As a pro carpenter/contractor, you sir are a credit to the industry. Knowledgeable, honest, hardworking and all the things that make America great. Thanks for all your doing. There are all kinds of us like you all over, and that's what drives this country..
Now THERE'S a recommendation ! No blah blah blah for giving me free stuff but a genuine first hand professional estimation of a products/service quality. Apart from that, HUGE respect to UMPQUA for stepping up and recognizing Scott's aforementioned professionalism. I bet the drivers also appreciate it when they know they're delivering to Scott...
I wonder how they'd deal with a different situation. 1 - His first pick who wants to sponsor. Easy. You go with it. 2 - Say there's one company Scott's been working with for 10 years, they're his first pick, but they don't want to sponsor. And another company he's never dealt with before, they offer to provide the materials for free. Now what? Turn down free stuff from some place that's probably just as good but wouldn't have been your first pick? Of course you'd be open about that, and there's positive things to say there too "We've never used them before, but we often can't use all the suppliers and service companies we'd like, so they've offered to sponsor us and we're going to evaluate them during the build. We can't recommend or endorse them, yet, but they'll get mentioned for helping sponsor." 3 - Now what about a company that Scott has dealt with before and specifically doesn't like and doesn't recommend, but they were the only company who wanted to sponsor? Suppose it's a lot of money, a lumber yard for the whole build or a shingle company or some other major expense? It's simple to be noble, but probably better to be practical and, youtube ad rev is nothing compared to construction expenses. I wouldn't fault them either way. 4 - What happens if a company Scott dislikes offers to sponsor, but only if he recommends them? Not as easy as #1 above, but pretty easy to walk away from this since now there's an actual integrity issue. How should someone handle the times when it's not an easy choice? Be stubborn and impractical with sunshine and roses, or make the practical choice and just disclose what it is and isn't? The extremes are easy, it's the middle situations that make for hard choices.
Jesus in a handbasket, MattsAwesomeStuff. What will make you happy? I'll just bet this is a rant against advertising. Well, I was always successful when embarking on a DIY project (because I'm not in the trades myself) is to ask the pros who they use. It's as simple as that. Scott just saved you from asking the question, although we all know you weren't really asking a question.
Rod - What makes you think I'm not happy? I think you mistake my curiosity (I literally open with "I wonder...") and discussion for complaint or criticism. It's great that the company they know and trust sponsored them. It's just interesting to me, how might they (or me, or anyone with a channel that sometimes takes sponsors and provides content) handle the situation if it was slightly different. Would you prefer that people only leave comments with thank yous or criticism and avoid discussion?
MattsAwesomeStuff - I don't know if he asked for the free stuff or it was offered when he said what he was doing. Personally I think it was the second and for me personally I think its a good deal. At least he was upfront about what the sponsored gave him. Remember he wants to show a complete cost to what this will cost and he didn't say that any other people he promoted gave him anything. I think this was given and I think he wouldn't be promoting somebody else because big time concrete companies probably would make more from this than the one that he used
They now have 140 reviews and a 5 star rating across the board. They have updated the page with logo and pics. Keep up the great work all. They deserve it. Let's teach those big box stores and national corporations how business should be done.
Another great video! Just thought I'd let you know that I'm a 24 year old concrete finisher from Michigan, 3rd generation in the family business that my grandfather started almost 45 years ago. I really enjoy your channel and watch every video! Thanks for the great content and keep up the good work!
Live in the UK so much of this is only partly relevent, but boy I enjoy watching. It's like having my grandad who was a builder teaching me the things he got too old to teach. I love the transparency of this RUclips channel and think it could become a seriously successful series in the years too come.
We will build our own house in Spain in the next two years. Your videos have been inspirational - you're an old school craftsman and a fantastic presenter - clear, concise, knowledgeable, no ego. Thanks.
Make sure you have solid paperwork, a good lawyer and bits of paper for EVERYTHING ! You'll find that everyone is a seasoned professional…. they're not. The best way to filter is a video camera for all the important meetings, those who don't want to play don't earn no pay.
Outstanding sir! "They're helping me. And I'm helping you. So, if you're local, let's close the loop." I am blown away by your integrity, your calm reassuring demeanour and your way of connecting so deeply with your viewers. Thanks.
I'm not on Facebook, BUT THANKYOU TO YOUR SUPPLIER. As a 30yr carpenter, I am proud to have suppliers like them in my community, and professional circle. Good for them, may 2018 bring them 10 fold. What they have put out to help your project.
I'm retired but you promoting Concrete Service is a respectable thing to do. Suppliers and contractors are "team members" and everyone works together to the common end of a completed project. Scott, it's great that you gave them a 'promotional attention' and I'm sure they are thankful for all you have given to them, the trade and the community. Well done sir and well done to Concrete Service! ....13
My father ran a batch plant for many years, spent a lot of time there when I was a kid! Thanks for bringing back some memories! Thank You for your videos and for providing quality content!
The pride and honest dignity of a job done well is a consistent message in your videos ...as a man who has spent 47 years in construction, mostly framing....with a hammer,.....I appreciate it very much....thanks
Good on you for supporting an independent, family owned business. It's people like you who keep them strong and able to compete with the big guys. Cheers.
I don't do Facebook but thank you Concrete Service! This reminds me of my relationship with my roofing supply house. As a second generation roofing contractor I've been doing business with them for my whole life. I know every man behind the wheel of every truck, ever man in a forklift, and every man behind the counter by first and last name. Heck, half of them were at my wedding. It's a very good feeling to have that good of a relationship with a trusted supplier of the materials of your trade
When I get stressed out the first thing I do is read a few verses in Psalms and Proverbs and then perhaps watch episodes of EC. I'm not a craftsman (retired firefighter) but it is so refreshing to see your obvious pride in what you do and the knowledge and expertise behind whatever it is you're doing in the videos. You're a wise old man. Blessings to you and your family and much success in the future.
Thank you Scott and Umpqua Sand and Gravel for making this project more possible and investing in the trades knowledge Scott is passing along. I’ll say, this video is incredibly valuable for someone like me in both entertainment and educational content. When I consider all the video I’ve watched....the long term service to the trades is incredible with what is being shared. Not million dollar rebuilds of New England antique homes...but actual homes many could afford. Amazing project and thanks for showing the ups and downs of a professional dealership my with unpredictable job circumstances. Well produced and very enjoyable tribute to a local business giving to the cause and to the RUclips community🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Double Amen, They have ruined the Discovery and History Channels with the "Reality TV" concept and all of the injected fake drama. Now I just watch channels like this on RUclips.
Big thumbs up from Georgia to Umpqua Sand and Gravel/Concrete Service for being a community supporter! My Dad was a mason and concrete salesman for 40 years for both large and small concrete companies. He would be proud of Umpqua. That’s how you do business. Excellent video.
Did I hear you right? Your concrete guys are donating the footing/retaining concrete to you? That's... Pretty great. Good on them. I don't have facebook, nor do I live in Oregon, but you can let them know at least one RUclips commenter is impressed with them.
I'm 18 years into building here in Columbus Ohio and I JUST DON'T HAVE THE PROPER WORDS to explain how valuable the lessons that you are teaching to any and everyone that will listen. I learned all that you are presenting in hard and expensive ways. Lost projects and wages are what I call tuition and they have all been physically and financially painful. My stomach churns at the words two yard cleanup. lol.
Great reminder that at the end of the day we are all in the service business. The quality of the product is important, but timely consistent delivery of the same is what brings people back to your business. You obviously have found that with your service provider as you have maintained a 24 year relationship. Another great reason to maintain your relationships with LOCALLY owned providers!
Gladly provided my review. I wish i'd seen this video 13 years ago. My house is still standing strong and all systems go. I've only built this one but maybe someday, I can watch another built for my family. Great videos I'm hooked on.
I work as a manager for a concrete company. I have never heard this explained so perfectly. He expressed the anxiety I have every day. It took my 8 months to figure out how to order concrete perfectly. It’s definitely a skill I had to learn on the job.
Thank you for being there for your community and for being a positive influence on all that watch your videos. You not only teach the viewer but you pull others in to be recognized for their greatness as well. God bless.
I'm on youtube everyday. I love watching videos. RUclips can be a great place to learn and that's what I love, is learning; new ideas, new ways, new information, new techniques, etc. I feel like I've watched quite a few channels by now and I can say without a doubt that The Essential Craftsman's channel is the best I've found. Scott takes areas that I have no interest in and presents them in such an informed and entertaining way that you just can't help but be interested. I never gave a crap about anvils before Essential Craftsman and now I catch myself going on craigslist about once a week to try to catch one in my area. Those heavy buggers sure can move quick! My ole lady thinks I'm a touch crazy but this channel just makes ya feel good.
I am at present applying for a building inspectors position in my own area and country. Although not my country the principles of building you are outlining are helping me brush up on my knowledge in readiness for the interview. Thank you so much for doing this series.
I recall building a retaining wall when I was in my early 20’s on our first home. It was holding back 18 feet of vertical garden for over 100 feet in length. I learnt so much on that wall as a labourer to an experienced bricklayer (brickie in Scotland) and from my father who was the lead on the renovation/remodelling of our 200 year old cottage. The wall took around 3300 concrete blocks laid flat and was 6 and half feet wide at the bottom whilst always being a third in thickness of what it was holding back up its 18 feet of height including under build. Of course lots of drainage and relevant backfill to stop water buildup. It’s been in place now for over 20 years and it’s not moved a millimetre! Wish I could post a photo of it! Love this series!
I'm a structural engineer working in Australia with 25 years experience. These videos are excellent. Just a quick observation without trying to cause a massive ruckus here it blows my mind that in the US you are still using imperial measurements. I was watching you talking about cubic feet and ordering concrete in cubic yards and thinking 'what a nightmare'. I guess though that's all you know and you're used to it so fair play I guess. Anyway keep up the great work. This is a brilliant series that I've just found. I'm doing an owner / builder build on my house and watching all of these with great interest.
Hey Scott I m not pouring concrete but if I ever do I’d refer to your wealth of knowledge. As a young man in my teens I was a hod carrier and it’s hard work and some of the most enjoyable work. We did outside plastering in California as well as inside. We did allot of hardwall inside and in bathrooms we would put a putty coat finish where we troweled it down to where it was as smooth as a babies bottom. I learned from a 65 year old master. I think it’s a lost trade. Sorry for rambling on you just gave me flashbacks. Your such a joy to watch and listen to,your a great educator about trades and being an exemplary human.Your son was spot on when he suggested you do RUclips and I’d like to thank him.
Today we got the rebar for the trench foundation on the house my wife and I are building here in Michigan. I'm reviewing your videos on the concrete process for the spec house to double check my thinking (and, in the case of the rebar, guide my correction - I didn't allow for the "development length"!) . We're at the point of getting quotes on concrete from a couple of providers in our area and will soon have a truck on site dumping mud. You've been a tremendous resource. Thank you.
Wow thumbs up for unqua very few companies will stand behind they product and service like they are doing here. That's outstanding service to the industry and commitment to the community. And thank you Scott for your videos ... I'm a amateur jack of all trades you inspire and educate me with every one of your videos.
Scott, as a carpenter myself, this video makes me want to drive out there and shake your hand. Respect and appreciation in business relationships has been lost w these massive corporations. Love your old timer perspective on the trades and your fellow man in mud. Keep teaching this next gen how to operate a business! 👊
I love how when Concrete is done correct it lasts forever. My wife and I visited the Pantheon in Rome which is made completely of concrete in 609AD and still in great shape.
Enjoyed the video. I'm a concrete contractor and I think you pretty much nailed it. And I'm the same way with my ready-mix supplier. We are loyal customers of theirs. The only time we don't order from Carlo Ditta is when we're working in an area they don't service.
It is always impressive when you see a small family owned business thriving in the face of big corporate competition. The interference of government in the marketplace has made it terribly difficult for an honest man to make an honest dollar. A friend of mine who owned a couple of business once told me there is no such thing as an honest businessman any more. At the time I didn't understand what he meant but that stuck in my mind. Years later I realized what he was saying is you can't comply with all the rules, regulations, permits, fees, licenses, taxes and on and on with government burden and remain in business. A past mayor of Denver, Wellington Webb, once said that 99% of all the legislation written and passed is for the purpose of keeping the little guys from being able to compete with the big guys.
I know the reality is that measuring for concrete is math and physics... pure and simple. But the truth is that getting the right amount every time with little or no cleanup (waste)... black magic. Craftsman such as yourself make it look a lot easier than it is. Its a pleasure to learn from you.
Scott, thanks again for another great video. While I'm too far away to order their concrete, I did stop by Umpqua's Facebook page and express my heartfelt gratitude for their support of your channel. Keep up the excellent work, sir!
Umpqua, Oregon. Now there is a town. My sister owned a dairy there and my buddy raised race horses. My brother lived in Roseburg for probably 40 years. Beautiful place.
Free materials for that foundation is a massive contribution. Concrete has been the limiting factor in several projects I would like to have done because it's just so expensive. Good relationships pay off!
A couple months back I got an estimate from them for a small pad in Winchester, they were very helpful. Glad to know I got the right people. Pouring spring 2018
Great business decision by Umpqua to "sponsor" the materials! Not just reaching the Local community anymore. I'm in Buffalo, NY and despite not being able to order from Umpqua this video does a great job of defining what a contractor should be looking for in a batch plant regardless of location.
Concrete!!! Love your channel, very informative. This is the first relatable thing to me. I have driven a rear discharge mixer in SF for the past six years and you have hit just about every piece of information. I even like the explanation of slump. I’ve recently moved to a company that uses On-Site mixers. It’s a bit different, but for sure another way to achieve a quality product. I will for sure go to the Facebook page of the company and thank them for their input into this series. Can’t even explain the support I have for family owned companies in this industry.
I know exactly what your talking about I didn't concrete for a living in fact I do footings, it is nice when the concrete com. Cares it makes a huge difference , thanks for your time to teach us , and a happy new year to you and your family
I am really liking this series of videos. Even this video where no real work got done you give more info than most other people are willing or think its necessary to give. Unless you have done any work yourself it's hard to show that. I also love the quality of the videos in general keep up the good work. I just want to say that I appreciate the knowledge.
you are a very admirable man who seems to care more about other peoples knowledge in the trades more than most do now a days. Got to pass on what built nations. Good on ya!
In dealing with PennDOT jobs, we usually use telebelts when we can't use trucks to get concrete directly where we need it. Pumps can mess with the air quantity in the mixes, something our techs also measure along with slump.
Just some trivia,the slump test is 30 puddles per lift with each lift penetrating the previous one by a minimum of one inch. The rod should not be a piece of re-bar but a 5/8" smooth rod with a bullet tip. Also,spend the extra money for plasticizer to adjust the slump. It is worth every penny.
In my area ( eastern Ontario) we have a great family owned concrete service that mixes on site so you only pay for what you use very handy especially on a rough bottom or side pour like yours. Truly enjoy the videos Keep up the good work!
It's interesting to me to hear you speak about slump and its importance with respect to strength of the concrete. Far too many people who should know better will add far too much water for ease of workability, which is easily compensated for with admixtures. That said, I remember several years ago watching a video of the Burj Khalifa being built in Dubai and the slump was, near as no difference, the complete height of the test cone, rather shockingly. The mix was actually designed that way for pumpability, and had a bunch of admixtures and a special silicon additive for extra compressive strength. Thanks for this series, Scott.
I operated the batch plant for Beaver State Ready mix and found Umpqua to be a very good company to compete with. I to feel that you are giving some good information to people
Scott you have done a ton of work getting ready for the pour for which I'm looking forward too. That is real nice of the concrete company to pour that for you. Enjoy the videos and thanks for producing them. Happy new year to you and your family. Take care and God bless.
Not a concrete guy....I'm an Electrical Engineer but I always use my local contractors and family business owners before anybody. You said it well....family first even if it costs a little more. Crosby, Texas
I enjoyed the web cast. It's great of Umpqua Sand and Gravel to donate their products to the project. In Illinois we have Habitat for Humanity. Keep up the Great work.
I used to live in Medford years ago I know what great service they provided in Grant County. As for running short on flat work it happened to me as a homeowner. My flatwork guy we did the calculations made sure we ordered enough plus two extra yards and the batch plant read the slip wrong and just gave us enough ugh! I can't wait to see you pour the mud.
Working with this ultimate gentleman would be a trades(wo)man's dream! Spending time with him would be like plugging into the Contractor Matrix! Cheers to a robust channel worth anyone's time and keep up the incredible content, looking forward to the rest of the spec house build!
Lots of naysayers to the time it is taking to complete your house. Please, please, keep it at this pace! If you go into the detail you do with the rest of the project, we will all be very lucky to have learned the details you share with us. I used to adore watching Hometime with Dean Johnson, and his house builds were some of my favorite to watch. I learned so much in the process and felt like I was apart of the project as it progressed.
We've actually heard of Umpqua Sand & Gravel all the way up in Pierce County Washington, just south of Seattle. They have a reputation throughout the Pacific Northwest, and that's damn impressive if you ask me.
Just a bit more on designing concrete mixes: If the plans call for a specific PSI requirement, say 3000 psi, a brand new mix design will be designed for 1200 psi above the psi requirement. So if you have test cylinders made for that 3000 psi mix and broke at 28 days (industry standard for testing concrete strength) they will probably average 4200 psi. They do this to account for anything that may adversely affect the strength ( poor mixing, aggregate size/strength, too much water, ect.) The 1200 psi covers the standard divination (think statistics and bell curves) so that at least 95% of the time, the concrete will be above 3000 psi. If a mix is used a lot, and has lots of testing to show the properties of the mix, they can start to change the cement/water content to make a more economical mix that still nearly always meets the strength requirements.
Brian Helmold --- Our 'job site placed' 3500psi concrete would usually break at 3800-4200psi range in 7 days. 4000psi would break at 5100-5700 in 28 days.
Was there a need for high early strength? In our work if we need to put loads on the concrete early we pour a higher psi mix. Example: for a footing needing 4000psi, we would likely pour a 6000 psi mix to get the strength earlier. Concrete gets about 70%-80% of its 28 day strength at 7 days.
I work with concrete but that’s not why I watched the video. I just enjoy your videos I can tell you’ve worked hard all your life great shape for 59!!!!
My friend has a surprisingly simple solution to the issue of excess concrete on an order: He sets up forms for general pre-fab parts that can be used later on that job, or on other sites. Finish the main pour, estimate what's left, and then start filling up spare forms based on what he has on hand rather than dumping it all in a hole somewhere to be dealt with by the poor sucker who comes along years later to run a trench or extension.
Good video,I always try to buy local in everything, what you said is true here in Salina Ks, it's not only price but value. BTW I have not been in Walmart in 2 years. The good local guy will be competitive on price but usually provides value. I just bought new appliances last summer. My local guy was real close on price and a little more than , Lowes but his excellent customer service and followup is all I remember now, not the price he provided great value. Money well spent
I helped build a suspension bridge in the wilderness two years ago... It had four poured concrete footings. Square holes, and 2m (6ft) deep, with some timber formwork at the top. They'd have been about 8 cubic meters, or 300 cubic feet (or less) - total. I don't recall exactly, but I'm likely overestimating substantially... I suspect they were actually smaller. The whole project was built/supervised by an engineer, who was onsite, and who (I guess) ordered the volume of concrete..... The concrete for the footings was poured by helicopter with a monsoon bucket. It flew to the top of a hill where there was road access for a truck, filled up, then flew it to the holes. It was the sort of road that you could get a midsize concrete truck up no problem at all - not a gigantic one, but definitely one with the capacity to get that amount of concrete to the top of the hill... Or, two part full trucks... Or whatever. It was in a windy area, so getting a calm enough day took some time. Concrete is fairly cheap... Particularly in comparison to helicopter flight time... Bought as premixed bags from a hardware store, a cubic meter of concrete costs ~NZ$800 (roughly US$500). Buying a truckload is substantially cheaper. ....The engineer had ordered enough concrete for about three and a half of the four holes. The remainder needed to wheelbarrowed in the next day (by guess who....) - I didn't order that concrete either... There was about enough for another 1/4 of the hole... ...Then finally, somebody else took the remaining lot in the day after.
as i remember the last time i had concrete delivered it was $100+ per yard. they went above and beyond to help out your channel. good on them. i wouldn't call that a shameless plug, i would call that a thank you for helping out the internet community. Wrangler Star on the other hand runs his channel and feeds his family that way from boots on their feet to knives and sharpeners and tractors and clothes, wood mills and log splitters anything he can get for a plug on his channel he goes after.
This is how you promote a sponsor!
As a pro carpenter/contractor, you sir are a credit to the industry. Knowledgeable, honest, hardworking and all the things that make America great. Thanks for all your doing. There are all kinds of us like you all over, and that's what drives this country..
Now THERE'S a recommendation ! No blah blah blah for giving me free stuff but a genuine first hand professional estimation of a products/service quality. Apart from that, HUGE respect to UMPQUA for stepping up and recognizing Scott's aforementioned professionalism. I bet the drivers also appreciate it when they know they're delivering to Scott...
I wonder how they'd deal with a different situation.
1 - His first pick who wants to sponsor. Easy. You go with it.
2 - Say there's one company Scott's been working with for 10 years, they're his first pick, but they don't want to sponsor. And another company he's never dealt with before, they offer to provide the materials for free. Now what? Turn down free stuff from some place that's probably just as good but wouldn't have been your first pick? Of course you'd be open about that, and there's positive things to say there too "We've never used them before, but we often can't use all the suppliers and service companies we'd like, so they've offered to sponsor us and we're going to evaluate them during the build. We can't recommend or endorse them, yet, but they'll get mentioned for helping sponsor."
3 - Now what about a company that Scott has dealt with before and specifically doesn't like and doesn't recommend, but they were the only company who wanted to sponsor? Suppose it's a lot of money, a lumber yard for the whole build or a shingle company or some other major expense? It's simple to be noble, but probably better to be practical and, youtube ad rev is nothing compared to construction expenses. I wouldn't fault them either way.
4 - What happens if a company Scott dislikes offers to sponsor, but only if he recommends them? Not as easy as #1 above, but pretty easy to walk away from this since now there's an actual integrity issue.
How should someone handle the times when it's not an easy choice? Be stubborn and impractical with sunshine and roses, or make the practical choice and just disclose what it is and isn't? The extremes are easy, it's the middle situations that make for hard choices.
MattsAwesomeStuff I'm not sure what your point is. Are you just telling us stuff everyone knows or are you complaining about the video or what?
Jesus in a handbasket, MattsAwesomeStuff. What will make you happy? I'll just bet this is a rant against advertising. Well, I was always successful when embarking on a DIY project (because I'm not in the trades myself) is to ask the pros who they use. It's as simple as that. Scott just saved you from asking the question, although we all know you weren't really asking a question.
Rod - What makes you think I'm not happy? I think you mistake my curiosity (I literally open with "I wonder...") and discussion for complaint or criticism. It's great that the company they know and trust sponsored them. It's just interesting to me, how might they (or me, or anyone with a channel that sometimes takes sponsors and provides content) handle the situation if it was slightly different. Would you prefer that people only leave comments with thank yous or criticism and avoid discussion?
MattsAwesomeStuff - I don't know if he asked for the free stuff or it was offered when he said what he was doing. Personally I think it was the second and for me personally I think its a good deal. At least he was upfront about what the sponsored gave him. Remember he wants to show a complete cost to what this will cost and he didn't say that any other people he promoted gave him anything.
I think this was given and I think he wouldn't be promoting somebody else because big time concrete companies probably would make more from this than the one that he used
coming from a former concrete tester and current Batch Man, the # of times rodded for conventional concrete is 25 per layer. also, love the series!
They now have 140 reviews and a 5 star rating across the board. They have updated the page with logo and pics. Keep up the great work all. They deserve it. Let's teach those big box stores and national corporations how business should be done.
Another great video! Just thought I'd let you know that I'm a 24 year old concrete finisher from Michigan, 3rd generation in the family business that my grandfather started almost 45 years ago. I really enjoy your channel and watch every video! Thanks for the great content and keep up the good work!
Live in the UK so much of this is only partly relevent, but boy I enjoy watching. It's like having my grandad who was a builder teaching me the things he got too old to teach. I love the transparency of this RUclips channel and think it could become a seriously successful series in the years too come.
Alexander Bell Likewise. Very interesting how they construct things across the pond
We will build our own house in Spain in the next two years. Your videos have been inspirational - you're an old school craftsman and a fantastic presenter - clear, concise, knowledgeable, no ego. Thanks.
Make sure you have solid paperwork, a good lawyer and bits of paper for EVERYTHING ! You'll find that everyone is a seasoned professional…. they're not. The best way to filter is a video camera for all the important meetings, those who don't want to play don't earn no pay.
As a tradesman sir I look up to you, thank you for the knowledge and positive vibes.
I second that...
As fellow contractor.. I third that
Don’t have Facebook but Thank You Scott and Thank You Umqua! I think this series will be legendary when it is done.
Jim
Outstanding sir! "They're helping me. And I'm helping you. So, if you're local, let's close the loop." I am blown away by your integrity, your calm reassuring demeanour and your way of connecting so deeply with your viewers. Thanks.
I'm not on Facebook, BUT THANKYOU TO YOUR SUPPLIER. As a 30yr carpenter, I am proud to have suppliers like them in my community, and professional circle. Good for them, may 2018 bring them 10 fold. What they have put out to help your project.
I'm retired but you promoting Concrete Service is a respectable thing to do. Suppliers and contractors are "team members" and everyone works together to the common end of a completed project. Scott, it's great that you gave them a 'promotional attention' and I'm sure they are thankful for all you have given to them, the trade and the community. Well done sir and well done to Concrete Service!
....13
My father ran a batch plant for many years, spent a lot of time there when I was a kid! Thanks for bringing back some memories! Thank You for your videos and for providing quality content!
The pride and honest dignity of a job done well is a consistent message in your videos ...as a man who has spent 47 years in construction, mostly framing....with a hammer,.....I appreciate it very much....thanks
Good on you for supporting an independent, family owned business. It's people like you who keep them strong and able to compete with the big guys. Cheers.
Upqua Sand and Gravel has been alerted of my appreciation for partnering with you.
I don't do Facebook but thank you Concrete Service! This reminds me of my relationship with my roofing supply house. As a second generation roofing contractor I've been doing business with them for my whole life. I know every man behind the wheel of every truck, ever man in a forklift, and every man behind the counter by first and last name. Heck, half of them were at my wedding. It's a very good feeling to have that good of a relationship with a trusted supplier of the materials of your trade
Jon the Roofer - Let me guess, the other 'half' wasn't invited because they stunk (bad hygiene).
bonanzatime
Nah. If my wife can put up with my stinky self, she could have put up with them. They were probably just hungover :-)
When I get stressed out the first thing I do is read a few verses in Psalms and Proverbs and then perhaps watch episodes of EC. I'm not a craftsman (retired firefighter) but it is so refreshing to see your obvious pride in what you do and the knowledge and expertise behind whatever it is you're doing in the videos. You're a wise old man. Blessings to you and your family and much success in the future.
Thank you Scott and Umpqua Sand and Gravel for making this project more possible and investing in the trades knowledge Scott is passing along.
I’ll say, this video is incredibly valuable for someone like me in both entertainment and educational content.
When I consider all the video I’ve watched....the long term service to the trades is incredible with what is being shared. Not million dollar rebuilds of New England antique homes...but actual homes many could afford.
Amazing project and thanks for showing the ups and downs of a professional dealership my with unpredictable job circumstances. Well produced and very enjoyable tribute to a local business giving to the cause and to the RUclips community🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Please never take a TV deal. Your 10-15 minutes a week is way better than that dramatised crap
Amen
Double Amen, They have ruined the Discovery and History Channels with the "Reality TV" concept and all of the injected fake drama. Now I just watch channels like this on RUclips.
Big thumbs up from Georgia to Umpqua Sand and Gravel/Concrete Service for being a community supporter! My Dad was a mason and concrete salesman for 40 years for both large and small concrete companies. He would be proud of Umpqua. That’s how you do business. Excellent video.
thank you UMPQUA for providing us an opportunity to learn about concrete work and the trades in general. much appreciated.
Did I hear you right? Your concrete guys are donating the footing/retaining concrete to you? That's... Pretty great. Good on them. I don't have facebook, nor do I live in Oregon, but you can let them know at least one RUclips commenter is impressed with them.
I think it's called "barter"
I'm 18 years into building here in Columbus Ohio and I JUST DON'T HAVE THE PROPER WORDS to explain how valuable the lessons that you are teaching to any and everyone that will listen. I learned all that you are presenting in hard and expensive ways. Lost projects and wages are what I call tuition and they have all been physically and financially painful. My stomach churns at the words two yard cleanup. lol.
Great reminder that at the end of the day we are all in the service business. The quality of the product is important, but timely consistent delivery of the same is what brings people back to your business. You obviously have found that with your service provider as you have maintained a 24 year relationship.
Another great reason to maintain your relationships with LOCALLY owned providers!
Gladly provided my review. I wish i'd seen this video 13 years ago. My house is still standing strong and all systems go. I've only built this one but maybe someday, I can watch another built for my family. Great videos I'm hooked on.
I work as a manager for a concrete company. I have never heard this explained so perfectly. He expressed the anxiety I have every day. It took my 8 months to figure out how to order concrete perfectly. It’s definitely a skill I had to learn on the job.
Wow. The contribution for the concrete & other 'earthly' materials from Umpqua is Incredible.
I spent all summer working long hours doing concrete and have learned more here then on site. Thank you. I love your channel.
Thank you for being there for your community and for being a positive influence on all that watch your videos. You not only teach the viewer but you pull others in to be recognized for their greatness as well. God bless.
I'm on youtube everyday. I love watching videos. RUclips can be a great place to learn and that's what I love, is learning; new ideas, new ways, new information, new techniques, etc. I feel like I've watched quite a few channels by now and I can say without a doubt that The Essential Craftsman's channel is the best I've found. Scott takes areas that I have no interest in and presents them in such an informed and entertaining way that you just can't help but be interested. I never gave a crap about anvils before Essential Craftsman and now I catch myself going on craigslist about once a week to try to catch one in my area. Those heavy buggers sure can move quick! My ole lady thinks I'm a touch crazy but this channel just makes ya feel good.
I am at present applying for a building inspectors position in my own area and country. Although not my country the principles of building you are outlining are helping me brush up on my knowledge in readiness for the interview. Thank you so much for doing this series.
I recall building a retaining wall when I was in my early 20’s on our first home. It was holding back 18 feet of vertical garden for over 100 feet in length.
I learnt so much on that wall as a labourer to an experienced bricklayer (brickie in Scotland) and from my father who was the lead on the renovation/remodelling of our 200 year old cottage.
The wall took around 3300 concrete blocks laid flat and was 6 and half feet wide at the bottom whilst always being a third in thickness of what it was holding back up its 18 feet of height including under build. Of course lots of drainage and relevant backfill to stop water buildup.
It’s been in place now for over 20 years and it’s not moved a millimetre!
Wish I could post a photo of it!
Love this series!
the world needs a plethora of people like you. thank you for the knowledge, and I hope to see many new views in the new year
I'm a structural engineer working in Australia with 25 years experience. These videos are excellent. Just a quick observation without trying to cause a massive ruckus here it blows my mind that in the US you are still using imperial measurements. I was watching you talking about cubic feet and ordering concrete in cubic yards and thinking 'what a nightmare'. I guess though that's all you know and you're used to it so fair play I guess. Anyway keep up the great work. This is a brilliant series that I've just found. I'm doing an owner / builder build on my house and watching all of these with great interest.
Greetings from Palau again! I just visited Umpqua's Facebook page and gave them a 5 star review and thanked them for helping you help us!!!
I will have some retainment wall work to do before I build my cabin in Tenn. I have learned a lot from these videos. Thanks
The Mr. Miyagi of general contracting, and just plain providing services necessary to get shit done. I literally love this channel.
Hey Scott I m not pouring concrete but if I ever do I’d refer to your wealth of knowledge. As a young man in my teens I was a hod carrier and it’s hard work and some of the most enjoyable work. We did outside plastering in California as well as inside. We did allot of hardwall inside and in bathrooms we would put a putty coat finish where we troweled it down to where it was as smooth as a babies bottom. I learned from a 65 year old master. I think it’s a lost trade. Sorry for rambling on you just gave me flashbacks. Your such a joy to watch and listen to,your a great educator about trades and being an exemplary human.Your son was spot on when he suggested you do RUclips and I’d like to thank him.
Today we got the rebar for the trench foundation on the house my wife and I are building here in Michigan. I'm reviewing your videos on the concrete process for the spec house to double check my thinking (and, in the case of the rebar, guide my correction - I didn't allow for the "development length"!) . We're at the point of getting quotes on concrete from a couple of providers in our area and will soon have a truck on site dumping mud. You've been a tremendous resource. Thank you.
Wow thumbs up for unqua very few companies will stand behind they product and service like they are doing here. That's outstanding service to the industry and commitment to the community. And thank you Scott for your videos ... I'm a amateur jack of all trades you inspire and educate me with every one of your videos.
A great channel. I live in Oz and still left a message for the supplier.
Was so excited when I seen a new video from you. Hello from Ireland
Scott, as a carpenter myself, this video makes me want to drive out there and shake your hand. Respect and appreciation in business relationships has been lost w these massive corporations. Love your old timer perspective on the trades and your fellow man in mud. Keep teaching this next gen how to operate a business! 👊
This channel is so mature and respectable with everything that you guys do, keep the content coming I can't get enough!!
I love how when Concrete is done correct it lasts forever. My wife and I visited the Pantheon in Rome which is made completely of concrete in 609AD and still in great shape.
Enjoyed the video. I'm a concrete contractor and I think you pretty much nailed it. And I'm the same way with my ready-mix supplier. We are loyal customers of theirs. The only time we don't order from Carlo Ditta is when we're working in an area they don't service.
It is always impressive when you see a small family owned business thriving in the face of big corporate competition. The interference of government in the marketplace has made it terribly difficult for an honest man to make an honest dollar. A friend of mine who owned a couple of business once told me there is no such thing as an honest businessman any more. At the time I didn't understand what he meant but that stuck in my mind. Years later I realized what he was saying is you can't comply with all the rules, regulations, permits, fees, licenses, taxes and on and on with government burden and remain in business. A past mayor of Denver, Wellington Webb, once said that 99% of all the legislation written and passed is for the purpose of keeping the little guys from being able to compete with the big guys.
I know the reality is that measuring for concrete is math and physics... pure and simple. But the truth is that getting the right amount every time with little or no cleanup (waste)... black magic. Craftsman such as yourself make it look a lot easier than it is. Its a pleasure to learn from you.
Tons of very useful information! And I really appreciate the push to do business with local, family owned businesses.
Scott, thanks again for another great video. While I'm too far away to order their concrete, I did stop by Umpqua's Facebook page and express my heartfelt gratitude for their support of your channel. Keep up the excellent work, sir!
Umpqua, Oregon. Now there is a town. My sister owned a dairy there and my buddy raised race horses. My brother lived in Roseburg for probably 40 years. Beautiful place.
Free materials for that foundation is a massive contribution. Concrete has been the limiting factor in several projects I would like to have done because it's just so expensive. Good relationships pay off!
A couple months back I got an estimate from them for a small pad in Winchester, they were very helpful. Glad to know I got the right people. Pouring spring 2018
Great business decision by Umpqua to "sponsor" the materials! Not just reaching the Local community anymore. I'm in Buffalo, NY and despite not being able to order from Umpqua this video does a great job of defining what a contractor should be looking for in a batch plant regardless of location.
Concrete!!! Love your channel, very informative. This is the first relatable thing to me. I have driven a rear discharge mixer in SF for the past six years and you have hit just about every piece of information. I even like the explanation of slump. I’ve recently moved to a company that uses On-Site mixers. It’s a bit different, but for sure another way to achieve a quality product. I will for sure go to the Facebook page of the company and thank them for their input into this series. Can’t even explain the support I have for family owned companies in this industry.
I know exactly what your talking about I didn't concrete for a living in fact I do footings, it is nice when the concrete com. Cares it makes a huge difference , thanks for your time to teach us , and a happy new year to you and your family
Praised and shared on Facebook, thank you Scott for all you do for the community yourself.
Great job on the video and knowledge sharing!
Great big Thank you to Umpqua!
I am really liking this series of videos. Even this video where no real work got done you give more info than most other people are willing or think its necessary to give. Unless you have done any work yourself it's hard to show that. I also love the quality of the videos in general keep up the good work. I just want to say that I appreciate the knowledge.
you are a very admirable man who seems to care more about other peoples knowledge in the trades more than most do now a days. Got to pass on what built nations. Good on ya!
In dealing with PennDOT jobs, we usually use telebelts when we can't use trucks to get concrete directly where we need it. Pumps can mess with the air quantity in the mixes, something our techs also measure along with slump.
Done. They deserve the thank you and you, Sr. are beyond awesome. I'm very proud to be your follower.
Just some trivia,the slump test is 30 puddles per lift with each lift penetrating the previous one by a minimum of one inch. The rod should not be a piece of re-bar but a 5/8" smooth rod with a bullet tip. Also,spend the extra money for plasticizer to adjust the slump. It is worth every penny.
In my area ( eastern Ontario) we have a great family owned concrete service that mixes on site so you only pay for what you use very handy especially on a rough bottom or side pour like yours. Truly enjoy the videos Keep up the good work!
Stoked for this series on your spec house! I gotta go start at the 1st episode, Thanks!!
It's interesting to me to hear you speak about slump and its importance with respect to strength of the concrete. Far too many people who should know better will add far too much water for ease of workability, which is easily compensated for with admixtures.
That said, I remember several years ago watching a video of the Burj Khalifa being built in Dubai and the slump was, near as no difference, the complete height of the test cone, rather shockingly. The mix was actually designed that way for pumpability, and had a bunch of admixtures and a special silicon additive for extra compressive strength.
Thanks for this series, Scott.
I operated the batch plant for Beaver State Ready mix and found Umpqua to be a very good company to compete with. I to feel that you are giving some good information to people
Scott you have done a ton of work getting ready for the pour for which I'm looking forward too. That is real nice of the concrete company to pour that for you. Enjoy the videos and thanks for producing them. Happy new year to you and your family. Take care and God bless.
Thanked them as you asked. Awesome series
Not a concrete guy....I'm an Electrical Engineer but I always use my local contractors and family business owners before anybody. You said it well....family first even if it costs a little more.
Crosby, Texas
Awesome! My father-in-law lives in Roseburg and I will share this video with him. He's built a couple houses back in his day too.
I enjoyed the web cast. It's great of Umpqua Sand and Gravel to donate their products to the project. In Illinois we have Habitat for Humanity. Keep up the Great work.
I used to live in Medford years ago I know what great service they provided in Grant County. As for running short on flat work it happened to me as a homeowner. My flatwork guy we did the calculations made sure we ordered enough plus two extra yards and the batch plant read the slip wrong and just gave us enough ugh! I can't wait to see you pour the mud.
Lucky you Scott I'm looking for 85 cubic yards for my foundation id use those guys if they could deliver to Ireland. Great vid
Working with this ultimate gentleman would be a trades(wo)man's dream! Spending time with him would be like plugging into the Contractor Matrix! Cheers to a robust channel worth anyone's time and keep up the incredible content, looking forward to the rest of the spec house build!
You are simply awesome sir, thank you for creating and maintaining this channel!
I used Umpqua for all my concrete at my house. Great products and great people!
Lots of naysayers to the time it is taking to complete your house. Please, please, keep it at this pace! If you go into the detail you do with the rest of the project, we will all be very lucky to have learned the details you share with us. I used to adore watching Hometime with Dean Johnson, and his house builds were some of my favorite to watch. I learned so much in the process and felt like I was apart of the project as it progressed.
We've actually heard of Umpqua Sand & Gravel all the way up in Pierce County Washington, just south of Seattle. They have a reputation throughout the Pacific Northwest, and that's damn impressive if you ask me.
Just a bit more on designing concrete mixes: If the plans call for a specific PSI requirement, say 3000 psi, a brand new mix design will be designed for 1200 psi above the psi requirement. So if you have test cylinders made for that 3000 psi mix and broke at 28 days (industry standard for testing concrete strength) they will probably average 4200 psi. They do this to account for anything that may adversely affect the strength ( poor mixing, aggregate size/strength, too much water, ect.) The 1200 psi covers the standard divination (think statistics and bell curves) so that at least 95% of the time, the concrete will be above 3000 psi. If a mix is used a lot, and has lots of testing to show the properties of the mix, they can start to change the cement/water content to make a more economical mix that still nearly always meets the strength requirements.
Brian Helmold --- Our 'job site placed' 3500psi concrete would usually break at 3800-4200psi range in 7 days. 4000psi would break at 5100-5700 in 28 days.
Was there a need for high early strength? In our work if we need to put loads on the concrete early we pour a higher psi mix. Example: for a footing needing 4000psi, we would likely pour a 6000 psi mix to get the strength earlier. Concrete gets about 70%-80% of its 28 day strength at 7 days.
On the east coast we call a "clean up" a "call back". Gotta love having to clean your pump up while waiting 1 hr for a call back
Doing a great job on the community development. Nice work and sincerity.
that's amazing! great shout out to the concrete company!
This is a great series! Thank you for this. I have been watching every night after work.
Wow that was very supportive of them thats ALOT of free material. I'f I lived there I would use them.
another great video glad you have a great sponsor like that .glad your promoting them.
Thank you so much for this series, it's certainly enjoyable and I intend not to miss one episode.
Great video as always. I went to their facebook page and left a comment. So cool that they are helping out with this project!
I work with concrete but that’s not why I watched the video.
I just enjoy your videos I can tell you’ve worked hard all your life great shape for 59!!!!
This video was spot on from beginning to end.
You're a class act Scott! I enjoy watching your videos. Fellow carpenter from New England! 👍
Another great video! By far my favorite channel on RUclips.
My friend has a surprisingly simple solution to the issue of excess concrete on an order: He sets up forms for general pre-fab parts that can be used later on that job, or on other sites. Finish the main pour, estimate what's left, and then start filling up spare forms based on what he has on hand rather than dumping it all in a hole somewhere to be dealt with by the poor sucker who comes along years later to run a trench or extension.
Your videos are great! I'm watching and learning a lot! Never had the chance to! Thanks for this project of yours!
Good video,I always try to buy local in everything, what you said is true here in Salina Ks, it's not only price but value. BTW I have not been in Walmart in 2 years. The good local guy will be competitive on price but usually provides value. I just bought new appliances last summer. My local guy was real close on price and a little more than , Lowes but his excellent customer service and followup is all I remember now, not the price he provided great value. Money well spent
I helped build a suspension bridge in the wilderness two years ago... It had four poured concrete footings. Square holes, and 2m (6ft) deep, with some timber formwork at the top. They'd have been about 8 cubic meters, or 300 cubic feet (or less) - total. I don't recall exactly, but I'm likely overestimating substantially... I suspect they were actually smaller.
The whole project was built/supervised by an engineer, who was onsite, and who (I guess) ordered the volume of concrete.....
The concrete for the footings was poured by helicopter with a monsoon bucket. It flew to the top of a hill where there was road access for a truck, filled up, then flew it to the holes. It was the sort of road that you could get a midsize concrete truck up no problem at all - not a gigantic one, but definitely one with the capacity to get that amount of concrete to the top of the hill... Or, two part full trucks... Or whatever.
It was in a windy area, so getting a calm enough day took some time.
Concrete is fairly cheap... Particularly in comparison to helicopter flight time... Bought as premixed bags from a hardware store, a cubic meter of concrete costs ~NZ$800 (roughly US$500). Buying a truckload is substantially cheaper.
....The engineer had ordered enough concrete for about three and a half of the four holes.
The remainder needed to wheelbarrowed in the next day (by guess who....) - I didn't order that concrete either... There was about enough for another 1/4 of the hole...
...Then finally, somebody else took the remaining lot in the day after.
Awesome, joy to see, learn and hear
as i remember the last time i had concrete delivered it was $100+ per yard. they went above and beyond to help out your channel. good on them. i wouldn't call that a shameless plug, i would call that a thank you for helping out the internet community. Wrangler Star on the other hand runs his channel and feeds his family that way from boots on their feet to knives and sharpeners and tractors and clothes, wood mills and log splitters anything he can get for a plug on his channel he goes after.