A Construction Expert's Insights: From Building Homes to Scenery Shops
Working in construction can be a thrilling and challenging career, with a diverse range of projects that vary in complexity and scale. From building large multi-million pound frameworks to constructing simple residential homes, this article explores the experiences of a seasoned construction professional, with a focus on their achievements in Northern Arizona and the unique challenges of building scenery shops.
Major Construction Projects in Northern Arizona
Back in 1983, I was part of a 4-6 man crew that worked for a shell home builder in Northern Arizona, a region known for its snowy winters. In a single year, we managed to erect 44 homes, a remarkable feat considering the harsh weather conditions that often curtailed our work. Each home was a 1 1/2 story structure with a standard 12/12 pitch roof, complete with dormers, exterior siding, doors, windows, and porch roofs. Despite the snow, approximately 4 months out of the year, our team systematically built the exteriors, while interior walls, decks, and stairs were left for later stages. At that time, we didn't have the luxury of air tools, hence every nail and every piece of trim was meticulously hand-nailed to ensure quality and durability. This experience not only honed my skills but also provided me with a sense of accomplishment in contributing to the community's growth.
A Day in the Life of a Construction Professional
The nature of construction projects can vary widely depending on the scale and type. On larger projects, like the multi-million pound schemes I was involved in, there is typically an involvement in about a dozen schemes per year. Each framework contract brings its own challenges and rewards, and building up reliable relationships with clients and subcontractors over time is key to success in this field. On the other hand, minor works can be completed in mere days or even hours, whereas major infrastructure projects often span years. Each project, regardless of its scale, requires meticulous planning, coordination, and attention to detail.
The Scenery Shop: A Different Breed of Construction
One of the most unique projects I undertook was building the scenery shop for Acme Scenery Co. in Brisbane, California. In 1992, I was responsible for constructing over 40 national TV commercials and even provided supplementary footage for a feature film's production. This marked Acme’s first million-dollar year, and they recognized my leadership and skills by awarding me a $1,000 bonus and praying that I would continue to be instrumental in their success. Scenery construction is far more intricate and challenging than regular house building. Many carpenters who tried their hand at building scenery quickly discovered the specialized skills and attention to detail required for this work. The complexity of recreating accurate and visually impactful environments demanded a level of craftsmanship that was a step above traditional home construction.
As someone who has built both multi-million dollar mansions and city lofts, I can attest to the diverse scope of projects within the construction industry. However, the Northern California film industry faced a significant setback with the advent of NAFTA, which dramatically impacted the local film business.
Conclusion
The construction industry, whether focused on home building, major frameworks, or specialized scenery shops, offers a wealth of opportunities for growth and expertise. From hand-nailing every piece of trim to overseeing multi-million dollar projects, the challenges and rewards are plentiful. As an experienced construction professional, these projects have not only shaped my career but also the communities and projects I've witnessed throughout my journey.