For the past six weeks Dad has been working tirelessly on our site getting lots of the carpentry jobs done. He brings decades of experience and we’re lucky he could help out. First of all, we built out the recesses for the concealed blinds, not a small job with 25 windows to complete. We worked out the detail with the slabber on site, the best way to solve a problem is to bring experienced minds together. Next on the list was to build a frame around the wall hung toilets and fix a ply sheet on each to add rigidity, we also added grounds for vanity units, mirrors and created recessed shelfs in showers. We added a few dropped ceilings to hide services, and extended partitions. I checked in with him most days, I think we mostly liked my visits, except when I delved out more work, or worse still changed my mind! I’m a pure slave driver!
The most difficult challenge was installing 6 sliding door tracks for pocket doors. We are using the argenta door track, it has a nice soft close and allows you to access the mechanisms after the wall and door is installed. I sourced these at the door centre, Karl at the trade counter gave great advice and was quick to respond to any queries. I had priced the installation of the tracks with a local carpenter, but once my Dad heard the price he quoted, he said ‘Don’t mind that, I’ll install them for you’, in fairness to the quote, there is a fair amount of work involved and there was a little exasperation to figure them out, but once Dad worked it out, we were flying it and we tested each with a 4” x 2” timber the width of the door. Dad then had to build-out the studs to create a pocket for the doors. I think he was secretly delighted with himself and better still saved me a few bob.
Dad enjoyed the comradery with the other trades on site. He told me back in the day, he managed sites three times the size of my house. I wish I had the skill to do more on site, but we’re very lucky to have his expertise on the job and I hope he’ll stick with us for the next stages, he’s been a massive help.
Thanks Dad, you’re one in a million!