Below are photos of some jobsite visits I’ve taken recently. The first two photos are of a large fireplace in a hotel. (if you look closely you can see my “drawing board” up on the hearth ledge I mentioned in the first post) This area required some different techniques then a normal casework area. The next 3 photos are more typical of a diewall/desk area.
The goal in any field visit is simple….Bring back to the shop the information you need to create a successful project. While this goal is simple, the execution of this goal can be challenging and is where we can go awry. I’d love to be able to state that I have hard and fast rules that I use to ensure that I get what I need everytime, but this simply isn’t the case. Even in the two situations depicted in the photos required different techniques. The best thing you can do is create good habits that will benefit you on most field visits.
One of my preferred habits involves nomenclature. If you create a habit of taking and writing dimensions in the same manner, you’re less likely to make a mistake. For instance, when I measure, I write down the exact measurement I took…..If I’m field measuring before drywall, I’ll account for this by adding 1 star next to the measurement for each piece of drywall that needs to be subtracted from the measurement. As an example, If I field measure an alcove before rock at 86-1/2″ I will write 86-1/2″**. I’ll also use +* if I have to add drywall for say a wall end. In this manner, I’ve taken out the risk of stupid math errors onsite. When I leave the site, I’m confident in my measurements, and know what the conditions were like when I was there.
Another nomenclature instance is if I have to write down a measurement that would be in the z axis or “Depth” of the paper I’m writing on, I’ll circle it. For instance, if the drawing I’m writing on is an elevation, and I’m looking at a wall that jogs back 6″, I’ll draw a vertical line on the elevation, then dimension it 6″ and circle it.
Another habit I’ve created is taking digital pictures….These can often save you an additional trip and are free. My technique is typically to go into a room, take a picture of the plan view, then photograph the entire room clockwise from the entrance door. I used to only take pictures of what I thought I needed at the time. With this approach there seemed to always be a room that I missed something on. It only takes a few extra seconds to take the other photos (usually 4 per room) and it’s cheap insurance.
I’m not advocating you spend time measuring every detail either. Walk into a room, know your scope, and only take measurements that interact with your scope. For my normal cabinetry, those include the following:
- Wall Length
- Wall Height, Soffit Height
- Windows, Electrical Panels, or other wall obstructions
- Outlets or switches in the area of my scope
- Columns
- other details as necessary to accomplish the goal above.
Remember it’s all relative. Fear of missing something and unclear information can force us to measure everything possible. It’s imperative that you begin with the end in mind, and only take those crucial measurements. You’ll save time and remain focused. Before you leave the shop, have the scope clear in your head and know what measurements you’ll need to accomplish this. If you think theres some critical dimensions you may forget, highlight them before you leave.
The point to this post is to look at your projects, and create a method that works for them. Realize that you’ll have to adapt on a job to job basis, and always strive for improvement. My “drawing board” idea shouldn’t be earth shattering, but I only thought of it after I got tired of finding places to set my drawings to write on them, and carrying a square. Thanks for reading!
