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

Need work in Chicago area..

Ted W. | Posted in Help/Work Wanted on October 7, 2009 11:29am

I’m on the north side but I don’t mind traveling if necessary, not like I have anything else to do at this time. But if your jobs are on the north side or north or west suburbs that would be ideal. I’m not looking to get rich quick, just need to make a decent living.

I’m pretty flexible as far as abilities go – finish carpentry, framing, tile, paint, punch list, etc.. and my workmanship is top notch. I’m punctual, clean cut, have my own tools (all the basics) and a dependable van (’03 Astro contractor van) that will not be an embarrasement to your company. I have one small job yet to finish up, but not sure what I’ll be doing next, which is why I’m posting this.

I’d prefer to work with others but I can work on my own just as well. Full time and on the pay roll would be ideal, but I’m happy to get anything these days. You can see a very small sampling of my work on my website, www.tedscarpentry.com. Just don’t judge me by the website – I’m a tradesman, not a web designer. Also, my website is in desparate need of some updating. Hopefully somebody will hire me on and I won’t have time to update the site.

Reach me at my cell phone at (773) 302-0358 or my Skype number (312) 288-8555. Call late, call early, but just call.

Thanks

~ Ted W ~

Cheap Tools! – MyToolbox.net
See my work at TedsCarpentry.com

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

Replies

  1. DanH | Oct 08, 2009 03:41am | #1

    I'm taking a web programming course (and we just went over design guidelines), so I glanced at your web site. I'd have to say that it's actually pretty good -- not A+ workmanship, certainly, but a good solid B or B+. (I'd maybe cut "Chicago Andersonville Ravenswood Woodworking" from the title on the first page, and make it a little more obviously the "home" page.)

    Now, does anyone have a job for a "software engineer" (programmer) in southern MN?

    As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz
    1. User avater
      Ted W. | Oct 08, 2009 05:34am | #2

      Wait... you're sayin it's not A+??

      :D

      What you saw is the old website, which I placed on my shiny new dedicated server so I will know when the domain has propogated over the internet. Just changed the name servers 10 minutes before I started this topic. I expected it would take a day or two, but apparently it's already done it. Yay! =)

      That's not to say the site on the old server is any better, LOL

      So Dan, you ever use Joomla or WordPress?~ Ted W ~

      Cheap Tools! - MyToolbox.netSee my work at TedsCarpentry.com

      1. DanH | Oct 08, 2009 05:36am | #3

        I've (so far) never done any web development to speak of. Just taking classes in case it's (gag) the only job I can find.
        As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz

        1. User avater
          Ted W. | Oct 08, 2009 06:56am | #4

          Don't be so quick to gag. There's some pretty impressive stuff going on in open sorce web development. Check out http://www.joomla.org and it's counter part, extensions.joomla.org for just a small sample of what's out there. I think you may find it interesting. ~ Ted W ~

          Cheap Tools! - MyToolbox.netSee my work at TedsCarpentry.com

          1. DanH | Oct 08, 2009 03:34pm | #5

            I know there's some interesting stuff, but at it's center is (not quite literally) 1950s technology. HTML made me gag the first time I saw it, and it hasn't improved with age (or with CSS, JavaScript, Ajax, et al). It's like building a house on a foundation of egg crates.
            As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz

          2. User avater
            Ted W. | Oct 09, 2009 11:12pm | #12

            Sounds to me like you're reciting something you heard at school. LAMP, Joomla, Moodle, Drupal, WordPress, Gallery 2, Coppermine, phpBB and many other applications and frameworks are very stable when properly implemented. I know there are a lot of hacks out there, but no reason to throw out the baby with the bathwater.

            Fact is, when a builder asks you to develop a website where they can manage their jobs and clients, accept payments, promote their business, etc... you're custom application is going to cost them upward of $30K. Then I'll come along and provide the same thing for $1500 and have it up and running while you're still at the drawing board.

            But that's okay.. I can do without the competition. =)~ Ted W ~

            Cheap Tools! - MyToolbox.netSee my work at TedsCarpentry.com

          3. DanH | Oct 10, 2009 12:35am | #13

            > Sounds to me like you're reciting something you heard at school.They weren't teaching HTML in 1970.And I never suggested doing custom applications. The HTML/CSS/JavaScript house of cards is far too fragile for that -- you've got to have some sort of coordinating tool to keep the mess halfway synchronized.
            As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz

          4. User avater
            Ted W. | Oct 10, 2009 05:10am | #14

            So do you have a job for me or what????

            LOL... just kidding (sort of).

            I was refering to your current classes in web development. So many Java, CFML, etc... web developers are quick to scoff at open source, sort of an us v.s. them attitude. But that aside...

            What sort of coordinating tool are you refering to? Websites using css and javascript run perfectly fine if they're properly written. I've never heard of this coordinating tool you speak of.~ Ted W ~

            Cheap Tools! - MyToolbox.netSee my work at TedsCarpentry.com

          5. Grier | Oct 10, 2009 05:42am | #15

            My archy brother lives in Chicago. I'll check with him.

            bump

            Work for the greatest vital intensity - the greatest solidity and aesthetic reality. Finally, eliminate everything non-essential. Reduce to the absolute essence. ~ F.C. Trucksess

          6. Grier | Oct 10, 2009 05:50am | #16

            Sorry, I meant to mention that he is in Wicker Park.

            Who knows.

            Work for the greatest vital intensity - the greatest solidity and aesthetic reality. Finally, eliminate everything non-essential. Reduce to the absolute essence. ~ F.C. Trucksess

          7. User avater
            Ted W. | Oct 10, 2009 06:47am | #18

            Thanks Grier,

            I'm about 20 minutes from Wicker Park and know the area well. Love the old mansions there! Have him give me a call. I promise he will not be dissapointed. ;)~ Ted W ~

            Cheap Tools! - MyToolbox.netSee my work at TedsCarpentry.com

          8. Grier | Oct 10, 2009 07:05am | #20

            Well, I can't make you any promises, but I will contact my brother and do my best for you.
            Who knows what may come of it? He has tons of connections, and I hope possibly one might work out for you.Work for the greatest vital intensity - the greatest solidity and aesthetic reality. Finally, eliminate everything non-essential. Reduce to the absolute essence. ~ F.C. Trucksess

          9. User avater
            Ted W. | Oct 10, 2009 07:47am | #21

            Oh.. I'm not expecting the world on a platter or anything =)

            If we hit it off and I'm able to do some projects for him, that would be great. If not, then the only loss is a little time invested. With the current economy the way it is, it's entirely possible that he doesn't have enough going on to offer any work or leads. That's just the reality that we're all dealing with these days. Hopefully we'll be out of this rut soon and I'll be back to my normal, overworked self.

            Just make sure and tell him my website ( a solid B rating so I'm told ) is not representative of my work. Hmmm... maybe I should update that site this weekend. ~ Ted W ~

            Cheap Tools! - MyToolbox.netSee my work at TedsCarpentry.com

          10. DanH | Oct 10, 2009 05:54am | #17

            I'm talking Websphere, Grails, et al on the server side. And some of the page design tools I'm not yet familiar with for keeping HTML, CSS, JavaScript, et al all coordinated. I haven't dug much into Ajax, eg, but it's clear from the outset that it's mostly a juggling act, and pretty much impossible without appropriate tools.It seems pretty silly to me that designers stress the MVC split, then go and confound it all with, eg, JavaScript which may combine all three in one script.
            As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz

          11. User avater
            Ted W. | Oct 10, 2009 06:56am | #19

            Ahh... now it makes sense. I haven't even touched on the web 2.0 technologies yet, but maybe should look into it with all this extra time on my hands. I've got a few recommended books - Ajax in action, JavaScript & AJAX Visual Quickstart Guide, web 2.0 Probramming (Wrox Press) - sitting and collectin dust. Problem is, I need reading glasses and haven't gotten around to getting some yet (it's an ego thing). But I believe I have all the tools I need to do some of the basics. Any books you could recommend?~ Ted W ~

            Cheap Tools! - MyToolbox.netSee my work at TedsCarpentry.com

  2. JMadson | Oct 08, 2009 03:57pm | #6

    Hey Ted,

    I'm still looking for my screened in porch add-on. I've actually got a company coming tomorrow to quote it. Would you want to give me a quote?

    Joe

     
     
    1. DanH | Oct 08, 2009 04:03pm | #7

      A designer knows he has achieved perfection not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away. --Antoine de Saint-Exupery
      As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz

      1. JMadson | Oct 08, 2009 04:31pm | #8

        I'm guessing Antoine never saw a 1974 split level ranch. The list of possible changes to this house is endless. The beauty in the design of this place is in its lack of completeness and total capacity to change any part of it to suit a realistic need. 

         

    2. User avater
      Ted W. | Oct 08, 2009 11:54pm | #11

      Thanks Joe, but I'm a one man band and the travel distance would eat me alive. I was in a much better situation when we discussed it before. Now I'm just looking for a fair hourly rate someplace near by. I wish I was in a position to take on that project, but it would turn into a disaster neither one of us needs. But thanks for the opportunity. =)~ Ted W ~

      Cheap Tools! - MyToolbox.netSee my work at TedsCarpentry.com

  3. cussnu2 | Oct 08, 2009 11:10pm | #9

    Are you left handed?

    Can you hit 270 and drive in  90 runs?

    1060 West Addison

    I'm begging you, please?

    1. User avater
      Ted W. | Oct 08, 2009 11:39pm | #10

      Are you left handed? Can you hit 270 and drive in  90 runs? 1060 West Addison I'm begging you, please?

      Yeah right... I'm not falling for that one, again!

       

      ~ Ted W ~

      Cheap Tools! - MyToolbox.netSee my work at TedsCarpentry.com

      Edited 10/8/2009 4:44 pm by Ted W.

      Edited 10/8/2009 6:41 pm by Ted W.

  4. User avater
    Ted W. | Oct 11, 2009 06:16pm | #22

    No takers yet? Hmm... must be a slow economy.

    Well, guess I should take a looksee at craigs list.

    ~ Ted W ~

    Cheap Tools! - MyToolbox.net
    See my work at TedsCarpentry.com

    1. Grier | Oct 11, 2009 06:42pm | #23

      I'll try and keep it bumped up for ya.

      Haven't heard back from my brother yet, but that is not uncommon. He's pretty busy guy.

      When you get a chance, send me an email.

      Work for the greatest vital intensity - the greatest solidity and aesthetic reality. Finally, eliminate everything non-essential. Reduce to the absolute essence. ~ F.C. Trucksess

      1. User avater
        Ted W. | Oct 12, 2009 05:02am | #24

        Will do. I'm on the run right now, but I'll send you some infor about me and my work in the morning, that you can pass on to him. I really appreciate your taking the time. =)~ Ted W ~

        Cheap Tools! - MyToolbox.netSee my work at TedsCarpentry.com

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

Making the Move to Multifamily

A high-performance single-family home builder shares tips from his early experience with two apartment buildings.

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

  • Podcast Episode 692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Building Codes
  • Old Boots Learn New Tricks
  • Install Denim Insulation Like a Pro

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 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • 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 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

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