a test bench than on the house.

Tom

 

[deepcreek]

Do you intend to do everything yourself or oversee different subcontractors performing the actual work?

 

[blk65brd]

"I'm going to suggest that you first make friends with a good construction project manager, one that has the PMP (Project Management Professional) designation after his (or her) name.  Get that person to go through the sequencing of trades on a given job site so you understand the interrelationship of the various trades' functions.  Then get with someone from each of the trades and spend time as a go-fer for them.  You'd be surprised how much you'll learn, and with boots on the ground, you'll have a much better understanding of the issues that confront each of the trades and why they're sequenced in a certain manner.  You'll also learn how one supplier's or contractor's failure to perform timely affects the rest of the project."

Just to set the record straight about PMP's, there is some value and I do have one behind my name but I have also been working on my own house which was started in 1989 and is still not finished so I was able in my professional life as a PMP to complete numerous construction projects (Wireless, Cellular construction) it left me little time to manage my own life and the single resource I have working, me, my better half does the same thing I do, it is a 7 day a week 16 hour a day job which for now I am free of having just competed 502 sites in the Shenandoah Valley.  I do know what the trades do but also track the schedule and the punch items, no job is done and acceptable and billable until all of that is done.  As for building your own home, it is a very rewarding experience, when I started I did read everything there was out there, and in 1989 it wasn't on the internet as it is today, Journal of Light Construction was in print and it seemed every month it came out I was learning something about what I was doing at the time. We hired an architect friend who did all of the framing on the Queen Anne Victorian home and we have been finishing it from there.  As a note there, never really understood the 22 1/2 degree angle impact to me until I became involved on finishing all of the 45 degree bump-outs and octagon towers on the house. Studying the building codes for the jurisdiction kept me mostly out of trouble, having a Father that was a retired journeyman electrician helped me with wiring those 3-way, 4-way, up to 6-way switch circuits, I asked him to come back at 93 and help me finish the wiring and make them all work, that was 23 years into an electrical permit and getting the final (very tolerant and understanding jurisdiction).  Making mistakes along the way are part of construction if it wasn't there would be no such thing as "punch items".  Just keep in mind what you see on the "reality" tv shows are not real life for you as a builder, your time will be your biggest factor in what you will be able to accomplish on your own, unless you are independently wealthy you will still have a real job.  Festool, this forum has been great now that I have time to use the "green" tools I have been accumulating with income from my "real" job, the last part of the house to finish is the formal "parlor", all done in cherry wood and molding that I ran on a W&H molding planer in my "free" time.  Bottom line it is a personally rewarding experience which has taken granted a long time but has been well worth it.

Best wishes in your efforts learning the trades.  All of the above is personal experience from a project management professional (PMP) who has numerous personal unfinished projects and punch items.

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

Invest in material and practice. Better a waste on a test bench than on the house.

Tom

I like Tom's suggestion.  Fortunately, for me as a young boy, my Dad taught me the basics. I used a coping saw to cut out a Maple Leaf Tie-Rack and an egg-beater drill to insert the dowels. I learned to use hand-tools to build a: shoe box, go-cart, bird house, etc.

I think that if you read some good books, watch videos, attend some workshops ( Our local Home Depot has classes on proper use of all power tools.) ...and just start making things for your shop ...ie: tool box, shelving, a tool cart, bench, cabinet, etc. ...and some simple things for your wife and kids like: cutting boards, stools, desk, table, toy box, etc. then you will have a grand experience. Just make sure you go slowly, use safety-first practices, and be sure to have an accurate square and level...then, the sky's the limit. Have fun.

 

[tjbnwi]

Chris,

Where are you located????? (narrow it down a little more than the USA)

Tom

 

[cgmojoco]

Thanks everyone for the info and ideas thus far.

Yes I'm definitley willing to put boots on ground.  Matter of fact had already asked several contractors if I might "ride along".  Never get anyone to bite probably because my availability usually is in ours where they are heading home...  Will try using the "gopher" term thanks!

I spent 6 months completley remodeling my main house of 2100 sq.ft...with my own hands for a lot of it...working before and after my real job seven days a week sometimes through the night.  When I had "professional" help on some things I noticed the quality varied...the knowledge varied...sometimes regardless of years proclaimed having been in the trade.  In hindsight and with knowledge Ive acquired since then...I probably would have fired a couple of those "pros" on day 1...before they wreaked the damage to a few jobs that Im only just now beginning to see the effects years later. That said I know I still have a ton to learn before I can do things properly myself and also accuraltey monitor quality of work in others.  Im not yet a carpenter but have taken several college courses on woodworking and have become fairly accomplished with furniture and cabinet technology hopefully that translates.over.  Ive done some electrical, some plumbing, some.shed building, grading...but Im always worried I'm missing something and the house will burn down!

Enough background I suppose really looking for literature references here for proper technique...for instance...flashing.  Is there no literature that reigns authority on proper method?  Would a book of code be a place to start? And is there a book or series that covers more than one trade that I can just jump into and read to both prepare and refer back to when the work starts ?  Most folks who can swing a hammer can also read I've found   Some can even write Im told.

Someone must have documented proper modern house building trade practices with step by steps...?

Im located in San Diego, CA.

Current thinking is very general...I'm going to build as much as I can with own hands but areas such as the foundation are going to be hiring out...so Im wanting for some.trades to check work quality and other things to do myself.

City has plans and we are on first round of corrections.

Christopher

 

[tjbnwi]

Not sure if you would travel to here for some shadow time.

Tom

 

[tiralie]

Christopher

Enough background I suppose really looking for literature references here for proper technique...for instance...flashing.  Is there no literature that reigns authority on proper method?  Would a book of code be a place to start? And is there a book or series that covers more than one trade that I can just jump into and read to both prepare and refer back to when the work starts ? 

Unless you quit your full time job it's unlikely a contractor will help you out...but you never know.
Check out Amazon and search for specific topics i.e. flashing, and then read the reviews. Sometimes you can learn as much from the reviews as you can from the book. Use the "Look inside" feature on Amazon. It will tell you a lot about the book and if it is appropriate for you and your experience. There is no panacea that will answer all your questions. When you find a book(s) that you think has the information you want buy it, read it with a purpose and apply it.

Also, when you see work that you think is good, check it out in detail, take pictures if you can. If the "Pro" is around take a minute to ask a specific question. Try to analyze how they got the results they did. This will take time.

In hindsight and with knowledge Ive acquired since then...I probably would have fired a couple of those "pros" on day 1...before they wreaked the damage to a few jobs that Im only just now beginning to see the effects years later.

Got any stories you care to relate? I am always interested in how informed customers judge a "pro".

City has plans and we are on first round of corrections.

Did you do the plans?

Tim

 

[cgmojoco]

I did a full set of plans...then hired an architect.  My plans ended up being a guide and he had to do a lot of the technical things I got wrong.  GLAD I hired an architect...though my plans were ok he made so much more of the available space...he also found a way to make a structure twice as big as what is apparent in city code...(there are obscure measures he found that allowed us to build larger)

PRO that laid my tile has been doing it his whole life.  I have cracking tiles everywhere...my fireplace that was remodeled was liable to catch fire and way off code...I had it redone to be safe...there was concrete poired down the kitchen sink and plumbing went about 6 months after work.was complete....someone cut with a tile saw upstairs without properly water proofing and my ceiling fan below blew out a few weeks after to let me.know...I can go on and on...the crap (literal human remains) found in a bucket in shed months after work was done was probably the worse....I am.five minutes.from a McDonalds bathroom...

 

[Paul G]

Read up on the codes as much as possible, that's going to be your bread and butter dealing with inspections. Ask your building dept folks what codes they go by. Manufacturer literature can be a good resource as well for dealing with specific products. This stuff will increase your knowledge, but the skill to do it well will only come by doing it and caring. Like you I've seen so much garbage work by 'pros' its quite discouraging to go that route paying good money wondering what nightmare awaits by the time the job is finally complete, but also knowing you don't know enough to do it all yourself. The question is when is human cloning gonna go mainstream so we can all have a Tom in the area?

 

[ShawnRussell]

>>>> I am always interested in how informed customers judge a "pro".

I always look at the things not seen. If someone takes the same care on work not seen that is the line of demarcation for a pro. Many will say that is a waste but for me that identifies the mentality. I know the person that cares about things not seen has the responsibility and maturity that I am looking for.

 

[Stephen B]

[size=10pt]
As an owner builder at the end stage, I offer the following -

1. Employ trades where you need assistance, and ask/insist that you labour with them. I was fortunate that in a rural area there were many single person trades people. Hence, I worked with a carpenter till lock up, assisted the plumber at all stages, plastered and employed a plasterer for the higher ceilings and most finish, laboured with the roofer. But could not work with electrical due to regs, (could have done computer network but we have now gone wifi). All the fit out and kitchen bathroom, painting, decks were/ are being completed by myself and partner. Being an artist she is good at painting and tiling and has a good eye for detail.

All this experience taught me much through hands on experiences across quite a few trades. Whilst you may not complete one task again in your life, you gain skills for others.

2. Your evolvement and enthusiasm, usually leads to a higher quality. You are also there to insist, or to be consulted, rather than tasks having to be redone because you find them unsatisfactory a day, week or month later.

3. Establish a good relationship with a few necessary suppliers. You can then be given discounts and more importantly you and they become more aware of each other's schedule/programs. This is particularly important in a rural area as for example; they may be only getting stock deliveries once or twice a week.

4. Establish a good relationship with the building inspector. Ours turned up for a chat and coffee 4 times in addition to the statutory progress inspections. Because of this, final inspection was a very complimentary process. In a very large house only three minor things to be corrected.

5. Plan a schedule and try to stick to it, but do not stress if you don't. You are in charge so try and enjoy the ride.

Biggest mistake, taking 4 years and still going, and now being interrupted by minor maintenance. Regret, started restoring our old house last year, before finishing this one.

Biggest pain - local council red tape. Eg. We live 20 metres above a flood plain (see Avatar) but because the nearest stump is less than 100 metres horizontally away, we had to pay for dispensation. If that stump had water lapping its base our nearest town would be 7 metres under water, and that town has never been flooded!

[smile] [big grin] [eek]

 

[Sparktrician]

...the crap (literal human remains) found in a bucket in shed months after work was done was probably the worse....I am.five minutes.from a McDonalds bathroom...

I am reminded of a drywall sub we once had.  Their own subs did one of the worst, sloppiest, dirtiest jobs I've ever seen, but the crowning touch was that one or more of the crew relieved themselves (both #1 and #2) in the ductwork of the house as they worked, and we had Port-a-Potties on-site for all the subs to use.  The owner of that company was held completely responsible for that clean-up job by a bio-hazard remediation company, and never used again despite earnest apologies.  

 

[Motown]

Hello Christopher, the JLC field guide has been really helpful to me (as a reference)......especially if I'm getting into something that I haven't done but feel confident I could do well or to the standard/code. Only thing....these may be dated at this point. I wish they updated them.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=JLC%20field%20guide

From my own personal experience, when I got started I made the typical mistake of taking on more than I could handle to save a buck which seemed to always result in me spending more than it would have cost to hire someone from the start. I am all for reading and getting educated but like one of the other guys said nothing teaches you better than being out in the field with a pro.

 

[tiralie]

I did a full set of plans...then hired an architect. 

Your architect will be a good source of "quality" contractors and suppliers. Good suppliers are also a good source of information both on technique and sub contractors. You do have to be persistent though.

he also found a way to make a structure twice as big as what is apparent in city code...(there are obscure measures he found that allowed us to build larger)

Like here, I am sure real estate in San Diego is relatively expensive so maximizing the size of your house is important but personally a large house (>2,000 sq f) seems more than enough for the average family. It is true here at least, that larger houses provide more profit for the builder because the perceived value is higher. I always wonder when the market will say enough is enough.

>>>> I am always interested in how informed customers judge a "pro".

I always look at the things not seen. If someone takes the same care on work not seen that is the line of demarcation for a pro. Many will say that is a waste but for me that identifies the mentality. I know the person that cares about things not seen has the responsibility and maturity that I am looking for.

Ya, but how do you know before they get there?

Many people rush into the decision or take a friends word before actually taking the time to talk to references and actually see the work. It amazes me.
Interesting that no one has mentioned cost (not budget). Cost, (time and money) not budget seems to drive so many poor decisions.

Tim