The way I earn my living is doing lots of things to try to add up to a normal (ish) income. It's tricky at times as it feels like a constant balancing act.
Luckily the "traditional" carpentry work I do is really flexible, working for a family that manage a number of properties in the village here and in Malvern. they have 32 properties to keep on top of, and I think in total there is 162 sash windows. So there is normally a sash window to repair somewhere at some point, probably when I least want the work!
We tend to always do it as a two man job, just makes it much easier, getting them in and out (we normally have another job we're doing somewhere at the same time so one can drop back and forth).
We get the window out, strip out the glass then phone a local company to cut us some more. This company is pretty good and will cut it within the hour for us.
then it's a case of trying to clean up the frames, putting putty in the window, fitting the new glass, then putty on the outside. We then reattach (normally we replace at the same time) the cords, refit the beads and make good the paintwork.
For now it's good flexible work as I can still do the school run for the children and keeps my hand in with the more "normal" carpentry work that used to be my bread and butter.
This next week will be spent in the workshop though, I've got stock to make, and three commissions to start. Sometimes feels I don't draw breath, but the Christmas rush will soon be over!
If you are planning to order something from me for Christmas do it as soon as possible, my stock levels fluctuate massively as I'm making new stock all the time and some things may run out.
Kev, it is good you have work to even out the flow.
ReplyDeleteFourth story. I hope it was all from the inside and no ladders were involved.
I'm not sure when I've seen a house with corded sash windows but it has been awhile. It seems like most houses I've been in have their cheap vinyl cousins.
ReplyDeleteKev - would it be worthwhile substituting thin double glazed panels in place of single glass to improve thermal performance? When we had double glazing in one of our houses that was done for one windows where the contractor could not use a uPVC frame. The glass had an overlap to fit the frame with the second skin standing proud outside so that it could still be secured with putty. Maybe not allowed if the building is listed though?
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