Remember - Measure Twice, Cut Once

Professional Renovations - 30 Years Experience

How Painters Tape Can Save You $1000′s



Many Years ago I had the opportunity to refit a 50′ yacht – complete from front to back (or properly stated bow to stern). However, before this project started, the owner was fixated on using painters masking tape and laying out every detail for the boat – not once, not twice, but several times in some cases, and not all in the same day… this went on for several days. We even used cardboard to mock up cabinets and equipment!

Even though I was being paid well to go along with this process and redo layouts more times than I care to remember, I could only think of one thing – man this guy is anal – how many times can you do this! Move this line 1/2″ that way, no, lets do that again and make it 3/4″. Let me say, in that week I had thought of dropping the job many times each day – all I could think of was “How anal will this guy be once I start the actual work?”

The answer was “Not at all”, the owner knew that getting things right before work started would easily save him the money spent on that week of layouts – when he knew everything was perfectly laid out, work proceeded and 6 months later he had his yacht fitted exactly the way he wanted – no changes during the refit, no costly mistakes and a schedule and budget that was on target – all of which are extremely important in the costly world of yacht refitting.

However, your home is not much different and without proper planning, renovation costs can quickly soar way beyond original budgets. Ever since the above noted yacht refit, I always push clients to do floor layouts with painters tape when renovations include changes to wall locations, cabinets, plumbing fixtures and so on – anything that changes the space and walking areas within a home. This is even more crucial in small spaces such as bathrooms.

If you plan to use very expensive fixtures and cabinets, I would recommend taking this one step further and find a good supply of cardboard from your local lumber yard or department store and roughly mock up cabinets, fixtures and appliances (e.g. an island in a kitchen with a piece of cardboard the size of a built in cooktop, maybe the sink too – do they work, do you like the spacing and leftover counter space?). I am not saying mock up all the wall cabinets etc, but possibly the island or maybe a wood stove? Even a few cardboard boxes piled at each corner of the floor layout can provide a good sense of space and flow!

Installing a new wall? Pin the tape to the ceiling where the wall ends and then tape to the floor to get a feel for what visually gets blocked or how the size of the room changes the feel (if this is possible to layout – if going smaller, it is, if larger… it won’t be possible until demolition is done). Angled walls? Do the same. How does your furniture fit into the proposed space? Buying new? Layout furniture as well before you buy or order materials and furniture – and before you begin renovations (or get quotes from contractors).

In the end, a few rolls of painters masking tape can save extremely costly project changes and prevent delays – and unlike a fussy yacht owner, doing layouts in your home or office with masking tape may only take a few hours, maybe a day but you save a bundle during construction, prevent deadline extensions and lots of frustration!


Reconditioned 234x60
   

March 26, 2011 | Filed Under Bathrooms, Carpentry & Framing, Design, Do's & Don'ts, General, Kitchens 

comments

Leave a Reply







  • My Favorite Magazines!

    When it comes to woodworking and home repairs, two magazines stand out from all the others, Fine Woodworking and Fine Homebuilding. I have collected these for years and always enjoy going back to old issues and checking out various projects and tips. The quality is high and you'll find these magazines feel more like book quality.

    Turning the pages of Fine Woodworking or Fine Homebuilding is like a kid in a candy store - so much cool stuff you just have to try. Over all I give these magazines a rating of 10/10 - some issues 9/10.

    Fine Woodworking

    Fine Homebuilding

    Don't buy these in the store, you can save over 30% using my links above (images) to grab a subscription.

  • NEW! Holmes Magazine

    If there is one guy who's opinion you can trust for construction and renovation advice it is Mike Holmes from Holmes on Homes. Now you can get his advice delivered right to your door with the launch of his new magazine!

    If you've been wondering where you can subscribe to his new magazine? Look no further, you can get a subscription right now for only $18.95 Cdn and save up to 52% off the newsstand price (6 issues). I got mine and am looking forward to the first issue. Visit HolmesMagazine.com to get yours today!