FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Mission Statements

JourneymanCarpenterT | Posted in Business on March 30, 2006 07:47am

     In the first chapter of <!—-><!—-> <!—->Taunton<!—-> <!—->‘s “For Pros by Pros:  Running a Successful Construction Company,” David Gerstel speaks of The Four C’s:  Clarity of Purpose, construction, communications, and controls.  I’m confident that I meet the requirements for construction.  I’ve been through a four-year apprenticeship and have been a journeyman carpenter for several years.  I also feel confident in my communication skills.  The controls, or paperwork aspect of it however, is another matter.<!—-><!—-> <!—->

<!—-> <!—->

     The very first recommendation in David’s Start-Up Plan, is to “Define your purpose.† Doing this involves the first “Câ€, clarity of purpose, which is writing a mission statement.  Being paperwork, it seems to involve the fourth “Câ€, controls, as well.  The second recommendation is to decide on your services, and the third, to decide on your market.<!—-><!—->

<!—-> <!—->

     This initial paperwork task seems rather easy, though I did have to do some reflection to come up with the following mission statement.  The second two points on the Start-Up Plan seems even easier to accomplish.  Being a carpenter, I think it’s safe to say my best bet would be offering services in carpentry.  More specifically, whatever a union carpenter would do (as specified in the union contract) on the job.  Being a journeyman, and having experience in both commercial and residential work, I think I can advertise to a broad range of markets and then pick and choose.  All markets seem (at least to me) to be doing well right now.<!—-><!—->

<!—-> <!—->

     Below is the mission statement I’ve come up with so far.  I’ve included my targeted markets, and a very vague description of my services in it as well.  Does anyone who runs their own construction company have any suggestions, or will this statement provide me with the “clarity of purpose†that I need? <!—-><!—->

<!—->  <!—->

<!—->Mission<!—-> Statement<!—-> <!—->

<!—->  <!—->

     This construction company will endeavor to acquire satisfying work at the highest comparable wages and profit margins, by working with and hiring the highest of skills, as well as providing the highest quality craftsmanship and customer service in carpentry, for the following markets:  (1) Subcontracting in commercial building, (2) homebuilding, (3) subcontracting in homebuilding, (4) subcontracting in commercial remodeling, (5) home remodeling.

–T

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. Frankie | Mar 30, 2006 11:45pm | #1

    Do a Google search for Stephen Covey. He wrote the book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People." It is a Must Read for someone starting their own company.

    In it, he teaches how to write a mission statement and how one for business differs from one for personal concerns.

    FYI - The book is out in paperback.

    Frankie

    There he goes—one of God's own prototypes—a high powered mutant of some kind never even considered for mass production. Too weird to live and too rare to die.

    —Hunter S. Thompson
    from Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas

  2. DonK | Mar 31, 2006 12:33am | #2

    T-

    I'm no expert on mission statements, but I'm not sure I like yours.

    I don't know about the "endeavor" (to much like just try need a stronger word) or the "highest possible comparable wages and profit margins". I have seen situations where people who are not employees ask for the mission statement and if a customer saw that, they might be put off. I also think the list of potentials sites for or types of work is too long and unnecessary.

    I won't offer any advise beyond that since I just found the business plan I started to write two years ago. I might get around to finishing it someday. <G>

    Don K.

    EJG Homes      Renovations - New Construction - Rentals

     

     

  3. User avater
    basswood | Mar 31, 2006 03:11am | #3

    I think you should express your mission in a way that will make someone think, "This is the kind of business we want working for us!"

    This is what I came up with for my business:

    The Mission:

    To Delight Customers with Smart Design and
    The Finest Craftsmanship in the Home Improvement Business.

    Our Focus:

    • Quality Cabinet and Countertop Installation.

    • Kitchen and Bathroom Remodeling.

    • Fine Finish Carpentry.

    • Custom Closets and Storage.

    Key Elements of Our Vision:

    • Highly Skilled Employees
    • State of the Art Methods & Materials
    • Continual Improvement of Design & Execution
    • High Quality Carpentry—On Time
    • Target Core Kitchen Business
    • Expand Into the LaCrosse, WI Market

    1. User avater
      shelternerd | Mar 31, 2006 05:39am | #4

      Here's our mission statement. I agree that you should do things rather than try to do them and that your first job is to feed your family and the families of your employees. Quality is a subjective concept that has little value in a business plan from my perspective. I also think quality is a word so stripped of meaning that it has no place in your marketing. The entire business plan is posted at our website http://www.ChandlerDesignBuild.com borrow from it as you wish.The mission of Chandler Design-Build is first and foremost to provide meaningful, sustainable, and gainful employment for our stakeholders and employees. Our primary business is building unique mid-priced homes for clients who are looking for a more personalized home building experience, custom craftsmanship, and an emphasis on "green building systems" with sustainable, low embodied energy content materials that are not pretending to be something other than what they really are.
      In that learning and growth are important elements in sustaining quality of life, we will train our co-workers in skills related to running a construction company such as plumbing, radiant floor heating, solar heating, building design, woodworking, and computer use in the understanding that the kind of people we want to have working with us are skill collectors who are always in pursuit of improving their skill set and their understanding of the trade.Our focus is not on being the biggest or best but on optimizing our shared quality of life balanced between adequate financial resources, varied and interesting work, and flexibility to have time off as needed. In keeping with this we do not measure our performance based on percentage of sales or return on investment but rather on the ability of the company to provide adequate financial compensation to our stakeholders and employees without sacrificing their quality of life at work or at home.

      Edited 3/30/2006 10:42 pm ET by ShelterNerd

      1. User avater
        basswood | Apr 01, 2006 03:21pm | #5

        U2 said "Charles Manson sold this song from the Beetles...we're stealin' it back." Now, to transition back from "Helter Skelter" to Shelter.I strive to do work of the highest quality...I think quality, as a word, has been abused...I also think that if I do some of the best work in these parts--I can steal back "quality".Most contractors try to position their business to compete on quality or price, or like you, some balance between the two.My mission is focused on providing for the customer, not my company, self or family. My customers don't really care about providing for me. However, if I keep a customer-focused business, my needs will continue to be generously met.

        1. HammerHarry | Apr 01, 2006 04:18pm | #6

          One of my previous employers was part of a big conglomerate filled with MBAs and other such types.  One day they were discussing the company's mission statement, and I chipped in that I thought the mission statement was simple:  to make money for the owners.

          I find that people often get hung up in the trend of the year in business circles, and this basic fact seems overlooked.

          1. User avater
            basswood | Apr 01, 2006 06:35pm | #7

            My mission is really to knock people's socks off doing something I am passionate about (and to get a fair price for it).Those are my priorities...put the customer and the best work first...then the money comes in. I want to have a financially sound company, secure future and all of that...I just have a different way of thinking of it.

  4. joeh | Apr 01, 2006 06:44pm | #8

    "Your money in my pocket."

    This is the only mission if you're in business.

    How you do it is your business.

    Joe H

     

  5. Brian | Apr 02, 2006 03:18pm | #9

    I think you are trying to put too much into it.  Mission statements should be inspiring and short. 

    It is the compelling picture of the desired outcome that inspires and motivates you to action.

    Mission statements aren't for marketing--imho--they are for you and your employees.

    If you can't commit it to memory it is too long.  If what you are doing doesn't stir your passion, why bother?  Use the mission statement to inspire and motivate.

    List your "markets" elsewhere - keep your mission focused.

    I like the way you are approaching your business - best wishes

     

     

    Treat every person you meet like you will know them the rest of your life - you just might!
  6. peteduffy | Apr 02, 2006 05:47pm | #10

    Mission Statement

     

         This construction company will endeavor to acquire satisfying work at the highest comparable wages and profit margins, by working with and hiring the highest of skills, as well as providing the highest quality craftsmanship and customer service in carpentry, for the following markets:  (1) Subcontracting in commercial building, (2) homebuilding, (3) subcontracting in homebuilding, (4) subcontracting in commercial remodeling, (5) home remodeling.

     

    The basic (and only) reason for being in business is to MAKE MONEY (either generate positive cash flow, acquire assets, or produce income.)

    Everything else is subordinate to that, because, if you can't make money to pay your bills, you will not be in business.  It really is that simple, and I am thankful to the man who made that very clear to me when I was in the corporate jungle.  Another truth he taught me:  profit is NOT a dirty word.

    I find it interesting, especially concerning Mission Statements, that these basics are usually omitted or buried under a mound of fluff.  I have sat through too many managers' meetings, strategic planning, seminars, etc. developing and reviewing mission statements that were ultimately useless.  It is amazing to me the amount of time (and therefore, money) companies have expended on this issue.  I'm talking tens of thousands of dollars invested with no payback.

    Make a mission statement that you are really going to keep looking at throughout your business life, and try to adhere to it.  Otherwise, it's just another useless piece of paper.  My 2c is to keep it simple and be able to adhere to it.

    What happens when you find out you can make more money and/or be happier and it goes against your mission statement?  e.g. you don't need highly skilled laborers to haul materials, and therefore don't have to pay them the "highest comparable wages."  or, the customer doesn't want a job of the "highest quality craftsmanship", but the job will be very profitable because you can get in and out quickly with no hassle.  Are you going to turn it down because it doesn't fit into your mission statement?  Or are you going to blow off the mission statement (just this once, yeah, right)?  Blow it off once, and the second time is easier.  Third time, and you have no mission statement anymore.

    IMHO, the part of your mission statement listing your markets is useful.  It can be a guideline to check back in a year to see how you're doing.  I would keep the rest simple and omit fluff.

    I don't mean to be too critical, but I have just seen a lot of time and effort wasted on this part of a business.  It would be easier to just click on the link below until you find one.

    http://www.dilbert.com/comics/dilbert/games/career/bin/ms.cgi

    Pete Duffy, Handyman

    1. User avater
      basswood | Apr 02, 2006 06:42pm | #11

      Many, if not most, of the highly profitable businesses in the Fortune 500 say nothing in their mission statements about making money.These are not all Fortune 500 companies, but here are some examples:McDonalds: "McDonald's vision is to be the world's best quick service restaurant experience. Being the best means providing outstanding quality, service, cleanliness, and value, so that we make every customer in every restaurant smile."J. Sainsbury: "Our mission is to be the consumer's first choice for food, delivering products of outstanding quality and great service at a competitive cost through working faster, simpler, and together."Success Networks: "Our mission is to inform, inspire, and empower people and organizations to be their best -- both personally and professionally."Big Binoculars: "Our mission is simply to offer our customers the most binocular aperture, at the highest quality, for the lowest price."Levi-Strauss: "We will market the most appealing and widely worn casual clothing in the world. We will clothe the world."OHCHR: "The mission of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is to protect and promote all human rights for all."The mission of Southwest Airlines is dedication to the highest quality of Customer Service delivered with a sense of warmth, friendliness, individual pride, and Company Spirit.At Microsoft, we work to help people and businesses throughout the world realize their full potential. This is our mission. Everything we do reflects this mission and the values that make it possible.Basswood Home Improvement: "To Delight Customers with Smart Design and
      The Finest Craftsmanship in the Home Improvement Business."The author of the "Art of the Start", Guy Kawasaki even says "Forget mission statements. Think Mantra--3 words tops. He goes on to say, Focus on what you can do for your customers."GE has no formal mission statement, just "Imagination at Work."

      Edited 4/2/2006 11:47 am ET by basswood

      1. User avater
        SamT | Apr 02, 2006 07:27pm | #12

        Those are Marketing slogans.  Well, maybe not Sainsburys', and I won't comment on the UNs'.

        McD:  Make every customer smile. Oh Kay, have free food days. Every day.Big Binocs: Sell Binoculars for 1 cent.Levis: FedEx pants to everyone in the world.Southwest: Be nice serfs.MS: Help people, that's all there is.

        Mine is much more honest, and it's something that inspires me:

        Retire in ten years with $XXX income.

        As a means of accomplishing that, I read and think about the ones like you've posted , because without pleasing my customers, I can't fulfill my mission.

         SamT

        1. User avater
          basswood | Apr 02, 2006 10:29pm | #13

          I found this on:http://www.onepagebusinessplan.comGood mission statements describe why your company or business unit exists. Good mission statements go a step farther in that they are short and memorable, communicating in just a few words the company’s focus. Great mission statements always reflect the benefit your customers receive and answer the question--- Why does your company exist?Ultimately, mission statements are not about money, but about meeting the customer’s needs. Businesses must produce a profit, but the enterprise must be balanced in terms of both customer and corporate needs. Unbalanced business will almost always fail.Often, some of the best mission statements are an integral part of a company’s branding strategy that compels customers to buy. But at the same time, mission statements can and do direct and influence all significant management decisions. Review this list of Mission Statements and ask yourself if these taglines answer the question, "Why does this company exist?"Federal Express - The World on Time
          Nature Conservancy - Saving the last great places
          Mervyn’s - Big brands, Small prices.
          Ethan Allen - We create beautiful spaces
          Pennzoil - We’re driving protection.
          Lenscrafters - Helping people see better one hour at a time
          Tillamook Creamery Assoc. - Memorable Cheese, Profitable Farmers, & Environmental StewardsMission statements answer these specific questions:
          Why does this business exist?
          What is our unique selling proposition?
          What are we committed to providing to our customers?
          What promise are we making to our clients?
          What wants, needs, desires, pain, or problems do our product/services solve?

          1. User avater
            SamT | Apr 03, 2006 12:19am | #14

            Maybe that's why I can't get into public mission statements. I think they are all a bunch of falsehoods designed to sound good to someone other than the business owners.

            They don't become true until one adds "In order to make as much money as possible. . ."

            Maybe it's because I'm literal minded, but when I see a mission statement that goes, "our mission is to cloth the world," I always wonder why their product is the most expensive on the shelf.

            Federal Express - The World on TimeNature Conservancy - Saving the last great placesMervyn’s - Big brands, Small prices.Ethan Allen - We create beautiful spacesPennzoil - We’re driving protection.Lenscrafters - Helping people see better one hour at a timeTillamook Creamery Assoc. - Memorable Cheese, Profitable Farmers, & Environmental Stewards

            Now, I see those as slogans. I have one of those, and it's for public cunsumption, just like those.

            "Foundations like a rock"

            Slogans don't have to make literary sense, a mission statment does. A slogan is poetry, it invokes a feeling. A mission statement is a directive, obey it.

            Take MS's mission statement for example, "...To help people...that's our only mission" That is fine for the production staff, but sales has a different one, "To charge as much as the public will bear" and marketing has yet another one, "To make MS sound better than sliced bread, no matter what the truth is." (|:>) And I'll betcha M$ Marketing had a more to say about their public mission statement than any other department.

             SamT

          2. User avater
            basswood | Apr 03, 2006 12:27am | #15

            You make some good points.The idea is to make the mission statement so inspired and simple that it is distilled down to a slogan, but one that captures the essence of what you do (and why people should be willing to fork over some money for it).

          3. HammerHarry | Apr 03, 2006 01:37am | #16

            Mission statements like those seem designed for huge beauracracies, so that the minions will know what they are supposed to be achieving.  Short and sweet for the uneducated grunts who do the work. I can't see why a small business with less than 10 people needs a mission statement; if everyone doesn't know the score in a small business, then I'd suggest there's a communication problem. 

            It's just another layer of fluff and feel good foolishness, added on to all the current trends in business.   Let's all feel warm and fuzzy, maybe we can hire 10 or 20 consultants to draw up our mission statement.  At some point, somewhere in the organization, someone has to do some work.  But it's more fun to leave that to someone else, while we all focus on the mission statement, and our six sigma program, and our environmental policy, and everything other than making money.  That's what's made GM the success it is today.

          4. User avater
            basswood | Apr 03, 2006 01:52am | #17

            I like a simple, inspirational mission statement, and my business is just two people.To each his own.

          5. User avater
            SamT | Apr 03, 2006 04:03am | #18

            HH,

            I have a  mission statement, and everything I do is bounced off it to see if it fits.

            I (will) have a crew. They don't need to know my mission, they have their own, given to them by me.

            Should they get caught, I will of course, deny. . . Oops~ That's a different story.

             SamT

          6. User avater
            JourneymanCarpenterT | Apr 04, 2006 05:48am | #19

                 I stopped by the local book store yesterday (as local as a book store would be in my area anyway) to pick up The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.  I read it back in my apprenticeship, but they didn’t let us keep the book.  While I had remembered writing up a personal mission statement for the “Technical Writing” class at Ivy Tech, I had well forgotten that we used this book as a manual to do it.

            <!----><!----> <!---->

                 Beginning on page 139, Stephen R. Covey speaks of organizational mission statements.  On page 143 he defines a mission statement as something that “creates a great unity and tremendous commitment.”  Similarly, David Gerstel in his book Running a Successful Construction Company, defines it on page 6 as something that ‘states clearly what you want to accomplish as a builder.’  Its purpose, he relates, is to give you a “starting point”–to give you “direction.”  In other words, it gives you “clarity of purpose.”

            <!----> <!---->

                 Now, taking a closer look at what a mission statement is supposed to accomplish, and considering the suggestions that have been provided, I’ll see if I can’t properly revise my original statement.

            <!----> <!---->

                 In defining clarity of purpose, Gerstel first lists ‘knowing why you have chosen a career in construction.’  I touched on this in my first statement, listing “satisfying work.”  While I do find construction to be satisfying, I think more specifically the reason I do is because I love to build, especially with wood.  Perhaps that’s still too vague, but I’m targeting a broad market, and I know of few carpenters that get more specific than that.  The bottom line:  If I’m building something, particularly if I’m building something out of wood, I’m having fun.

            <!----> <!---->

                 Gerstel next lists ‘knowing the values you will uphold in your work.’  First and foremost, I know I want “skill” to remain on my list.  I love working with, and improving in skill.  Whether you’re working on something intricate or simple, your balance of quality and efficiency will depend on your level of skill.  Second, I think I’d like to add “diligence.”  Skill + diligence = $$$$$$!

            <!----> <!---->

                 Gerstel’s mention of “values,” also brings to mind something ells that Covey mentioned on page 143 of his book:  “Creating an organizational mission statement takes . . . empathy.”  Hence I ask myself; what values will my customer want in return for his “$$$$$$?”  If I were to hire a contractor, the first things I would wonder about would be his competence, his honesty, and his integrity (after all, he’ll be working around my family or customers, in my home or building).  Figuring that “competence” could be covered by “skill,” I’m left with “honesty” and “integrity.”  While honesty is a specific moral concern with contractors, listing honesty may be mistaken as a façade for dishonesty.  Since integrity includes honesty, I’m left with “integrity.”

            <!----> <!---->

                 Finally, Gerstel lists ‘knowing what services you want to offer.’  Since I have a broad range of markets I’m targeting, hopefully “carpentry” will do.

            <!----> <!---->

                 After considering the many fine suggestions at this forum, as well as reanalyzing these, and several other suggestions in the above mentioned books, this is what I’ve come up with:

            <!----> <!---->

            <!----><!---->Mission<!----> Statement<!----><!---->

            <!----> <!---->

                 “The mission of this construction company is to provide its customers with fine craftsmanship in carpentry, while working with skill, diligence, and integrity.  The company will do this by providing hardworking men and women who uphold these values with honest pay, and employment that contributes to a high quality of life.”

            <!----> <!---->

                 I’ll consider any final suggestions, but I’m pretty sure this will do.  Chapter four of David Gerstel’s book addresses marketing.  Perhaps I’ll find a place to put my markets there.  Thanks for all the helpful comments.-T

  7. hvtrimguy | Apr 04, 2006 06:10am | #20

    I'm with a lot of the others here. I think the statement should be short, to the point and entice a customer to want you. More importantly however is that you believe your mission statement. I never wrote one but in my mind I constantly remind myself of some basic qualities I like to bring to a job. Because they are close to my heart it's easy to stay focused. Just ask yourself why do I get up and go to work in the morning above and beyond paying the bills? Then ask yourself what is the biggest turnoffs you have had working for others in the past. That should clarify things for you.

    Perhaps my statement would be along these lines:

    Satisfied customers, responsible, expert workmanship, time and budget sensitive while remaining competitive with my peers.

    Let yourself out man

    1. User avater
      shelternerd | Apr 05, 2006 04:27pm | #21

      Our "elevator speech" version always was "to have a great time working with good people earning a living wage building cool projects for appreciative customers" I think that your cash profit is only one element of having a successful business. It has to make you (and your employees) happy to get out of bed and go to work instead of fishing or whatever. One guy once said he tried to design his business so that if he were to win five million in the lottery he'd continue to go to work. After 32 years in this game Beth and I have it to the point where we aren't working for the next draw but rather to solve the next puzzle. You do need to push the PR machine in order to bring in cool puzzles. And you need to be perceived in your community as worth a premium price so you can sell jobs at a profit. My computer has a little tag on it that says "no amount of hustle can make up for a sloppy estimate" All the bestMichael

      1. User avater
        basswood | Apr 06, 2006 06:09am | #23

        "to have a great time working with good people earning a living wage building cool projects for appreciative customers"I like the elevator speech version of your mission. I was very impressed by the kind of projects you get into and the approach you take, as presented on your website. Very cool.

        1. User avater
          shelternerd | Apr 06, 2006 06:21am | #24

          Thanks, we have a great time, and we pay the bills, Saturday the entire crew is going to an oyster roast at a house we finished just before Christmas. I guess something must be working.

  8. PenobscotMan | Apr 05, 2006 07:06pm | #22

    Mission statements now a big deal in academe, where my day job is.  I think they are a waste of time.  They all sound the same to consumers/clients, and can anyone think of an instance where a problemn in a company or institution was solved by referring to the mission statement?  So, what good do they do, really?

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Big Doors Have Big Challenges

Engineered materials and vacuum-press laminations prevent warping and keep a tall, flush-panel door from being excessively heavy.

Featured Video

Video: Build a Fireplace, Brick by Brick

Watch mason Mike Mehaffey construct a traditional-style fireplace that burns well and meets current building codes.

Related Stories

  • Affordable Scans, Accurate Plans
  • FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business
  • A Summer Retreat Preserved in the Catskill Mountains
  • Fine Homebuilding Issue #332 Online Highlights

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data