Hi, my name is Harold Davis, and I have a renovation addiction. I've worked in most aspects of construction over the years, having been in and out of the industry since my first summer work in 1967 preparing and painting high exterior trim and siding. My passion for renovation resulted from a confluence of working in several different areas over the years.
My first jobs were summer jobs as a laborer. Ditch digging, hole digging, some exterior painting, lugging roofing up a ladder, whatever need done that I could do. This was an interesting time, because there were gray haired carpenters who could still two bang a nail and didn't own a power tool, and equally gray haired guys making kitchen cabinets who never used a tape measure or rule, just sticks.
My interest in cabinetry began in 1969, when I started buying, repairing, refinishing, and selling antique furniture as a side business. I had a strong streak of perfectionism, so learning to get the look right and using a hand brushed finish forced me to learn a lot. Shellac was probably the best teacher, especially on a hot day. Since I could finish, I decided to make some furniture, with my first piece being a Shaker style trestle table made of redwood. After that, I made a variety of tables, book cases, cabinets, custom closets and built ins. I've also made a number of completely hidden storage areas.
My introduction to interior finishes really began in the early '70s, working for a realtor. There was some minor carpentry involved, usually doors, but the majority of the work was repairing plaster in old houses and doing something with the old, usually some-shade-of-brown, paneling in trailers. My refinishing experience was critical in getting this job. I haven't worked on the old paneling since then, but many of the houses I work on have plaster walls, so I still do a lot of plaster patching and restoration.
Ultimately, my appreciation of old things and the skills I developed along the way has led me to specialize in 100+ year old house renovations, restoration, and remodels mostly working solo, with whatever subs I need and a word of mouth customer base.
Over the years, I've learned a lot from many good teachers: interior and exterior painting, framing, drywall, trim, cabinetry, flooring. Looking back, it's a long list of people I owe thanks to, especially Dave. I'm in the wind down phase of my career, so I try not to do any roofing or framing any more, but this week I've done both. I guess I just like saying "Yes" and love what I do.