How do you live with imperfection in your work, when your standards exceed your skill?
I’m finishing our country house, originally planned as a summer cottage, now becoming a year-round house with drywall, woodwork, etc. I do all the work myself, rough and finish carpentry, wiring, plumbing, DW hanging and finishing. And I keep finding mistakes and imperfections, e.g ceiling drywall looks great in daylight, but bumps appear when at night ceiling light is on, a wall I thought was plumb turns out not to be when I attach dead-vertical shelf standards, trim wood I thought was smooth seems rough when painted, etc. etc.
These things bother my wife not at all and in fact in many cases she literally can’t see them. The visual skills you develop to get things right are the same ones that make you see that you have blundered.
There is no way I can fix these mistakes (e.g. the rough ceiling drywall), as this project is taking too many years and we have to get it done before I am found dead on a ladder, cold fingers clutching the hammer. So, I have to live with imperfection and accept the fact that my standards exceed my skill. But how?
Replies
Nothing's perfect. And I tend to look at my work with a jaded eye too. Sometimes I'm called a tweaker at work, because I keep trying to get everything perfect.
As you have found, it's impossible to achieve perfection, and trying to get there will result in little progress getting made.
Do your best. Learn. Move on.
Start by reminding yourself that it's a learning process and you can't expect yourself to get it perfectly right the first time.
Secondly, consider how much you saved by doing it yourself and (hopefully) learning something along the way. And there's always the possibility that you could have hired a professional who would have come in and done exactly the same quality of work that you're capable of. At least the next time, your work will be better.
I've done a lot of work around my own place over the years. Most of it is from before I became a professional. It would embarrass me if someone who knows my current work were to see some of my previous efforts.
Get this, it will never be perfect.
I really can't think of any job I've ever done where something couldn't have been done at least a little bit better.
Perfection? What would be the point of learning or moving on?
Choose a stopping point you can live with and stop all that.
Life is short.
Move over, get out of your way and make time to live.
great answer. do your best and then move on. next time you won't make the same mistake. best advice i ever got was from the man that taught me how to logcraft, he said you have really learned your craft not when you dont make mistakes anymore but when you don't have to ask me how to fix them.
This is one of the things that an apprentice needs to learn and they are never approaching perfection. We spend much time looking at trim work in closets trying to teach the apprentice what is acceptable and what needs more work.
What is acceptable for framing won't do at all for cabinetry. Every job has its own tolerances dictated by the materials and the function. Every job has a purpose and a budget and a client with expectations. The professional's goal is to satisfy all these. Since perfection is not often possible, it is not part of the goal.
If I walk into a room, I can't help but see flaws. If it is not part of my job, it does not bother me a bit. I'm just glad I don't have to fix them. Instead I look at the overall feel of the room, the originality of the design, the overall execution and the functionality of the space. These are the things that people notice and appreciate and they truly are important. I try to keep this in mind on my own jobs.
Mass quantities of enlightenment..find a natural order that is perfect..redefine your attitudes..start with acceptance, work up to joy, then hit enthusiasm..
There is no imperfection. only your view.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations
You gonna play that thing?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32Ln-SpJsy0
A large part of mastering a trade is knowing what "will fly" and what won't--that is, what imperfections are going to affect the final outcome to an unacceptable degree.
I had a floor finisher who used to tell clients, when they complained about a flaw, "live with it for six months and if it still bothers you, I'll come back". It really is true. Your eye gets used to the flaws and after awhile you won't even see them.
generally, wives are responsible for the cure.
the medicine usually comes in the form of a single threat where there is no ambiguity or uncertain terms.
the administering of the medicine varies between 20 seconds and 10 minutes.
it is not physically painful (except to the ears).
side effects involve sweating, large lump in the throat and nausea.
the cure occurs within the first few hours following the administering of the medicine.
plaster cracks, paint chips, wood trim dents, floor sags all suddenly become invisible to your naked eye.
later, when your friends stop by to admire your work and they ask about the invisible plaster cracks, etc. you will tell them about the medicine.
trust me, they will understand.
if the medicine was applied properly, a completion date will be set and strictly adhered to.
good luck with this.
carpenter in transition
generally, wives are responsible for the cure.
the medicine usually comes in the form of a single threat where there is no ambiguity or uncertain terms.
the administering of the medicine varies between 20 seconds and 10 minutes.
it is not physically painful (except to the ears).
My wife is looking for additional dosing instructions...
dude,
you weren't supposed to show that post to your wife !
carpenter in transition
Turn your chair and look at the view out the window instead.
Welcome to the
Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
where ...
Excellence is its own reward!
My wife tells me the things that I see are wrong the average person will never see. I live now by the moto of I am like a lady of the evening, if at the end of the job you are satisfied then I have done my job.
Edited 7/13/2008 9:57 am ET by silvertip
Excellent advice! Thanks! I'll sit and watch the tide come in and out and forget about perfect ceilings.
I think Jer said it best, I dont think I have every seen a job that I was 100% satisfied with, there is always something that I could have been done better.
You will never reach perfect, do the best that you can with the time you have and move on. Let it nag at ya the rest of your life!
Doug
I know exactly where your coming from, if I don't get a handle on it sometimes it drives me towards depression. Keep a positive attitude and do your best when your doing the work, don't rush because your real busy, because then when your done and your not happy it eats at you.
What helps me is to be able to see the work others have done, you know we can pick out all the flaws, and then realize the customers are extremely happy the guy who did the work probably got paid good and now he can enjoy the money with his family and be happy.
Perfection is unachievable, It seems like 99% of people cant find the flaws we can. I've recently been siding a big old house with three half aszed additions. In all areas where they added on there are huge humps in the wall- 3" in 4 ft. etc.. We've done the best we can the siding cant end level or real straight in a few spots because the place is so cut up and out of wack. I know I did all I could reasonably and feasibly done with it. In the end the customer is soooo happy. She cant see us without saying "wow it just looks so awesome". The reward here is making them so happy, and you just got to accept it wont be perfect.
Show you work to others and see what they notice, probably not as much as you do, because your trying to achieve perfection and the standard of perfection is set by trying to get there but never actually getting there.
With my old partner, I'd ask him to come over and take a look. But I wouldn't tell him what to look for. If he saw it right away, there was a good chance it was worth fixing. If I had to point it out, we were done.AitchKay
I have a tendency to get nut's when things are't coming out as perfect as I think they should.
I have this hanging up out in my shop ( wife found it for me ).
Finish each day and be done with it.
You have done what you could.
Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in.
Forget them as soon as you can.
Tomorrow is a new day.
Begin it well and serenely, with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense.
[ Ralph Waldo Emerson ]
Separate your self worth from your work and realize it's a process.
I always have things that drive me crazy about a job I've done. To me they stand out because I know they are there, but I'm the only one who notices.
You're not a hack because you have some minor flaws. Instead of beating yourself up about flaws in the ceiling, look at it as a process. In the next ceiling, you will figure out how to do it better. It's a process of growth.
Speaking of the next ceiling, there's a lot to be said for wet plaster. The imperfections give it that wet-plaster look. Drywall has to be absolutely perfect to look good in all light. That ain't gonna happen.AitchKay
That's been my experience. I have a fair amount of experience patching plaster in an old house, and the minor surface details that don't matter with plaster are the ones that bother me with the DW. So I gotta forget about it. Maybe I'll do better on the first floor.
The kitchen remodeling plans called for the kitchen sink to be centered exactly below the window. I went ahead and made the custom cabinets and then installed them, only to learn the framing crew had missed placing the pantry wall by 5/8 of an inch.
I took out the cabinets and centered the sink under the window, but that pushed the rest of the cabinets down the line into the door casing. Had to remake the upper and lower cabinets next to the sink 5/8 of an inch shorter.
But there was no other option. The sink was clearly not centered under the window.
I had this great client. We built him a nice shell. Every error we made pained me to no end. In the finish, I discovered that the fireplace wasn't centered between two windows. The trimmer discovered it and instead of alerting us, he "blended" the mantle to balance the look.I discovered the error and had a couple days before the tile surround was going to be installed. I discussed the situation with the owner and he told me not to worry, it wasn't bothering him. I couldn't sleep that night and called him in the morning and told him I was sending my guys over to move that fireplace. He asked me if I was going to cut into the drywall and make dust and a mess. I said yes, but we'd contain and clean it. I just wanted to make things perfect for him. He pondered for a moment and replied "Thanks Jim but I've very happy with everything you guys did for me. I know nothing is ever perfect and instead of focusing on the 2% that is wrong I'm happy thinking about the 98% that is right and I won't let your guys make the change". It still bothers me and if he called today and asked me to redo his entire fireplace and surround, I would send someone immediately. I suffered for many years with perfectionism. It's actually a very limiting condition and once I shed myself from it's weight I was able to grow as a carpenter. Bob's next test date: 12/10/07
Edited 7/13/2008 11:45 am by Jim_Allen
I loved your post!
I think we are all our worst critics, and we may be everyone else's, too.
That is so true Susiekitchen. Once I shed my shackles, I was immediately more accepting of everything I encountered after that. I now can walk through a tract model and see the entire structure for what it really is, not the accumulation of errors that many tradesmen would categorize it as. I now see beauty where before I saw faults. I still run my hand under everything...I judge all finish work by the underside that no one ever sees but I still can admire the work of simple craftmen that I know sweated over the work, even when they knew they were underpaid and their families were living in impoverished conditions...no health care, not enough money for decent housing, wondering if their truck will make it to work tomorrow. Life goes on, even if there is a bulge in living room wall and the trim shows it a little bit. Bob's next test date: 12/10/07
So, I have to live with imperfection (quote)
It's easy, just do your best and forget about the rest...........and thatnk the Gods the old girl ain't as picky as yourself cause then you'd really have a problem
My ex would have complained if if was pure unmitigated absolute perfection.
Striving for perfection should start from one's inner being, not a judgemental attitude of the mind. The spirit knows that everything is perfect, just as it is.
Don't allow the mind to be critical of you or others. It's the bane of all human existence. Laugh at all "errors" as if you're watching through God's eyes.
Remember, God made joy and laughter as keys to freedom.
Thanks for the great question and the many perfect answers.
Soon the eyes will start to go. Just leave the glasses off at home.
I am currently doing a commercial job in a historical building that could be a beautiful project but is being "fast tracked" to get the tennant in occupancy.
As we were working our 12th day straight on Friday, I remarked "It is a shame we are asked to do this #$*# ". Eveyone paused a second and then carried on, we were getting time and a half after all. ; ^ )
Mike
Trust in God, but row away from the rocks.
Penobscot
I used to work so slow
a. because I wasn't real good
b. because I wanted it to be perfect
I have since learned to work faster and live with the imperfections.
On my own home, I know that 99% of the people will never see the flaws, and I know I have to get it done this weekend or else it will drag out forever.
An imperfect job done is far preferable to a perfect job that drags on forever.
After all it's a country home where you want to go to relax not to work until you die.
Rich
this is why i leave everything half finished.
I yam stalling off the day of reckoning.
My wife is getting mad but by the time im almost done she will be so happy she will overlook anything and i will be the HERO
1. Accept that everything is produced to a tolerance.
Once past the the thresholds of safe and functional you need to accept that a) you are not a pro doing this stuff 50 weeks a year b) most things you notice aren't likely to be noticed by anyone else.
During any project it's vital to step back and get a look at whole picture, shine a light, sight down a wall, 2x check a doorway, etc. Feeling that you're under the gun, undermanned, or underpaid, puts anyone halfway to many mistakes.
If the stuff really, really, drives you nuts- get liquored up and burn it down.
YMMV
The awful thing is that beauty is mysterious as well as terrible. God and the devil are fighting there, and the battlefield is the heart of man.
- Fyodor Dostoyevski
I read a book once (don't remember title or author) that recommended using techniques and materials that matched your skill level--for instance, in the case of drywall, use texturing, like a knock-down finish which doesn't look too bad. He even talked about trowelling a topping compound on with a pretty rough texture. That is about all I remember now, but it was a good book and the ideas seemed like they would work.
That sounds like an excellent idea, but, alas, I don't really like textured surfaces. But the basic theory sounds good.
Perfection is for God.
The best we can hope for is to strive for excellence.
sully
I always remember the words of Dan Silk, Director of Marketing, when I was at Georgia-Pacific,
"Always remember - the best you can do . . .
is not good enough."
Tough guy - was in Sports Illustrated's Faces in the Crown section as a high-school platform diver.
Forrest
I think what a few others have said about moving on is a good way to look at it.
If you look at the masters in art or anything where someone made an impact they put out LOTS of work.
They learned to live with imperfection and to move on. Hind sight is 20/20 but it is only good for learning NOT to do it again.
So the next time you do something remember what tools you told yourself you needed, tool up, and do it a little or a lot better than last time.
I just poured 3 yards of decorative flat work concrete. I've never done decorative flat work before. It came out great.
The last slab I did was not up to my standards. But I moved on and learned.
Learn from your mistakes, look to the future, and MOVE ON.
Reminds me of a saying that was sometimes stenciled on Craftsman style houses--"Life is short, but the craft so long to learn" or something to that effect. Like my Tai Chi master said, "Sure, if you want to be able to punch your way through concrete block walls--all you have to do is devote every waking hour to toughening your hands and building strength and so on, to be able to do that. But wouldn't your time be better spent learning to do something more useful?"
Unless you plan on doing rock finishing for a living, learning to do it very well (as few pro's even approach perfection) is sort of a waste of time. That's why we all have our special skills and we pay others to do the things for which we lack skill.
I feel i'm very picky in my work too. My helper always reminds me that most people will not look at (whatever the project may be) it with anywhere near as discerning eye as the I will.
My dad did some work in his bosses cottage. I mentioned to my dad that a few things were out of alignment and a few other items. Everytime i'm in this house it sticks out to me......his boss loves it.
On my own house (still live in the one we built 38 years ago) we gradually fix the old 'mistakes of the young'.
In a different take on the perfection process, my greatest relaxation is building sheds from no plans, no sketches, all struc. calc. done in head, sometimes never even use a level or square, just by eye. Most of them look like cr@p, but functional and wont be there 2 years after I'm dead anyway.
Day job is a totally different matter, eveything absolutely has to be as near perfect as humanly possible, but process takes at least 100X longer for similar tasks.
Re: Danno's/post about matching techniques/materials to your skill level, and my post about imperfections in GWB v imperfections in wet plaster:In the old days, houses were built by designer/builders. They had to build what they designed, so there was a penalty for getting too cute. Wide, mitered casings fell by the wayside because they were a pain in the butt, and even if you managed to make them look good at first, they wouldn't stand up to the test of time.Reveals were the key to finish carpentry: 5/4" x 5/4" corner blocks for tall, 1x base.Bullnosed Parting Stop between square-cut side and head casings,
or,
1x side casings paired with 5/4" head casings run long (i.e. 5/4 hangs over about 1/4" in thickness, so cut it about 1/2" long: 1/4" each side). If you're off by 1/16", who will notice? Versus flat, mitered casings -- if you're off by 1/32", it looks like ####.So, being a perfectionist, I design around reveals.And still do reality checks with my partner, so that I can walk away in good conscience!AitchKay
my hallway is crooked. my shop not square. my concrete is not level. my screw on the metal roof dont line up. etc. Yes its bothes me too.we have a saying here survey to 1/8 inch build to 1/4 inch and you lucky it might be 1/2 inch.
Isn't there a law about that? Maybe Anderson's Law of Precision?
"Measure with a micrometer, mark with chalk, cut with an ax"
Many truths in all these postings.
But on the other hand, one of my small businesses is named OCD Rigging Solutions and my tagline is "Perfection is not a disorder".
Reveals are a good trick -- I'm doing my window casings as you describe. I think they look better than mitered casings and much more forgiving of tiny joinery errors.
Nothing is permanent anyway. If some mistake or imperfection bothers me enough I'll rip it out and redo it right away. Otherwise I remind myself that I can always redo it next year. I put it into a list of things to fix once all the major renovations are done. That way I can let it lie "for a while". Every time my eyes land on it I tell myself "soon..." and if that continues long enough either I'll finally decide I can't stand it anymore and I'll redo it or I'll forget about it and someday discover that I've learned to live with it.
Time heals all wounds, even in drywall.
Besides, I wouldn't want to deny the next owner of the house his reason to rant about "the previous owner" the way I do.
I've heard this told about the people who weave the spectacular oriental carpets by hand: They're beautiful works of art but never perfect. The story I heard is that they always intentionally introduce some error into the pattern because only God is perfect and striving for perfection in human endeavors is hubris.So all my errors and imperfections are merely signs of humility. :^)
Sounds similar to the Japanese concept of Wabi-sabi. Nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect.
Now I'm gonna hafta google wabi-sabi. Sounds like the green horseradish stuff served with sushi.
I heard similar stories about middle eastern furniture makers and other craftsmen as well. Apparently only Allah can be perfect. However it always struck me as the height of hubris on the part of the craftsman to assume that the product would be perfect if a fault wasn't designed into it.
Nothing I've built is perfect, its always a tradeoff between time, money, skills and knowledge none of which are static. I'm happy if I can approach the asymptote.
Be a builder, not an agonizer!
My little project (~1000 sq ft 2 storey addition, ~450 sq ft garage/shop) is fortunately (very nearly) done. Aside from trying to find the energy after a day's work and commute, the biggest problem I had was with arguments amongst the subtrades. Finish carpenter would b*tch about the framer etc. etc. We'd take each other out for a beer every once in a while and sort it all out. Fortunately I was most of the subtrades, and complements of the project we have a very nice front porch for this sort of meeting!
The other old chesnut, "You can't see it from MY house!" unfortunately doesn't apply when it IS your house!
Yeah, I learned lots of single-use skills, the hard way. There are things about my project I'm not entirely happy with. And I'm way too cheap in terms of both materials and my own energy to do too many things over again. Whenever I get discouraged I go back over the photographs and laugh- what a sense of accomplishment! Makes the small stuff seem truly small. But if I had an agonizer's personality at the beginning of this job, I'd have had either a new personality (or perhaps personalities!?!) or a divorce at the end of it. You're unfortunately the best qualified to figure out what's most important to you, which makes the rest of us pretty much useless as help!
Best of luck!
How do you live with imperfection in your work, when your standards exceed your skill?
The same way you live with the imperfection in yourself, I guess.
Resolve to do better. Correct the things that bother you the most. Learn from your mistakes. When you do something really outstanding, go back and look at those bumps in the drywall and realize how far you've come. Give yourself credit for trying your best.
Years ago I used to have a photo tacked behind my worksurface that I could look at when the obsessing and stress got to be too much.
It was a view of the beautiful earth from the moon. Sort of put things in perspective for me.