Mark Clement: Measure Twice

Check What's on Top... Or Look Out Below!

Mark Clement — 2009-07-23T10:56:47-05:00

So here's one from the "While-You're-Here-Could-You-Just..." Department.

I get hired to build things, but I'm often asked to do other stuff. In this case, it was move something. And by "something" I mean "the most massive piece of furniture ever."

Claw-Foot Tub for a Bathroom Remodel

Mark Clement — 2009-07-06T10:23:13-05:00

Vita in Florida writes (My replies are in italics. I can also speak in italics, but only at parties:)

Oil, Oil Everywhere

Mark Clement — 2009-06-22T16:55:19-05:00

Hello, Mark.

I'm once again turning to you for some DIY advice and guidance. Looking to re-stain my deck. What are the key elements (product choice, technique, process) to consider with this process? The last thing I want to do is screw this up and have to do it 3 times!

I've already used a wood-prep product to strip the deck of the old stain, so I am back down to the wood. The deck is made of pressure treated wood. Not sure of the wood type. Our preference is for a darker stain. Do you like oil based stains over latex?

Any commentary is appreciated – for two reasons. 1) It is useful information to help me do the job correctly. 2) For my reading pleasure.

Thank you,
CamO' from tip-top Topsfield

Profanity (and More) on the Jobsite

Mark Clement — 2009-06-08T15:22:45-05:00

Here's a newsflash: Carpenters swear like... well... carpenters.

Some of the smartest and yes, most eloquent, people I know drop the "F-bomb" about every third word -- and that's before they really get going.

Professional Advice for a Tile Backsplash

Mark Clement — 2009-05-28T17:04:03-05:00

Q: Hey Carpenter Mark, we recently had new kitchen cabinets and counters installed and I'm tossing around the idea of doing the tile backsplash myself. What level of difficulty would you rate this job? Things to look out for, tips, etc.? We're going with a 2"x4" tile on 12"x12" mesh-backed sheets.
-Dave, Massachusetts

Talk About Incentives... WOW!!!

Mark Clement — 2009-05-26T11:37:00-05:00

So I have sales on my mind -- big time.

It's always important to be hustling for new work -- even in busy times -- but never has it been more important than now.

Sweating the Small Stuff: Doing it Right, or Facing the Consequences

Mark Clement — 2009-05-25T10:32:15-05:00

When you build something, no one is closer to it than you. Indeed, even though you're building it for someone else, deploying your effort and tools to a piece of wood imbues the work with some kind of far-out-right-on-Birkenstock-ish tacit ownership. I suppose you could say that your actions and the piece of wood become the same -- and no one owns you. So there you have it, from my moon- child file.

Writing for Realtors -- Get Your Foot in the Door

Mark Clement — 2009-05-21T15:54:27-05:00

"Tough times make tough people."

I read that in a great book about the World Series of Poker called The Biggest Game in Town by A. Alvarez (Seriously, even if you don't know a full-house from a roundhouse this is a totally gripping book).

Are Decent Plumbers a Vanishing Breed?

Mark Clement — 2009-05-18T10:20:12-05:00

I think plumbing, like real estate sales, is one of those businesses where 10% of the people do 90% of the work. And right now I find myself in the unenviable position of trying to find one of the 10%.

Tire Kickers & the Square Foot

Mark Clement — 2009-05-15T15:45:15-05:00

Is it just me or are you giving a lot of bids to prospective customers who are simply shopping price, or, as the car-cliché goes, kicking tires? If so, has it changed how you operate?

A Sense of Space in the 21st Century

Mark Clement — 2009-04-11T10:16:49-05:00

So I present demonstrations at JLCLive. Before the Seattle show, a friend and I toured the city.

How's Your Design Vocabulary?

Mark Clement — 2009-04-03T11:03:01-05:00

This blog is your chance to take me to task, to run me through the ringer, take me down a peg. See when I started building on my own, designing trim for a home improvement job -- or even entire house -- meant going to Home Depot and picking out which molding I liked.

Taking a Lesson from Southwest Airlines

Mark Clement — 2009-03-31T12:29:12-05:00

So I flew Southwest Airlines recently.

The low-cost carrier had the NICEST gate I've ever been at only to be followed-up by a primo plane. Seating was a snap -- you get your seating assignment on-line before heading to the airport -- and the service was great.

Smoking on the Jobsite

Mark Clement — 2009-03-27T11:43:25-05:00

I don't smoke.

I don't care if you smoke.

But, smoking is an issue that many people in our business confront, both in-house and in YOUR house.

Working... and Working Out

Mark Clement — 2009-03-24T10:54:34-05:00

Slinging a tool pouch on at the beginning of the day probably means you lead a physical life.

Who'd argue that climbing ladders, rolling joists, or breaking down a deck package isn't an "active" lifestyle? But working, to me, is waaaaay different than working out. And working out is a key component in staying healthy for work.