If you want to see an example of someone trying to do a perfect job, a visit
to our area would be rewarding. A good friend and neighbor, a retired EE
from Boeing, is building a huge exposed beam house. He's been working on it
as long as Susan and I have been struggling with our home. This guy is
doing it all, starting with large Douglas Fir trees, which he saws with his
own mill, permanently set up on his 36 acres. His view is priceless, a
perfect one of Mt. St. Helens, which is about 30 miles distant.
Wonderful workmanship, mostly with hand type tools, although many are
powered, such as his planer, with which he fine tunes the beams. Most
impressive.

Could it be that things haven't changed, that I'm the one that's screwed up?

Harold

How long do you think this man will take to finish his house, building
it as you describe? Will the resale value be any higher than a
similarly-sized knock-together? He obviously is doing it more as a
hobby than as a necessity, and lives comfortably in another house for
now. He has a retirement income. Whether he moves in tomorrow or
next year doesn't matter to him. Most of us don't have these
luxuries.

I built a house in 1978, post and beam inspired by reading lots of
Mother Earth News articles. Took me a year, full time, and I still
had to call in some contractor help at the end. I started the house
enthusiastic but with no experience, and finished it experienced but
totally burned out.

My conclusion - the only advantages contractors have is speed and
knowledge about how to cover up their mistakes. Craftsmanship never
entered into the picture.

The good news - my wife and I raised our kids in that house and still
love it.


Mike Rainey