Common Definition: The way a door opens and closes.
Door Operation Type: Swing x 2
Unauthorized Definition: Doors operate in a variety of ways. But architects and builders prefer some types over others. Pros can be quite opinionated about door types. Disdain is universal for doors that are hard to install or need constant maintenance. Topping the evil door list is the pocket door!
What is Self Contracting?
Self contracting is the audacious idea that homeowners can manage their own construction projects. By eliminating the general contractor (GC), homeowners accept responsibility for hiring subcontractors, ordering materials, permits and warranty issues – in hopes of big cost savings.
Several popular books on the subject fan the flames, claiming homeowners can save between 25% and 42% while achieving a better project. Are these claims true? Can self contracting dramatically increase both savings and quality? Continue reading Is Self Contracting Reasonable?→
Common Definition: A person who builds or constructs buildings.
Unauthorized Definition: Someone who can’t stand working in an office all day and would rather drive between job sites, jabbering on the phone. Even if this means talking with crazy homeowners, clueless suppliers and no-show subcontractors. While builders were once exclusively truck driving, swearing, butt crack flashing men. Thankfully brave women are now entering the profession in greater numbers, especially in home-building. Continue reading Featured Term: Builder→
Common Definition: A 16 penny nail. The size of a framing nail used to fasten studs, plates and joists together.
Unauthorized Definition: The penny, symbol “d”, refers to nail size. Penny is a confusing term based on obsolete traditions, but it’s still used daily. Carpenters don’t call a nail that is one inch long, a “one inch nail”. No, that’s too logical. Besides, how could they tell the salty journeyman from the crass beginner? Instead a 1″ nail is really a 2d nail. Nail length increases with the number. A 2d (1″) nail is smaller than a 16d (3-1/2”) nail. Continue reading Featured Term: 16d Nail→
In a meeting this week, I came to the frightening realization everyone present was assuming something different. Yes, we were all there to finalize the door order. But the supplier, builder, designer, client and even myself had different ideas about how to specify the door’s swing or “handing”. I made a joke of it and chuckles rang out. But then we spent several minutes agreeing on the rules to avoid a bad order. Continue reading Door Handing is Confusing, Even for Pros→
“Little pink houses for you and me”, philosopher John Mellencamp.
Welcome to the new and improved Buildwise. A website for anyone navigating the frustrating building industry. Let’s face it, home is the one place we all need. It’s more than a tax shelter. Home also provides physical and emotional shelter. Yet, building and maintaining a condo or house wisely today is more difficult than ever. Continue reading Welcome to Buildwise→
Unauthorized Definition: Someone who can’t stand working in an office all day and would rather drive between job sites, jabbering on the phone. Even if this means talking with crazy homeowners, clueless suppliers and no-show subcontractors. While builders were once exclusively truck driving, swearing, butt crack flashing men. Thankfully brave women are now entering the profession in greater numbers, especially in home-building. 
Unauthorized Definition: The penny, symbol “d”, refers to nail size. Penny is a confusing term based on obsolete traditions, but it’s still used daily. Carpenters don’t call a nail that is one inch long, a “one inch nail”. No, that’s too logical. Besides, how could they tell the salty journeyman from the crass beginner? Instead a 1″ nail is really a 2d nail. Nail length increases with the number. A 2d (1″) nail is smaller than a 16d (3-1/2”) nail. 
