Hi everyone, my first time in. I am a small remodeling and repair carpenter/GC and can’t seem to get going on my own place. I think procrastination, fear, laziness, all get points but I know guys like me who create masterpieces out of their own place. I work hard on other peoples homes and put my heart into doing things the right way for their dream and for any future owners of that abode. I’m getting older and more tired but I had these dreams when I was younger to. My house would be a great duplex in a lovely area of inner Portland, built in 1910 but with no features and style. I have all these ideas and dreams in my head to create a beauty but continue to put my best efforts out there for others. I am not very financially strong so that keeps me setting up my tools everyday. I’d like to make some progress I can be proud of. Also could use some good references on the tricks for converting single family to duplex. I have a two level, 1750 sf place. I know I’m not alone with this issue and all you people out there have some great ideas. Bring em on,OK?
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Replies
Welcome Q,
What's that old adage about the shoemaker's children being the last to get shoes?
Don't have much to tell you 'cause I'm in the same boat except get a plan and try to get enough ahead that you can occasionally take time to work on your place the same quality as others.
Cheers
I would become self-employed except I'm too cheap to pay myself anything.
sobriety is the root cause of dementia
Are you into "Fishing"?
well, Now that you've had your fix of Breaktime and the addiction has begun, you'll never get anything done.
Welcome to the
Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
where ...
Excellence is its own reward!
getting older and more tired
Don't know how old you are, but if you are doing this stuff every day for pay besides your own stuff, it really gets harder with every year, so get going NOW if you really want to. Also, if you have young kids, do it before you wont need the space.
20's - DIY 1st house in addition to 40 hr day job (luckily desk), approx 40 hour weeks on house, then another 30 or so with the kids, DW., etc. Could get up in morning fresh and go all day 24/7.
30's - could only do extracurricular building 40 hrs for 3-4 months, then CRASH.
40's - crash after 3-4 months at 24 hrs week extracurricular, sometimes just one day. Poured, screeded, and finished 14 yds of concrete driveway alone in one day when about 48, had to 'recuperate' for nearly a week.
50's - crash after one or few days unless taking it slow. Did a 60 cu yd basement digout by hand when about 55, at the finish, about couldn't move the last couple of wheelbarrows out of a 7 yard concrete load for retaining wall/floor.
60's - heck, need to retire to even have time and energy to putter! Dang, those 94# pound bags of cement sure are getting heavier! OH, yeah, 3 rooms are again full with grandkids stuff, etc.
Really admire the stamina of people who can still work the trades in their 60's for 40 hrs/week.
Are you planning on splitting a 1750 sf house into two 850 sf units? Does that make economic sense? First thing you need to do is have a chat with the building or planning dept and see if it will meet code. Are you in a multi-family neighborhood? And then see what the requirements are for egress, and a second kitchen, etc.
Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!" Then get busy and find out how to do it. T. Roosevelt