I am often disillusioned by the results of work I have done here.
Case in Point - New storm door:
Arranged to have a new screen door made. Half glass, half screen to facilitate a cross breeze in the house. I specifically asked that there be a way to lock the new door but acknowledged that any such lock was merely decorative as anyone who wanted in could just put their hand through the screen.
Door arrived, with no automatic closer, "blow open" spring stop, exterior or interior latching handle. My bad, I just assumed that all screen doors everywhere in the world are exactly the same, with a door closer and a mechanism to keep the door from being ripped from hits hinges if caught by a strong wind and whipped open. You don't need to tell me I am a fool.
Door was installed using cheap kitchen cupboard contact latches and a cupboard handle on each side of the door. All my 100lb Rottie needs to do is bump the door and it flies open and he is off to the races chasing the cats in the neighborhood. No way to lock the door closed so the dogs can't bump it open. The local solution was to install a sliding latch at the bottom of the door. The latch they produced was too large for the application and there is no way I am bending over and touching my ankles every time I wish to open the door.
All of the required items to make this door a functional NA type storm door should be arriving at the freight forwarder in Miami from Amazon today.
Case #2:
Had a window-well cover made to keep leaves from falling into the window-well and clogging the drain at the bottom. They came up with an effective design but chose to cover the frame with metal screening that rusts. Of course, 6 weeks later, it looks like woodland camouflage and in another couple of months will be be completely rust red. Who would even think of using materials that rust in any project near the sea or in an environment where the ambient humidity often approaches 80%+?
I have lots of examples of very short-sighted workmanship and attempts to make do with tools that are completely unsuited for the task at hand. In every case, the end result could easily be 100% better than what they achieved with very little extra cost or time involved. What is the root cause of this lack of professionalism and quality workmanship. Is it indifference, a lack of basic knowledge or an unwillingness consider the concept that those paying for something expect the best possible quality. Why are options not presented to the buyer at the time the project requirements are discussed. How hard is it to say, that metal screening available here will rust in 6 months, it might be better to go with nylon screen? Would you like an automatic door closer for that new door?
I give up. There is a lot to be said for doing things yourself if at all possible.
Case in Point - New storm door:
Arranged to have a new screen door made. Half glass, half screen to facilitate a cross breeze in the house. I specifically asked that there be a way to lock the new door but acknowledged that any such lock was merely decorative as anyone who wanted in could just put their hand through the screen.
Door arrived, with no automatic closer, "blow open" spring stop, exterior or interior latching handle. My bad, I just assumed that all screen doors everywhere in the world are exactly the same, with a door closer and a mechanism to keep the door from being ripped from hits hinges if caught by a strong wind and whipped open. You don't need to tell me I am a fool.
Door was installed using cheap kitchen cupboard contact latches and a cupboard handle on each side of the door. All my 100lb Rottie needs to do is bump the door and it flies open and he is off to the races chasing the cats in the neighborhood. No way to lock the door closed so the dogs can't bump it open. The local solution was to install a sliding latch at the bottom of the door. The latch they produced was too large for the application and there is no way I am bending over and touching my ankles every time I wish to open the door.
All of the required items to make this door a functional NA type storm door should be arriving at the freight forwarder in Miami from Amazon today.
Case #2:
Had a window-well cover made to keep leaves from falling into the window-well and clogging the drain at the bottom. They came up with an effective design but chose to cover the frame with metal screening that rusts. Of course, 6 weeks later, it looks like woodland camouflage and in another couple of months will be be completely rust red. Who would even think of using materials that rust in any project near the sea or in an environment where the ambient humidity often approaches 80%+?
I have lots of examples of very short-sighted workmanship and attempts to make do with tools that are completely unsuited for the task at hand. In every case, the end result could easily be 100% better than what they achieved with very little extra cost or time involved. What is the root cause of this lack of professionalism and quality workmanship. Is it indifference, a lack of basic knowledge or an unwillingness consider the concept that those paying for something expect the best possible quality. Why are options not presented to the buyer at the time the project requirements are discussed. How hard is it to say, that metal screening available here will rust in 6 months, it might be better to go with nylon screen? Would you like an automatic door closer for that new door?
I give up. There is a lot to be said for doing things yourself if at all possible.
