Saturday, October 22, 2011

Custom Built-In

This week I've been working on a large custom built-in unit. The term 'Built-In' doesn't really do it justice. More like a built-in bookcase/entertainment center/fireplace mantle/storage unit. This thing is a beast, 8'tall x 9' wide.
If you read my last post you'll know that building something this large poses a few challenges for me. I've had to do a little re-arranging in the shop to make space for it but I'm managing.
I felt it made the most sense to take some careful measurements and build this unit in my shop(where all my tools are) as opposed to loading up my entire shop in the cargo trailer and building it on site. That being said, it was rather nerve racking transporting it all to the location. So, while I still think it made better sense to build it in the shop, the issue of transporting will play a larger role in my decision making process in the future. Everything made it safely to it's final location so, it all worked out in the end.
The built-in is made up of 6 modular units; a base(platform), 2 large base cabinets, 2 bookcases and a mantle piece that spans between the two bookcases. Each component was built to custom specs determined by the height and length of the wall and the sizes of the existing TV and electric fireplace. But the real customization came at the installation. There are only so many details that can be pre-determined, some things need to be accounted for on-site. Aside from accommodating some of the miscellaneous details, I also had to relocate the clients 60" flat screen. 1". It's kind of crazy but it had to be done. So, with the TV relocated and the fireplace set into place it was time to
move forward securing the cabinets. Once all the cabinets were set, it was time to install the shelves in the bookcases, install the base moulding and then, the crown moulding. And that was pretty much it. Final paint touch up was to be done by the homeowner. So, with that I packed up my tools, cleaned up,  took some photos and called it done.

Notable features include:
Doors for storage cabinet
Adjustable shelving
Crown moulding
Black Granite tile Hearth
Customized to fit TV & fireplace

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Workshop Set-up

Over this past weekend I spent some time in the workshop cleaning and organizing. My shop was on the verge of being over-run by scraps and sawdust, which is just the way I like it but, sometimes enough is enough. Not only is a messy shop an unsafe workshop, it is also a less productive workshop. So, while I may feel more at home being surrounded by sawdust and woodscraps, I felt it was time to clean up.
For me, doing a little shop cleanup ends up being more of an exercise in re-arranging and organizing my work space. It seems to be this never-ending quest to 'get it just right'.  I guess if you have a large enough workshop with designated areas set-up you may not be constantly trying to re-invent your space. However, I haven't quite gotten to that point. My workshop is in the garage of my home, which I also share with the laundry, workout area, bicycles, and storage. So, after all that, I have about a 10'x16' space to work in.
Most of my tools are on mobile bases, so they can be stored out of the way and rolled out when needed. This is pretty much a necessity in a smaller shop. Being able to roll tools that aren't being used out of the way is probably the only way I can make this small space work.  Having many of my tools on mobile bases goes a long way towards getting the most out of my space but it seems like I am still always struggling to find a good layout. 
I guess the biggest obstacle I have comes back to the limited space that I have.  My workspace is just fine for working on small projects, cutting small materials, making repairs etc.  It is when I go to build something large (like the large built-in I'm getting ready to begin) that I really start itching for more space.  I'll have the shop set up and organized just the way I want it and once the large project begins to take up more and more space I start re-thinking my layout. 
Maybe one of these days I'll come up with the perfect layout or maybe I'll come up with a larger dedicated workshop.  Until then, however, I'll just jump on here and vent.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Apartment Rehab

This Fall we've been working on an old apartment complex in Speedway, IN. This particular complex is under new ownership, and they have decided to do a relatively extensive overhaul of the place. As you can imagine, if you've ever lived in an older apartment, they are in desperate need of some TLC.
Our role in this project is doing the interior finish. We are installing new lighting, window coverings, bathroom accessories, bathroom vanity, closet doors, kitchen countertops, and some units get all new kitchen cabinets. Nothing fancy, mostly low budget inexpensive fixtures, but it's all new and a major improvement.
I haven't done too much work in multi-family residential construction. Most of my experience is single family semi-custom homes. It's a bit of an adjustment working in vacant apartments as opposed to someone's home.
So, while this work isn't too difficult or anything I haven't done before, I got to thinking the other day that it's good practice. We could all use some practice, whether an experienced carpenter or a beginner.
I had this thought the other day, when discussing the project with my crew, one of which has limited experience. It's a fast paced/production style atmosphere and the materials are inexpensive(which means I can let guys get their hands on things that I would normally insist on doing myself).
While this project may not be anything too exciting, nothing fancy, or maybe I won't be getting any cool photos, the one thing my crew and I can take from it is the practice and experience. Both of which are invaluable for any tradesman.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Difficult Decisions

Well, seems like I have quite a bit on my mind for this post but I'm not even really sure where to begin.
I guess I'll start by saying that I have recently (this week) made a big change in the path I am taking my carpentry business. For the past 5-1/2 years I have been doing work as an independent installation contractor, installing displays in retail. We did work for a wide variety of clients who I will leave nameless. Basically we would get contracted by 3 entities; retailers, brands, and fixture manufacturers. For the first three years I did this work it was relatively steady and profitable but for the last couple years the volume of work just hasn't been there. I think most if not all of this change is due to the economy. As 'third-party' installers our role in the retail world is one of the first things to go. I believe that many companies, in an effort to save money, choose to do the work themselves. Or, find some other, more affordable option(s).
As another twist, I became a husband in April of 2010 and a father this past May. Having a family has dramatically changed how I view a job with unpredictable hours, random travel, and an unstable income.
In 2009 when things really began to take a turn for the worst, I started my own business, 'Carpentry Plus'. In the beginning it was pretty slow, but I guess that's to be expected. However, since those first few months, work has steadily been increasing to the point where I have chosen to apply myself 100% to providing quality carpentry services throughout central Indiana.
It hasn't been an easy decision, as this is something I have thought long and hard about for several months now. As my business has been growing, it has been nice to have a safety net to fall back on, to fill in my down times. At this point though, there has been a shift in the balance of where my work is coming from. My business has nearly grown to the point where it is now providing me with full time work and an adequate income for my family.
Of course, there is much more that went into my decision making process but ultimately, the dramatic shift in the balance of the source of income has put me where I am today.
This has been a difficult decision for me to make as I have thought long and hard on it for months now. But, in the end, it was a no-brainer. I believe that by giving my business everything I have, it will continue to grow and be profitable.
Thanks for reading.