Poor craftsmanship- do you say something?

[Fialaja]

So I’m wiring a coworkers basement and I’m noticing a lot of glaring mistakes in the framing that are seriously bad. We’re talking framing for soffits that are just toe nailed into the top plate, overkill number of nails, missing studs in corners that will make drywalling a nightmare, bottom plates nailed into the concrete with masonry nails(most are bent and not fully seated). The work was done by a friend of the homeowner. I pointed out these errors to them and then had thoughts that maybe I should mind my own business. Thoughts?

 

[Gurp]

Really depends on how close good a freind you are to them.

 

[Mustang1167]

I think the code of conduct between contractors is to not trash talk other peoples work unless it’s brought up by the homeowner themselves. If the situation causes a safety issue then I think speaking up is the right thing to do.

Any of us could follow each other around and point out all the mistakes we make everyday. If he was happy with the work then there’s no reason to bring it up.

 

[mbshop]

Sounds like there is more going on. And yes, it also sounds from you that there may be safety issues. I would let my friend know. If he gets his shorts in a wad I would walk away.

 

[JimNC]

Guess it depends on if you’re offering to help him fix it.

If not then he’s in a spot where he can’t do the work, he can’t tell his friend that the work *****, and he really gets stuck not moving forward...his wife will blame you.

I might offer to help secure the bottom plates but then leave the rest for the drywalling friend to complain about unless you have time to straighten it out for him.

 

[bczygan]

I used to stick my nose in, but they kill the messenger.

Plus, I got better things to do (Like post on GJ).

Bill

 

[Musicinabottle]

I used to stick my nose in, but they kill the messenger.

Plus, I got better things to do (Like post on GJ).

Bill

Yup!

 

[Majordisorder]

Maybe the drywall will get clips in the corner and the plates have construction adhesive under them.

 

[Musicinabottle]

I have to say this. I was about 18 years old. Me my father and older brother worked for this used car sales man turned contractor. Super neat guy though. He hired two other guys as subs and these two guys, both fairly inexperienced, were always in competition with my family, even though our jobs were totally separated. We were doing a job in Hope Idaho for a fellow and his wife. Siding and changing out windows on a 3 story house. The other two guys were building this guy as shed. We all finished up these projects and the following year me and my lifelong friend came back to paint the place. I observed that the house had been added on to on the third story deck. Horrible job. Sliding glass door was so out of plumb that it didn't close all the way, addition was sitting on 4X4 posts etc etc. I made several comments to the owner about how ****** the addition looked, and just proceeded to cut it apart and asked who built it knowing in my mind that it was these two guys. The home owner replied that HE had built it and you want to talk about putting my smelly foot in my mouth for a week

 

[nutsnbolts]

I have time to do it right; I don't have time to do it over. Personally I would appreciate it if someone pointed out that something was not really ready to move forward. I can also see how some might get offended.

 

[Wamsutta]

So I’m wiring a coworkers basement and I’m noticing a lot of glaring mistakes in the framing that are seriously bad. We’re talking framing for soffits that are just toe nailed into the top plate, overkill number of nails, missing studs in corners that will make drywalling a nightmare, bottom plates nailed into the concrete with masonry nails(most are bent and not fully seated). The work was done by a friend of the homeowner. I pointed out these errors to them and then had thoughts that maybe I should mind my own business. Thoughts?

My thoughts are that I could never be a framing carpenter working for a company; I'm way too much of a perfectionist. If it was my house being built, I'd want every single framing member screwed together with Simpson Strong-Ties using all screws; no nails.

 

[Fialaja]

Maybe the drywall will get clips in the corner and the plates have construction adhesive under them.

No, some I was able to move...

 

[the gypsy]

In my opinion it depends on the friend. If he is one to take constructive criticism I would tell him. But if he is the type to start a job today and getter done for yesterday, I would shut my mouth and find an excuse not to help any longer. I know myself and sooner or later I will get to a breaking point and it will come out. lol

 

[JBH]

Did the framing pass the code inspection?

 

[firebirdparts]

i really don't think you are in a position to criticize. Half seated masonry nails are okay, and you think they're not. Soffits don't have any load on them. I'd laugh if you came to me and said you thought another carpenter used "too many nails". I think it's reasonable to expect a carpenter make good corners, but that's something you can correct in 30 seconds with about $1 worth of lumber.

FWIW. My opinion. My point is don't assume you know more about framing than either of them. It'll change how you give advice.

 

[Tallpilot]

Work in any field from computer programming to building houses and you will inevitably run into someone else's work that was 'good enough' in their mind. Unless you are the foreman or building inspector or some other type of supervisor just let it go and do your part correctly.

Lament that the world is full of people who don't take enough pride in there work to actually do it right instead of good enough but time is money so that tendency is just another variation of greed.

 

[matt_i]

If its just finishing out a basement I wouldn't really bother. If it were structural issues, etc, then I would probably say something.

It might be a good idea to bring up the framing for the "drywall corners" though, especially if you should be wiring thru them...

 

[6768rogues]

Any drywaller I ever had do work walked through and listed every place that a nailing surface or blocking had to be added, and expected those to be provided before he started his work.

 

[lakelandcat]

If its a safety issue or needed to pass inspection, no question say something. Just remember treat others as you would like to be treated.

 

[PassnThru]

So I’m wiring a coworkers basement and I’m noticing a lot of glaring mistakes in the framing that are seriously bad.....

The work was done by a friend of the homeowner.

So they are doing this entire job with favors from friends instead of hiring professionals or doing the work themselves. It would seem that their standards aren't very high considering that they are cheaping out big time - let it go.

 

[1redTA]

you expressed your concern, I’d move forward and refrain from that side of the residence if you have reasons to fear unsafe

 

[xyster101]

If someone pointed them out to me, I would reply "Ok, when are you coming over to help fix it?" If you are not offering to fix it, then DO NOT offer to point it out.
UNLESS it is a safety concern, which they don't appear to be.

Too late now I guess.

 

[jd_1138]

If a friend was over here and pointed out some things wrong with my house, I would thank him/her. Information is power.