A Journeyman's Review
Carpentry is Paul's trade. He has framed, trimmed, hung doors and installed millwork since 1989, led carpentry and finish crews as a lead carpenter and foreman, and supervised carpentry trades as a general foreman. When he looks at a defective miter or a binding door, he is looking at work he knows from the inside. That gives his opinions on carpentry defects a practical foundation that holds up under cross-examination.
Framing Defects
Framing defects tend to reveal themselves in the finishes: walls that are not flat, openings that are out of square, floors that are uneven, and doors and cabinets that will not sit right. Paul evaluates framing layout, plumb and straightness, blocking and backing, rough openings and fastening against the plans and the adopted code. He does not evaluate structural design or load capacity, which require a structural engineer.
Trim, Doors and Millwork
| Defect | Typical installation causes |
|---|---|
| Open miters and butt joints | Poor cutting, inadequate fastening or glue, wet material |
| Uneven reveals on doors | Frame out of plumb, poor shimming, hinge setting |
| Doors that bind or fail to latch | Frame, hanging, hardware, floor height |
| Cabinets out of level or pulling away | Leveling, scribing, fastening to backing |
| Stair parts loose or squeaking | Fastening, glue, fit |
Seasonal wood movement can cause some joint opening even in good work. Paul considers the material, the indoor conditions and the pattern of the openings before calling them defects.
Drywall and Paint-Ready Surfaces
Drywall defects are among the most common finish complaints. Paul examines joint treatment, fastening, corner bead and the finish level the documents called for, and evaluates surfaces under appropriate lighting. Cracking at corners and openings may reflect installation or movement; the pattern and location usually tell which. Where the paint finish itself is in dispute, he evaluates whether the substrate was properly prepared for it.
Evidence Before Repairs Begin
Carpentry and finish defects are often repaired quickly because they are visible and bothersome. Once repaired, the original condition can be lost. Before repairs begin, the conditions should be photographed in context and close up, located on a plan, and where possible examined by experts for the interested parties. Removed materials can be retained if they may be needed. Paul can document conditions before repairs so that the evidence is preserved. See workmanship inspection and documentation.