The remodeling industry has changed dramatically in my lifetime. I was born into a construction family.
Old time Carpenters
When I was exposed to the remodeling industry there were no pneumatic tools, no computers, no laser tools, no battery operated tools and screws were rarely used. Sure there were Phillips screws but we used a cool tool that pushed in the screws.
We swung the hammer and we had nails that we hit home with style. Construction sights sound much different now with rattle guns, compressors, circular saws and backup beepers.
To put it all into perspective, my employees joke about how their boss is a Jewish carpenter. Honestly, I hadn’t given it much thought.
What about the tools of the trade
Brace and bit, planes, nails, all replaced with power tools then again by battery operated and pneumatic tools. Sanding used to be done by hand my friends. A good carpenter had an assortment of hand saws and a tool box that he made for himself. The smell of blue prints reminds me of my childhood.
Plans were drawn by hand and I learned how to write in an architectural font with a triangle. I used a transit to set grade, I even learned how to use a slide rule.
Carpenter ruler
Tradesmen were born
Specialization started to enter the picture around end of World War II. Lath and plasterers lost their jobs and or had to become drywall installers and tape and texturers. Plumbers came on the scene and electricians. Soon to follow were roofers and concrete contractors.
The natural evolution continued with siding guys, then Painters, Framers, Masons, and Finish Carpenters. There has to be a logical end in sight. As a general contractor I appreciate momentum but someone needs to be the one in charge and orchestrate the symphony.
Festools
Is every carpenter a specialist?
Why does everyone want to be a finish carpenter? I had a carpenter tell a client as he was leaving the project before cleaning up. (Right before he was fired) “I am a carpenter”, he said with his nose in the air, “Someone else will be along to clean up”. Like the three musketeers, we are all in this together.
Toss it out and get a new one
I realize that we are evolving into a “ME” nation but really folks, lets get serious. Real carpenters are a dying breed if we do not promote the profession. I am fortunate enough to employ several and have created a culture where being a carpenter is cool.
Skills America
There will be no shortage in my company because I respect them and encourage them to teach the new guys the love of the profession. I am also nurturing a new generation through my participation with my NARI (National Association of the Remodeling Industry) organization and the local schools.
We are supportive of a mentorship program the likes of which have not been seen in a half a century. The trades are suffering from a lack of talented labor force too. I’m not kidding folks, we have a crisis here. I recently read an article in a trade magazine where the editor echoed my concerns.
We need to make being a carpenter sexy again. Parents need to be proud of their kids going into the profession as a choice rather than a consequence of not thriving in school.
Stay tuned more on the subject to come
In a ray of sunshine I was able to witness an Idaho High school Skills America competition where participants are given a set of plans some basic tools and a stack of materials. The goal is to produce the project accurately. I have been invited to be on an advisory board and look forward to participating in some manor next year. I also learned that CWI (College of Western Idaho) is starting a carpentry program that I will be anxious to help with.
Your comments are welcome. To ask questions or get more information about remodeling, click here to email me directly, or call 208-947-7261
If you or someone you know is considering remodeling or just wants to speak to a trustworthy remodeling contractor please contact me, you’ll be glad you did.
Thank you Joe- I’m so glad to hear you say it. I thought I was going crazy or becoming too hard to please but I have been so disappointed in projects I’ve had done lately. I had a list of “to dos” I wanted to get done before putting my home on the market. Small repairs and polish that I always meant to get to. Hiring from Angie’s list or other referral sources has not proven to be helpful and I have dribbled out projects to (licensed) people – Putting a simple wood frame around RV parking to keep gravel from the yard and the corners don’t fit together. Repair a section of a Pergola and use a beam that has a crack running almost the length of it. Add crown molding to my dining room 15′ by 11′ and there is an OBVIOUS seam in the middle of the 15′ stretch. Don’t get me started on electricians and plumbers!
Your mission to train the next generation is a needed and a noble endeavor. Unfortunately, I think there are too many young pups (and old ones too) that don’t want to work for anyone critiquing their work so they go out and do it on their own. Idaho seems to give a license to anyone because that has not been the differentiator between skilled and wing it.
After I move Joe, I’m going to pool up my projects, and expand the scope so I can call you for a remodel project! Save me some time next winter…
Thanks,
Kay D.
Kay some of the problem is that contractors are not licensed in this silly state. I am pushing to get that implemented. I am licensed but voluntarily through the Professional Contractors Association centered in Idaho Falls. Anyone can be a contractor with the ridiculous rules we have for registration. It takes $25 and proof of insurance. Good for you for expecting more out of those that you hire to do your work. Like I say, all pizzas are not alike. Unfortunately, those that price shop and think they can get “IT” for cheaper down the block are often sacrificing quality and professionalism unwittingly buying a different “IT”. Thank you for understanding that there is a big difference. I welcome the opportunity to evaluate your needs when you are ready.
Thoughtful commentary. Thanks, Joe.
Thank you Gary, It is refreshing to see and be involved in a program locally that is mentoring our youth to keep the ball rolling. The work we do in remodeling requires craftsman and as you can tell, I am very proud of my team. It felt good to reflect upon our roots.
Meanwhile I’m in the garage trying not to lose a finger as I learn. =) Excellent article and so true with so MANY of the trades.
Thanks Cody. You are a very handy fellow that learned a lot from your dad. Be careful but don’t be afraid to do your research and get some joy out of keeping your home in top shape. Some of my best craftsmen are the big risk takers. It accelerates the learning curve and gives an amazing amount of satisfaction and confidence. You don’t have to have to have a carpenter as a dad to be a good one in the long run …but it sure helps.