Hello again to my faithful followers (we're up to three!). I thought I would write a little today about job safety. It has been said that safety is no laughing matter (Just ask my friend, old nine fingered Rick from Fairfield). Personally, I think you can find humor in just about everything (Its just not always tasteful).
As times get tougher for us all, people tend to take on more than they may be capable of in terms of home repair and remodeling efforts. It has also been said that necessity is the mother of invention, and that pertains to this topic as well.
Those who take on the projects that may be a bit overwhelming usually do get them done eventually. And along the way they tend to learn from their mistakes. Easy enough if your mistake meant that you cut a piece of plywood wrong, or improperly calculated how much paint you will need.
However, if your mistake causes any injury to yourself or anyone else, it can cause financial and or emotional devastation, or even worse; It can cause the loss of life.
When safety is involved, it is advised to use common sense in making judgements, right? The trouble with that is that common sense just isn't as common as it should be.
I work with experienced carpenters still to this day whom I catch "pinning the guard" on a skill saw, using the drill without the screw on torque handle attached, or just leaving old boards around the job site with nails still protruding.
There are far too many potential scenarios to cover in one short blog, but be advised to keep your eyes open to all manner of dangerous situations you may potentially run into during the course of your particular project.
Don't fail to take necessary safety precautions because you are working in the privacy of your own home. Cover up holes in the floor, secure the doors to a deck if you have in any way compromised the integrity of the structure.
Always make sure that you and all occupants can get safely out in case of fire, and keep a fire extinguisher handy for all phases of your project. Also know where the main electrical panel as well as the gas and water supply valves are located and know how to turn them off prior to starting any project, whether or not you think it related.
In addition to planning your project, make an effort to plan your safety precautions as well. There is a lot at stake here, so take your time and take the time you need to do it safely.
That's all for now, Rob
Monday, October 5, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
Getting ready
Getting ready for a remodel sounds simple enough don't you think? After all you get ready for stuff all day long right? You get ready for work, you get ready for lunch, dinner, etc. etc. Those are things you do every day though and are seldom given much thought. Unless you remodel regularly, this will take some extra effort on your part.
No matter what your project will be, first make a plan. Let's say you are planning to remodel your one and only bathroom. You might find it comforting to know where you will be doing your business for the duration of your project. Do you have a back up in case that neighbor moves before you can finish the job? What will your neighbors say when the big blue porta-potty shows up in your front yard where you usually park the Chevy?
Does the job you have in mind require a permit? Finding out that it does after you have the job underway can be a bit of a show stopper. Imagine the local building inspector pulling in to your driveway as you are loading your old bath tub into the back of your cousins truck. When I told my inspector that it was the worst couch I had ever sat on, I found out he didn't have the sense of humor I had hoped he would!
It's good to know what you want before you start, but it's better to have what you want before you start. Imagine finding out the day after you did your demolition that the vanity cabinet you wanted was back ordered and wouldn't be in for at least 8 weeks? Where is your husband going to leave his moustache whiskers and nose hair trimmings until that cabinet shows up?
If you don't already have one, get a tape measure and use it frequently. Not only are they good for stealthily poking your kids, but measuring your old things before you take them out will assure that you don't end up carting that 300 pound cast iron tub up three flights of stairs only to find out that you will now need to step over your toilet to actually get into the tub. (Sorry John in Oakland, I know I promised I wouldn't tell, just remember to keep that seat down buddy!)
How long is this job going to take? How much is it going to cost? A general rule is to expect an 15% more than you initially anticipate. Maybe your kids wouldn't mind starting out in junior college?
I guess that will keep you thinking for while (Both of my readers!). Next time job safety? Don't forget, I do requests!
TTFN, Rob
No matter what your project will be, first make a plan. Let's say you are planning to remodel your one and only bathroom. You might find it comforting to know where you will be doing your business for the duration of your project. Do you have a back up in case that neighbor moves before you can finish the job? What will your neighbors say when the big blue porta-potty shows up in your front yard where you usually park the Chevy?
Does the job you have in mind require a permit? Finding out that it does after you have the job underway can be a bit of a show stopper. Imagine the local building inspector pulling in to your driveway as you are loading your old bath tub into the back of your cousins truck. When I told my inspector that it was the worst couch I had ever sat on, I found out he didn't have the sense of humor I had hoped he would!
It's good to know what you want before you start, but it's better to have what you want before you start. Imagine finding out the day after you did your demolition that the vanity cabinet you wanted was back ordered and wouldn't be in for at least 8 weeks? Where is your husband going to leave his moustache whiskers and nose hair trimmings until that cabinet shows up?
If you don't already have one, get a tape measure and use it frequently. Not only are they good for stealthily poking your kids, but measuring your old things before you take them out will assure that you don't end up carting that 300 pound cast iron tub up three flights of stairs only to find out that you will now need to step over your toilet to actually get into the tub. (Sorry John in Oakland, I know I promised I wouldn't tell, just remember to keep that seat down buddy!)
How long is this job going to take? How much is it going to cost? A general rule is to expect an 15% more than you initially anticipate. Maybe your kids wouldn't mind starting out in junior college?
I guess that will keep you thinking for while (Both of my readers!). Next time job safety? Don't forget, I do requests!
TTFN, Rob
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Room for improvement
Welcome to my light hearted remodel advice forum.
First, a little about my self so you know what qualifies me to advise you on your home remodeling projects.
My name is Rob Minarcin, and I am a licensed general contractor in the state of CA. I currently have an active license in the state of Texas as well, though I have yet to actually contract in Texas.
I started my own contracting business in 1998 and named it (un-imaginatively) Minarcin Construction Company. Several years ago on the advice of my book keeper, I incorporated as well. So far as I can tell, the only benefit to that particular move was that I can now tell people that "I am the President and C.E.O. of Minarcin Construction Company incorporated." More prestigious than just saying "I'm a contractor" don't cha think?
Alright, enough rambling on about me (27 years in the field), let's get to business. With the economy what it has been of late, I have found my self with some extra time (vast amounts) here and there (every day!). While searching the web for entrepreneurial opportunities (and free porn) I came across some do it your self home repair blogs on a site we will call (not the real name) carbon dioxide. There was picture of some (chubby) distinguished looking hair challenged (more than me!) older looking (laid off appellate court judge?) gentleman writing very serious (sometimes lacking important details) stories about changing water heaters and changing 2 prong plugs to 3 prong plugs. When I woke up from the spontaneous nap that caused, I realized there might be a place for me after all somewhere in the world wide web. Surely somewhere people are looking for remodeling advice and a simultaneous laugh?
On my next post I will give you some advice on how to prepare for the remodeling project you may have in mind. This will be pertinent whether you plan to do the work your self, or hire it out. I will do my best to answer specific questions you may have as well.
In the mean time, tell all of your friends about me (whether to steer clear or visit, your choice)! One thing I can promise about my blog; you will get your monies worth!
TTFN, Rob
First, a little about my self so you know what qualifies me to advise you on your home remodeling projects.
My name is Rob Minarcin, and I am a licensed general contractor in the state of CA. I currently have an active license in the state of Texas as well, though I have yet to actually contract in Texas.
I started my own contracting business in 1998 and named it (un-imaginatively) Minarcin Construction Company. Several years ago on the advice of my book keeper, I incorporated as well. So far as I can tell, the only benefit to that particular move was that I can now tell people that "I am the President and C.E.O. of Minarcin Construction Company incorporated." More prestigious than just saying "I'm a contractor" don't cha think?
Alright, enough rambling on about me (27 years in the field), let's get to business. With the economy what it has been of late, I have found my self with some extra time (vast amounts) here and there (every day!). While searching the web for entrepreneurial opportunities (and free porn) I came across some do it your self home repair blogs on a site we will call (not the real name) carbon dioxide. There was picture of some (chubby) distinguished looking hair challenged (more than me!) older looking (laid off appellate court judge?) gentleman writing very serious (sometimes lacking important details) stories about changing water heaters and changing 2 prong plugs to 3 prong plugs. When I woke up from the spontaneous nap that caused, I realized there might be a place for me after all somewhere in the world wide web. Surely somewhere people are looking for remodeling advice and a simultaneous laugh?
On my next post I will give you some advice on how to prepare for the remodeling project you may have in mind. This will be pertinent whether you plan to do the work your self, or hire it out. I will do my best to answer specific questions you may have as well.
In the mean time, tell all of your friends about me (whether to steer clear or visit, your choice)! One thing I can promise about my blog; you will get your monies worth!
TTFN, Rob
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