I was leaving a job the other day when one of the general contractors asked me to replace the temporary french doors and install the factory doors. Just to be clear, I did not hang this door. When I got on the job, the frame and temp doors were already there.
I installed factory doors and found that when the stationary door is locking into place, the working door (when closed) touches the stationary door at the bottom and sticks in about 3/4″ at the top.
The kicker is that the trim–big thick oak trim–is up and job is 99% finished. Of course, the general gave me his puppy dog eyes and begged me to fix it.
I’m pretty sure that whoever hung this door did not check the jamb for plumb on that side and evened jamb up with drywall. So, without a major tear out of big, thick, expensive, oak trim (which the general really doesn’t want me to do because it makes him look bad), any suggestions? I played around with the door for an hour or so–screw here, shim hinge here, etc., but I was only able to bring it a little closer and, of course, then the gaps got all crazy.
Replies
unfortunately there is only one way to fix it properly, and thats to adjust the jambs and header, french doors are tricky enough with plumb true jams, if the jamb set is out of wack, you'll never get good fitting doors
Out by three quarters? The jamb is twisted and you're going to have to reset the whole shebang unless you and the GC like a whole lot of phone calls from an irate homeowner.
Edited 1/9/2009 6:43 am ET by TaunTonMacoute
Thanks. I posted just on a whim. I already knew the door had to come out, but it's nice to have someone confirm it. :)
I b#^&% for me is that it is not my door and this is the second time this has happened on this job. The first was a pocket door that was 1 1/2" out of plumb--you read right--1 1/2". The homeowner didn't want the expense of ripping out, so I re-trimmed. Unless you are really looking, you couldn't tell.
The french door will not be so easy. But if homeowner and GC do not want to incur cost of doing it right, I'm walking away. Once again, not my door so I will not be the one getting the phone calls. Hate doing it that way, but there are some jobs that once they start going red--they never quit.
rod ,
Communication is the single most important element in this and most things of this nature and for some reason many don't take the time before the fact to talk a bit and be clear as to the expectations of all .
Here is a chance for you as a professional to lay it out clearly and calmly.
Ask them if they want it right or not , they don't need you if not .
We all need all our clients so , talk to them together and clearly inform them that the only way that you would do it is to make it right not worse yet .
The door will look wrong it's whole life if not done properly , save the day don't jump ship , be firm take charge !
regards dusty
I actually smiled when I read your post. This is really off topic of my original post, but you hit the nail right on the head. I usually do not work for GC's. I either work directly with the homeowner with no subs or I am the GC. I do not have a problem with communication--without it the job turns horrid.
I agreed to do this big trim job because the GC was someone I knew years ago and just met again. Biggest problem on this job--no communication. Owner talks to GC alot, will not speak with me because I'm just a "sub". Numerous changes have been made, and I find out about them after I begin whatever phase of the job. Aggravating.
Keeping everything professional is difficult in a situation like this. There are many aspects of how the GC handle this job that has lead to my decision not to work with him again.
When I GC a project, I work. I do the carpentry, finish, and anything else to make sure the job is done properly and professionally. The GC I am working with likes to "play the part". Walk on the job with Northface jacket and shiny boots, look around, take a few calls, and leave. I don't know how to get boots shiny--I thought mud was shiny.
Meanwhile, to keep him in his shiny boots, he hires horrible framers (Amish)--fast and cheap, who cares about plumb and level--he hires cheapest drywallers, then brings in a finish carpenter (me) and a painter to "fix" everything and make it look good.
I guess I'm just venting because I do not work like that, and it bothers me to be on a job with someone who does. Communication and respect go a long way. For a GC to brag about what "he" has done, he should respect the craftsman who are actually doing the job so he can say "he" did it.
I think I will re-post this on the discussion board as a new topic. Thanks for your input Dusty.
I think it may be time for the GC with the shiny boots to learn that saving a few bucks up front may not be the cheapest way to go. As you know, the problem with that paired unit could be the result of (1)the walls that the jambs are mounted onto being out of plumb, (2)the jambs themselves being out of plumb, or (3)in rare occasions, the doors twisted or warped. On paired doors, every PLS(plumb-level-square)issue is magnified by two.
I'm with TTM. The only good fix is the right fix. The door has to be re-installed correctly. Since it wasn't yours to begin with, I would give the GC a price on what it would take to complete the work the correct way.
I never, repeat NEVER finish up work that someone else started. There's usually a good reason why things aren't finished, and you just discovered one of the biggest....live and learn.
Jeff
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