We had a client requested change that required an additional steel beam to be let into the foundation wall. No big deal.
Get a call from the arch saying his engineer doesn’t know if we’ll screw it up so he wants to design a bracket so the beam will hang off the wall like a big joist hanger. Give me a break.
Engineers and archs that are used to writing detailed foolproof specifications for commercial projects can sure be a big pain in the ars for typical residential projects.
Last week overheard a structural engineer refer to residential builders are simple-minded wood butchers. Their bs and misunderstanding of the high level of work that many of us do really has me ticked.
Just had to vent.
Beer was created so carpenters wouldn’t rule the world.
Edited 11/2/2006 8:25 pm ET by IdahoDon
Replies
Shoot, I'd like to see detailed, fool-proof specifications in the big prints I get ;-)
Sometimes, they snafu the big ones just the same as the small ones...
Relax, Don. There are levels of ability in both res and commercial builders. His observation was only right in the full-spectrum comparison.
Just like there are cookie cutter wood butchers doing small time crap, there are high end big timers doing 35 million dollar beach houses, at museum quality.
And on the commercial side, there are clowns doing bad jobs of strip stores, and geniuses doing things like Gehry's latest creation, the Disney theater, in L.A.
Furthermore, I would rather do this . . .
View Image . . . than chop out a pocket, any day.
Edited 11/2/2006 9:06 pm ET by Gene_Davis
Edited 11/2/2006 9:15 pm ET by Gene_Davis
Well said, GD.
There are also cookie cutter design butchers doing small time crap and big time design butchers doing big time crap.
All trades are full spectrum.
http://grungefm.com
Gene, you da man!
Dang, maybe this is a sign I'm getting old and set in my ways. :-)
I'm slowly warming up to the steel I beam hanger, especially after finding a quick route to having it fabricated.
Archs and engrs are no different than any other profession, and we all bring a different set of skills to the table.
Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.
Why do you stereotype all architects and engineers as commercial architects and engineers that don't know anything about the magical world of residential construction? A span is a span is a span. I've seen just as many builders out there that build on gut feeling (how fast can I build this, how much money can I make, before the Owner, inspector, and the architect catch me).
Why do you stereotype all architects and engineers as commercial architects and engineers that don't know anything about the magical world of residential construction?
I don't think I said all archs and engrs were commercial, or at least that wasn't the intended message.
It's not like I have it in for those professsions, as there are many that understand how residential contractors function and can accomodate our strengths and limitations in a professional manner.
Beer was created so carpenters wouldn't rule the world.