Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Things I've learnt...

thus far: (it's okay to laugh)
  1. Measure twice, cut once.
  2. Be sure to install trim BEFORE the siding.
  3. Cutting fiber cement siding pre install with a utility knife is a pain in the ass.
  4. Cutting fiber cement siding post install with a utility knife is a royal pain in the ass (see note 2.)
  5. Beware of malfunctioning caulk tubes.
  6. Caulk is great...when used sparingly.
  7. Caulk is actually an "everything" magnet and you will find it where you least expect it. (see notes 5 and 6.)
  8. Save your hardware store receipts.
  9. Be sure to begin work on a satisfied stomach. Working when hungry only makes the project you are working on take longer and annoying.
  10. Do not buy the cheapest materials. I repeat: Do NOT buy the cheapest materials.
  11. Never assume any pre-constructed surface is square or plumb. ever.
  12. A girlfriend who helps you put up fiber cement siding should be taken out to a fancy dinner immediately. Flowers would probably be good too.
  13. 3:1 rule - If you hit your thumb more than 3 times while driving nails, it would be wise to stop nailing.
  14. If you think you need a 6 foot ladder, buy an 8 foot.
  15. A good set of properly built saw horses is worth it's weight in gold.
  16. Those saw horse brackets are worthless pieces of junk. (see note 15)
More to come....

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