Introduction
This part of the estimating for woodwork in modern practice is now very much more concerned with the fixing of pre-finished units. The idea of these units is not new. However, the rapid development of new materials and technologies, together with economic pressures on the building industry, have accelerated the demand for and use of pre-finished units. The joiner today is no less skillful than his predecessor, but has new skills and techniques which have boosted his output.
Floors and decks are still boarded with softwood and hardwood strip. However, there are sheet materials now available which one can almost consider to be pre-finished units laid over joists. Indeed, some of these sheet materials have peelable coverings to facilitate leaving a clean floor or deck after the works have been completed.
Doors can now be obtained not just pre-finished but complete in their frames, with architraves fixed one side and loose the other. The frame is placed into the opening in the wall or partition and fastened with frame anchors or screws. The protective polythene wrapper is peeled off, and the door is there complete with all its ironmongery!
Similarly, windows are coming on site already glazed and with all ironmongery factory fitted. They are fixed into openings in walls with framing anchors or brackets and the protective wrapping is removed. The window is then fully functional during building, keeping the weather out and letting light in. Even window boards and bed moulds are part of the kit to be added after fixing the window into position.
The multitude of fasteners available has already been discussed in the previous chapter, as have the various difficulties encountered in working with softwoods and hardwoods.
Before going on to some examples of rates, the reader should remember that we have been working with a squad of 1 labourer and 5 craftsmen costing £9.30 per craftsman how. This hourly rate will continue to be used in this chapter.
No comments:
Post a Comment