Honesty

Does honesty pay off?  I do a lot of work for a large cabinet company in the Jacksonville area.  I noticed areas of my bill where they would trim dollars.  Kind of hurts since we have been cut a number of times already.   Anyway, I found a line item where they actually overpaid.  And I brought it to the attention of the guy who runs the bills.  His reaction was not "thank you", but "will look into it Monday." 

High at 100

'sposed to hit 100 on Wednesday.  Makes work a little more challenging.  End up sweating all over the cabinets. 

Install Today

Install went great today.  That large laminate counter-top was easily handled.  Only lifted it one time with the help of the truck driver.  We moved two base cabinet boxes next to the half wall and placed the counter top on the half wall and the base cabinet boxes.  When the cabinets were installed at the half wall, I only had to slide the massive counter top into position.  Credit for the idea goes to DT. 

Laminate Counter Tops

Have a 100" by 60" Formica counter top to install tomorrow as part of a cabinet installation.  There are only two problems with this 1.  It is too bulky and heavy to move into position by myself.  2.  I work by myself.  My current plan is to have the truck driver help me position so I only have to lift it on one end to install.  None of the installers I know like laminate counter tops. 

Work Like Crazy

Work has been crazy lately.  I welcome the change.  It is good to be needed.  Been working daily and on Saturday. 

Cabinet Job

The great thing about working for yourself is you get to learn about the value of time.  I was able to finish the job that started Monday today before noon.  However, I did stay later than I wanted yesterday to make today go easier.  Making good use of my time, I completed the application for my workers compensation exemption package which is due every two years.  They say to allow 45 days,  Mailing it today gives me a 36 day cushion.

WORK MONDAY

Job Monday will be two days.  Tops throughout.

East Palatka

Just finished a two day install yesterday, Monday.  Started it Friday.  There were four baths and a kitchen with a small island.  Full overlay doors.  Hardware pulls and knobs.  Off today.  Purchased some much needed consumables.  Saw the price of the 2 1/4 inch screws that I use went up 0.2 pennies from 1.8 pennies per screw to 2.0 pennies per screw.  makes a difference when you buy them by the 3000.  About $6 a box.  Plus I think shipping went up as well.  No worries?   God is in control.  Little things like that affect me though and I have to put my trust in Him.

Shuttle Launch

Just watched my first live shuttle launch.  Walked out my door looked down the my street to the right (facing South) and could clearly see the red propulsion gasses and white smoke which is now still clearly visible.  The shuttle, in addition to be propelled upwards, also looked like it was going right to left.  Was so excited that I wanted to tell someone nearby, so went across the street where they are building a new house and told one of the workers.  He looked at it for a second and immediately went back to work.  Not a big deal.   I thought it was cool!

Off Work Today

Good day to ask questions.  Will be checking my blog for comments today.  Also, I have a familiarity with certain tools and can make recommendations and give reviews of tools that I have used...

Expand Business

I do most of my work with a local cabinet supplier and am looking to expand my horizons.   While they have been good to me in keeping me busy.  There are weeks that I am under-utilized.  I bought a couple of magnets for my vehicle with my phone number to help drum up extra work.

Current Work

I work in the Saint Augustine, Florida area.  Most of my work is in the new construction arena.   Bit by bit I want to branch out into residential construction.  This afternoon, I purchased magnetic signs to affix to my vehicle.  I have done a lot of work for friends, but have thus far stayed away active advertising.

Current Cabinet Work

  I install cabinets for a living.  Yesterday, I installed a three bathrooms including a master-bathroom with a linen closet cabinet, a kitchen island wrapped on the back side by bead board, base board and shoe moulding.  It was only 9 cabinets, but took me all day to complete.  And, I learned something new because I was willing to ask a question.  The point of this post is two-fold.  Number one, I don't have all the answers.  And number two, and probably more important is anyone can learn something new.

The Basics of Cabinet Installation - Wall Cabinets

  Choosing a starting wall cabinet is the most important consideration.  The variety of possible layouts means that the cabinet you start with in one layout, could be the final cabinet you install in another.  In most cases, start with the cabinet located in the corner and work from there. 
  Using a pencil and a four foot level, draw a level line at the bottom of this cabinet (and if you wish, do this for all your wall cabinets).  Locate the studs using a stud finder or other acceptable method.  If you are doing a remodel, finding and locating your studs can be very simple.  Simply note the location when you remove your old cabinets.
  Getting your cabinet positioned on the wall so that it will remain in position long enough to allow you to fasten it securely in place can be done a number of different ways.  As I read this, I realize that I am merely writing an instruction booklet.  Boring.  That is what happens when you try to cover all cases.  But, your cabinet installation isn't all cases is it?  Perhaps you have some specific question that isn't covered by the instructions that came with your cabinets?  Do you  have plan or layout from a local kitchen cabinet supplier?  I am willing to take a look at it and give you my opinion on how to approach your cabinet installation.

The Basics of Cabinet Installation - Layout

Before installing cabinets, I study the layout to find the areas that give me the most concern and go over in my mind (even before arriving at the job site) my approach to these areas.  As likely as not, I will have a question about the layout.  And I will attempt to get these questions answered before traveling to the job site.  A sample question that may enter my mind may be:  "What are the cut-out dimensions for an oven cabinet?"  These vary based on who manufactured the appliance being installed.  Making this cut-out after the cabinet is installed is not recommended, and I personally will wait to install the oven cabinet after I have the correct dimensions.

Ceiling height is important and easily overlooked.  The standard starting height for wall cabinets is 54 inches from the floor.  If your ceilings are only 8 foot or 96 inches, then 42 inch wall cabinets will be a tight fit.  And this is not necessarily a problem unless you also want to add crown moulding to the tops of your wall cabinets or you want staggered height wall cabinets.  Each situation is different and it is a good idea to ask before you make that expensive cabinet purchase.


Plumbing and Electrical Locations can also pose potential costly delays to installing cabinets while waiting for an electrician or plumber to move outlets or piping.  Ensuring these items are positioned correctly relative to adjacent cabinets or within cabinets before cabinets arrive is of utmost importance.  If the plumbing doesn't have to be moved because your new cabinets are going in the same location as your old cabinets, great.  But, make sure when the plumbing is disconnected that your plumber caps these lines straight instead of leaving a valve or worse piping ell.  This makes removing the old cabinets more time consuming, but also will force your cabinet installer to cut larger holes in the back or bottom of your cabinet.  This is ugly and unprofessional.


Door Locations and Wall Openings must be carefully considered when installing your new cabinets.  And remember, the countertop typically overhangs the end runs of cabinets so you want to make sure you leave room at these locations for your countertop.

All, but the most basic cabinet layouts should be measured and drawn by a design professional (which I freely admit I am not)

Inaugural Post

After much conversation with my brother, we decided to collaborate on a project to work on ways we can help our neighbors with their Saturday woodworking projects.  Working as a cabinet installer in new construction for allmost 6 years working on over 1000 houses qualifies me to give expert advice on many related topics.  So don't be shy ask a question.  I am here to help.