Wayne Weekly “Shoddy Workmanship”

Generally, I try to do my own work when it comes to home repairs. Those tasks that I have confidence that I can begin and conclude successfully. I normally take the challenge.

This summer I had to install two replacement windows, I’ve done that before several times. One in our kitchen to let more light in, and one in the basement to replace a decaying unit. Though they present some interesting encounters, I gave it my best, and hopefully my materials and workmanship will last a good long time.

Now, my side door. I relinquished my cherished “do it yourself” rights on that project. Oh, I think I may have had success, but ripping out a door, casing and all, and rebuilding the rough opening might take longer than I wished to be without a secure door on the house. So, after wrestling with my “I can do this” mentality, I caved in and hired a professional…so I thought!

The contractor I employed came out one day and measured and evaluated. I was told that it would be about 3 or more weeks before the install. It was about a month.

The morning the work was to get underway I waited at home with the intent to speak with the installer, and, to be honest, be sure he was to do the work to my satisfaction.  He called to say he would be delayed and would arrive as soon as he could. It was already past 9 AM, and I needed to be off to work, but hey, he is a professional, and I have the estimate to prove it!

My wife Evie gave me a few calls to brief me on what was happening. Everything sounded good and I was at peace knowing that I hired a professional, you know, someone who knows what they’re doing, someone who takes pride in his work, someone who has a reputation to protect…that kind of professional.

I arrived home that late afternoon knowing the project had been completed. I guess it wasn’t that bad to give up on a “do it yourself” install. I mean it was done. All I had to do was turn the knob and walk through my brand new entrance door.

I won’t go into detail. The job was a disaster. The rough opening had to be altered to accept the new door unit, but done that left little support to the door frame. My sheetrock around the interior trim had been broken. The trim job was incredibly sloppy with gaps and plenty or rough edges. The door sill and outside trim was almost resting on my sidewalk waiting to wick up the first rain.

A shoddy job. A job that nobody likes.

God’s Word tells us:

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

Colossians3:23-24

Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.   

Proverbs 22:29

As believers, we are to strive for the excellent. No one says it’s easy all the time. We can struggle with our motive, energy, skill level. The door doesn’t always go in the rough opening effortlessly, the finish trim may take some extra work to fit and be ready for the finish topcoat. But we’re to tackle any job to the best of our ability, evaluating each situation and determining the amount of work to meet the need in a satisfactory way.

No one is saying all must be perfect. Not every job demands perfectness. A little caulk can do wonders and still produce great work.

So let’s roll up our sleeves!

Oh, by the way, the company supervisor came back to the job at my house, rolled his eyes with much apology and is coming back to start the install from scratch.