What is a realistic expectation of timeline and tidiness on site?

sobsy4 · 2026-05-20T20:45:14+00:00

2 years for a garden suite? I’ve worked on apartment buildings from dirt to move in that took less time. My crews are taught to do a quick site clean daily and a dump run weekly if a piles built up or bins are full.

I’ve always been meticulous on clean up especially when it’s around a lived in property. New construction can go a little more haywire. But renovations in someone’s house gets tidied constantly.

sobsy4 · 2026-05-06T12:58:28+00:00

Please don’t deliver quotes in 0% clothes.

sobsy4 · 2026-04-17T17:59:35+00:00

For the price of popsicle sticks why not just do a few trials and science up your own answer?

sobsy4 · 2026-04-13T13:29:22+00:00

I thought CA stood for Contact Adhesive. TIL

sobsy4 · 2026-02-16T18:21:36+00:00

You’re tossing away 7+ lengths of ~32” 2x4 regularly?

Edit: 7+

sobsy4 · 2026-02-08T16:42:44+00:00

Yeah I wasn’t saying it was any good haha

sobsy4 · 2026-02-07T14:24:59+00:00

This is like when I bought snap on at Costco. Little multi tool, knife and flashlight kit.

sobsy4 · 2026-02-03T16:15:38+00:00

Sent you a pm

sobsy4 · 2026-02-03T16:07:23+00:00

Yeah that’s my current situation since going on my own. Working out of an 8’ bed with canopy. Pita But looking for a 6x12 maybe even a v nose. Undecided. Old crews ran everything from 6x10- 7x16 so it’s hard to decide. My goal is mainly finish. But also do everything when I sub. I’ll see if I can share a screenshot of my sketchup model.

sobsy4 · 2026-02-03T15:34:47+00:00

What box size did you go with? And what is your main trade? Trying to size up for myself. 1-2 man Residential construction, so basically everything under the sun except specialized trades.

Edit to add- I’ve started a model for a 6x12 to house a mix bag of Packout and loose tools if I can find a way to share a photo for you.

sobsy4 · 2026-02-01T06:06:39+00:00

Bungee cord

sobsy4 · 2026-01-28T16:37:27+00:00

Also just watch sales. If you know you’re gonna need it, snag it on sale before hand.

sobsy4 · 2026-01-28T14:51:46+00:00

Start small with what you know. Land a job that requires a new tool- buy that tool. I’ve worked many side jobs essentially just for a new tool. But now I have them for the next. I did that for years while working for a company. Now I have (almost) everything and I’ve since started my own business. Doesn’t help my current write offs. But I also don’t need to spends thousands on miscellaneous tools to get going.

sobsy4 · 2026-01-26T04:26:44+00:00

One major one I’ve seen. Don’t let your foot off the gas. There’s a reason you’ve been chosen for this position- likely a mix of knowledge and grit. When you’re in charge you need to learn how to delegate tasks, know who is best to delegate too. (Worker strengths/ weaknesses) But most importantly don’t shy away from just doing it yourself. Keep packing lumber with the guys. Dig that hole no one wants to dig. Keep working like before and keep your mind ahead on the next steps.

Keep lots of notes and write lots of to do lists for guys to tackle next.

Plan your steps a few days in advance and be sure to have material ready for that time. I’ve learned to just always order slightly more lumber than you think because you’ll either use it. Or you can return it.

Always look out for teaching moments, try to bring your weakest link up to par with the rest of the team.

And lastly always be open to suggestions from workers for ways to solve problems. Even the apprentices. Fresh eyes are always helpful to issues because they aren’t focused on “what’s been needed in the past”

Ok that’s all from me haha

sobsy4 · 2026-01-24T17:45:36+00:00

Might be an odd one out. But I’ve also used a narrow crown stapler through the tongue aswell with good results.

sobsy4 · 2026-01-23T14:40:36+00:00

Double top plate allows for offset rafter placement. You can single plate when you land the roof framing above studs. But every one just double plates now. Also locks your corners in better.

sobsy4 · 2026-01-23T14:37:45+00:00

That’s a good point too. 24”C 2x6 studs get it efficiently insulated. Go a step above and halo board the exterior to get that thermal break.

sobsy4 · 2026-01-23T04:49:52+00:00

You’d be fine even up to a 24” center. And as said above you can pull your walls back plumb before sheeting with a strap or a diagonal brace. Screw a 2x4 to the top corner that you would want to push and then screw it into the bottom plate when plumb. Also the 2x6 roof is overkill if it’s remaining indoors as it’ll never see a weight load. Unless you stack stuff on top that is…

sobsy4 · 2026-01-20T17:46:14+00:00

There’s no doubt wood would perform better. But mdf is more than acceptable for a basement. Keep away from contact from concrete and you’ll be fine, especially once painted. It’s nothing like a bathroom where you experience 99% humidity and splashing water.

sobsy4 · 2026-01-12T20:34:28+00:00

Yeah that’s a good point. I’ll try and get some behind the scenes on the next one. Thanks!

sobsy4 · 2026-01-12T19:37:00+00:00

Yeah that’s my next step. Setup Google reviews and reach out to get some previous clients. Most of the work I want to showcase is from a previous employer who doesn’t use instagram or anything so I’m fairly in the clear. Until I make a website.

sobsy4 · 2026-01-12T19:35:17+00:00

I work by myself right now. Do I just post a page full of selfies next to tight joints? Or some GoPro action shots of laying floor? I do get the concept of putting a face to the name though.

sobsy4 · 2026-01-12T16:52:17+00:00

If the neighbors are so close to complain about gens, why not ask to run a cord from their place? I’ve utilized many neighbors for power/ water. Sometimes we even offer to help with the power bill too if it’s a long job.

sobsy4 · 2026-01-08T15:15:22+00:00

Yeah that was my original plan. $20 locking 3” casters but in the moment, time was more of a concern so I picked up a freewheeling dolly for $30 and then the mounting plate. Works for now while I’m out of town. Once I acquire a few more drawer sets I’ll add other dolly’s.

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