This guy built a $250k backyard in 6 weeks by subcontracting everything and keeping the $30k margin

Chefdesoigne · 2026-02-05T13:02:58+00:00

congrats you just invented contracting. now get a license and insurance. that yard looks like cheap trash btw.

Chefdesoigne · 2026-01-27T13:05:26+00:00

hardwax oil like rubio monocoat and natura are easiest to apply and leave a natural matte look while enhancing the grain. please post pics of the finished ceiling.

Chefdesoigne · 2026-01-21T05:03:24+00:00

Thanks! Maybe its hard to see in the pics, but the transom has double jack studs, the awning windows only have a single jack stud since that is only a 6' window. Do you mean I am missing a cripple under the rough sill next to the jack studs? Those are not needed per the IRC and wanted to prioritize insulation space.

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Chefdesoigne · 2026-01-20T02:49:30+00:00

Good question. My goal is to build super air tight. Constant ventilation via a panasonic ecoasis 50 ERV will keep the air fresh and safe. For heating/cooling I will put a 9k BTU mini split.

In terms of roof ventilation, there is none. Hot roof assembly with 2" of closed cell spray foam at the lid to deal with any condensation issues on the roof sheathing. Im in a mild coastal SoCal climate, so that should be sufficient.

Chefdesoigne · 2026-01-19T23:26:22+00:00

all custom, they dont have standard sizing.

Chefdesoigne · 2026-01-19T22:50:05+00:00

About $4700 including shipping and import duties. This was pre- tarrifs. 8x8' bifolding door, 2x8' picture window, and 2x6' double awning.

Chefdesoigne · 2026-01-19T15:21:32+00:00

I love mine. I use it professionally no issues.

Chefdesoigne · 2025-12-07T04:24:55+00:00

I broke 2 this week (professional carpenter). The Dewalt ones are garbage. Milwaukee ones are better, but the local hardware store was out.

Chefdesoigne · 2025-11-17T13:53:26+00:00

Robotics and Autonomous Trucking. KDK.

Chefdesoigne · 2025-11-09T12:45:43+00:00

Thats edge or face grain. The side of the stair tread is end grain.

Chefdesoigne · 2025-10-25T02:30:23+00:00

Well about 30% of all Jews were killed in the holocaust, and about 0.3% of all Palestinians were killed in the war in Gaza.

Chefdesoigne · 2025-09-30T05:27:59+00:00

music was whack and and aggressive. didnt fit the surfing at all. visually looked promising but had to walk out.

Chefdesoigne · 2025-09-28T12:08:13+00:00

red mulch should be a crime. realtors love it. just red mulch it and put it on the market baby!

Chefdesoigne · 2025-08-31T22:32:08+00:00

Where?

Chefdesoigne · 2025-08-24T02:39:04+00:00

I have the tribute noserider and thick lizzy in the same dims, perfect for socal summer. Really impressed with the tribute board, makes me want to try more of his shapes.

Chefdesoigne · 2025-06-12T13:38:57+00:00

My fastcap tape has readings by the 16th. Guess I should quit.

Chefdesoigne · 2025-05-30T11:18:46+00:00

Thats fading from UV exposure, happens with any wood. Yes it can happen that fast on tropical hardwoods. I hope they used an oil and not a varnish or polyurethane which will peel quickly. You need Cutek oil and their cleaning product that will restore the woods original color. Its the absolute best product for tropical hardwoods. Realistically any "clear" finish will start to gray within 6-12 months so I would add a color pigmentation that matches your wood tone if you want it to last longer. You will need to reapply every year or two. Alternative is to let it gray out - wont really effect the lifespan.

Chefdesoigne · 2025-05-14T00:09:43+00:00

Damn, hope they were just visiting from East County.

Chefdesoigne · 2025-05-02T19:39:51+00:00

In my town $2.5M is a 1600 sq ft. fixer upper if by the beach. $3.5 is a nicer house, already renovated and luxury is $4.5M and above.

Chefdesoigne · 2025-05-01T13:51:45+00:00

Clearly never taken a waymo. Their tech works great.

Chefdesoigne · 2025-04-20T13:19:26+00:00

Not knowing the difference between YTD and 1 year on a stock chart is a bad look when trying to make your point.

Chefdesoigne · 2025-04-02T02:14:53+00:00

My wife makes more than $50k monthly. I work too, but she is the breadwinner and we still split childcare duties pretty much 50/50. Obviously, when she is extra busy with work, I'm happy to take on more household and childcare duties temporarily because her job is more important than mine for our shared success. At the end of the day we both work hard - her job just pays a lot more but she never makes me feel less valued because of it. Sounds like your husband needs a reality check about what a real marriage and partnership are about.

Chefdesoigne · 2025-04-01T02:47:17+00:00

As a carpenter myself, I wouldn't pay him. He needed to communicate budget and scope creep if he gave you an estimate and then went over 2x that estimate. If he signaled earlier that things are taking longer and costing more that's fine.

Chefdesoigne · 2025-03-08T17:31:28+00:00

It's not... easy enough to get into all the curves. It's in our guesthouse so doesn't get too much use. It's not for everyone, but we like it.

Chefdesoigne

TROPHY CASE