Builder Pros Contractors

▪ Demolition

▪ Installation of outlets, switches, and lighting

▪ Insulation Installation

▪ Floor Installation

▪ Fixture Installation

▪ Skid Steer Operation

▪ Concrete Mixing and Pouring

▪ Stick Frame Construction

▪ Deck Installation

▪ Company-affiliated Vehicle Operation

▪ Snow Plow Operation

▪ Anti-ice Material Distribution

As a carpenter, I was a part of a small team of 2-4 people that built a house. Nearly the entire time I assumed this role, I was stick framing. I was an integral part of the team from the sill plate on the foundation to the rafters that formed the roof. I was given precise instructions by the foreman, and I would complete my tasks with accuracy. This profession requires a good eye for detail, as inaccurate measurements, cuts, and placement can set back the entire operation. For example, say a wall is installed a few inches away from its intended mark. Other measurements could be taken from the incorrectly installed wall, and cause further incorrect installation. A mistake like this can cause a chain reaction that can set back a work day by hours. 

There were several steps involved with renovating this basement. When I started this job, the demolition phase was already finished, and the stick frame construction had started. The basement was renovated in increments involving stick framing, floor leveling, electric preparation and installation, plumbing (outsourced), drywalling and painting (outsourced), fixture installation, and floor installation. 

During the renovation of this kitchen, I was present from the start. The client wanted to expand the kitchen area into the dining room (removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room), remove a half-wall in the living room, increase the size of the doorway into the kitchen, and update the circuitry, flooring, cabinets, and fixtures. A new technique I learned was involved with increasing the size of the doorway into the kitchen. Since the doorway was part of a load-bearing wall, maintaining the structural integrity of the wall was essential to preserving the stability of the entire structure. The frame of this wall needed to be replaced with a frame that could support an extra 2-3 feet of space between supporting studs. Before demolition, we needed to create a temporary frame that could be removed after completing the framework on the original wall. 

The first three images show what the kitchen area looked like before, and the last three images are the final product. 

During the initial inspection of this deck, there were several structural integrity issues and code violations. Nearly all of the wood used to build this deck had rotted. The best course of action was to demolish the entire structure and start anew. I was a part of a team that carefully demolished the deck, dug out and poured new footers, stick framed a new deck, and installed Trex deck boards and railings.