new steps

here's a small set of steps built to replace a crumbling set made of unistone.

these should last a long time.

deck addition

here is an addition to an existing deck. it now wraps around the hot tub and has a lower level for entertaining and or sun tanning.

pressure treated 2x8 framing was used for long life.

trex brand decking was used for the entire deck for a superior, maintenance free finished product.

front porch project

here's my latest project.

this deck/porch is sitting on 2'x2' concrete footings with an 8" column. all framing is 2x8 pressure treated lumber and decking is 2x6 cedar. 6x6 cedar posts were used for the supports and posts for the railings. soffit material is a tongue and groove 1x4 cedar. i also installed new aluminum soffits on the rest of the home.

truck and trailer

here's my truck and trailer set up.
my truck is a 2002 dodge ram 2500 that runs on biodiesel. i usually run a b-40 (60% clear diesel/40% bio) mixture spring through fall. my trailer is set up with almost everything i need so i can leave it on the job sites.

here's a little roof project i finished recently... it's become an ongoing project and these people are fantastic to work for. i'm currently working on a front porch/deck on the front of this home and will have more pics soon.

thanks for the feedback...

wow, i should really check this blog thing more often but i'm too busy working and riding bikes... i really don't like technology too much, but i made this blog myself during some slow times this winter. i don't even know what a blog is!! haha...

just some thoughts...

it seems that a local trend in kelowna is for a contractor to lower his/her hourly rates right now...i have a couple of problems with this move. first of all, you get what you pay for generally. when someone is eager to lower their value, to me it signifies that they probably weren't worth what they were charging in the first place. secondly, it's just a stab at getting some quick work generated. it may sound appealing for the client initially, but they'll probably end up paying the same amount in the end anyways-if not more.
i am going to continue my services at the rates i have been charging all along. i feel it de-values my integrity as a carpenter and as a person. i have always been fair to begin with! after all these years of carpentry, i believe i am very capable at providing my services in an efficient fashion. i stand behind my work and take alot of pride in it.
just my two cents for what its worth!

earthship mania

i just finished watching "garbage warrior" for the second time...a must see for everyone! very inspiring movie for me. i'm really hoping to have a sustainable home for myself one day at the very least...i've been doing some reading over the years on "green" building and sustainable building methods and i'm just itching to get involved in a project.

here is the finished product installed

beautiful sill pieces for the windows

re-claimed fir

in early 2008 , i spent quite a few hours milling re-claimed fir to use in a home for trim work. all of the material came from the old roof framing, as a second level had been added to the home. a mill was set up in the back yard to save transporting material and time. it was an involved process, but the payoff was definately worth it.

if anyone is interested in a similar service, reclaimed materials can be sourced out and pricing put together. if it was possible, i would love to work with fir exclusively as it is nice to work with and looks amazing! especially old growth! this material is close to 100 years old!

i have a dining room table and some patio chair designs in the works made out of old fir- (it'll be a springtime project)

my services include anything carpentry from framing to finishing, interior and exterior. i've done many additions, basement developments, whole home renovations (gutted to framing), windows, doors, decks, fences, custom cabinets, millwork, flooring, stairs, garages, sheds, drywall, and concrete. i am a one man operation and prefer to keep things simple by hiring helpers only when needed.
i am open to travelling for projects as well but would like to keep it close to home for now...within a few hours drive from kelowna would be ideal. my work truck is a 2002 dodge ram 2500 that runs on BIO-DIESEL bought from a local supplier. i feel much better about driving around running my ususal B-40 mixture rather than the normal diesel fuel. the mix is 40% waste veggie oils and 60% regular diesel fuel. this means a greatly decreased impact on the environment and some peace of mind.

more pictures of my work are to be coming soon as i am making a fresh start with my portfolio...

here are a new mantle with new pre-finished hardwood floor (top), custom re-claimed fir cabinet (middle) and new commercial space with new t-bar ceiling, fresh paint and new cork flooring.

As a young boy, seeing my father always building, smelling of fresh wood and hands rough from his trade made me aspire to follow in his footsteps. During summers in high school he took me on as an employee and taught me his ways. Next fall after graduation, i had accumulated enough hours to enter into my apprenticeship. Along the way, i fell in love with the interior of b.c. and decided to make it my home someday. In may of 2001, i became a journeyman carpenter and eventually ventured on my own path to self-employment. In late fall of 2007, i made kelowna b.c my new home.
This site is to provide a background, portfolio, and ideas for my business...