Ten minutes to write. Less time to read.

I am officially half way through my builder’s course and have done it in the time frame that I’d hoped. However, I’ve hit a snag.

In the most recent session, we were given floor plans for a garage as well as a parts pricing sheet.  The assignment is to determine how much it will cost to build this garage for some phantom client. So we need to know how many studs, how many bolts, how many this, how many that are needed and then – I assume — use the pricing sheet to come up with a project final number.

The thing is this assignment reinforces what I wrote a few days ago where I bemoaned that I don’t know many of the building trade’s terms in the first place.  For example, what is ½” O.S.B. Sheathing?  What are sill plates?  And what are bucks?

I realize I’m going to have to take a detour on the route to my license and spend time learning basic carpentry.  Fortunately, I also have a $90 book on the subject.  It will become my new best friend.

And Earl, ever helpful, has suggested I start my career by building a birdhouse!