How Do you Plan Projects?

[crokett]

You think I'd know better by now. When I installed the transfer switch a few weeks ago, it took longer than I thought because I found a stud where I wanted to install it when I opened the wall. Not a show stopper, I just had to waste time going to Lowes for different conduit fittings to run the wiring.

When I installed the attic stairs yesterday, there was wiring run for the attic light and the traveler for the hall light switch in the truss bay where I wanted to install the stairs. That was a show stopper, after doing some measuring I ended up moving the wiring. Couldn't move the stairs. Trouble was my help to lift the stairs up was only available for a couple hours yesterday.

For the switch, I was as careful as I could to measure and plan. I didn't think about opening up the wall ahead of time. For the stairs, I climbed up and did some measuring and planning last week, even cut the new 2x4 headers and had them all doubled and ready to go. It never occurred to me to check for wiring. If I had I could have moved it last week.

Does this stuff happen to anybody else?

[leehljp]

All the time!

I kinda plan on the unexpected so that I am not disappointed when it happens!

[Schleeper]

Are you kidding? That's SOP for me!

Let's face it - that's one of the main things separating the DIYers from the pros. Anyone (almost) can handle the projects with no glitches; it takes someone with experience to anticipate the things that can go wrong, and know the possible workarounds.

[poolhound]

I try to think things through as much as possible but as they say S**T Happens!

[Stan]

Plan???????

1: a drawing or diagram drawn on a plane: as

a: a top or horizontal view of an object

b: a large-scale map of a small area

2 a: a method for achieving an end

b: an often customary method of doing something : procedure

c: a detailed formulation of a program of action

d: goal , aim

3: an orderly arrangement of parts of an overall design or objective
4: a detailed program (as for payment or the provision of some service) <pension plan>


Uhhh..... Your kidding ------- right?

[Hellrazor]

Does this stuff happen to anybody else?

Nope, never happens to anyone else.

[just started]

What, your X-ray vision on the fritz?

[ragswl4]

Yeah, happens all the time. Build a house, you will get used to "do-overs". We are on our third round with the plumbing. Did it once, didn't line up with the walls in every case so had to move. Next time was when some of the vent pipes lined up with the rafters so couldn't go through the roof. Same with electrical, but easier to fix. I don't even want to tell you about the circular staircase. Then of course there is the venting of the roof, haven't solved all that yet.

[shoottx]

Nope, never happens to anyone else.

Me either That is why I am sitting at the keyboard in the middle of a Sunday afternoon waiting for glue to dry.. It was all part of MY plan!

[Pappy]

What mean, "Plan", Kimo-Sabe?

[dbhost]

Project planning for me? Easy.

#1. Inspect what it is to be worked on so I know as much as possible about it. I.E. run the studfinder over the wall, calling the utility number to ID and flag underground stuff. (Name of the program varies by state).
#2. Expect I missed something major. A pipe, wiring, a stud where I don't expect it. I haven't been let down by the CenTech electrical / metal / stud finder yet... PVC pipe scares me though...
#3. For any project more complex than building a trellis, fully expect to make at least 2 trips to the hardware store. Plumbing is at least 3 trips because I got my sizes wrong somehow...
#4. Involve friends and beer once the hazardous part is done. Nothing gets done quicker, but it's always good to hang out with friends getting something productive done...
#5. Realize that once you are done, you might not actually be done. THis is particularly true in the shop. My shop plan has gotten reworked more times than I care to think about mostly because I keep learning new things all the time. Particularly what works well for me, and what doesn't...
#6. Get good at using a 3D rendering tool. Sketchup is GREAT for doing project layouts and seeing what actually fits, and what doesn't.
#7. Don't just measure twice before you cut once... I measured, remeasured, and remeasured for the stopped dadoes in LOMLs stool, and still screwed up the first treads. Thankfully I was able to recut them down and cut the rabbets for use as the spreaders...
#8. Learn from others mistakes as well as your own. This should take your entire lifetime...

[Mr__Bill]

Plan is just another word for procrastination



Bill, who someday will do that sig thing for down here.