Are You Calling My Dad A Hack?

All I read on here is how a true tradesman has to specilize in one trade.Im the same way any time I see a local do it all roofing, I think to my self theres no way they are doing it right. Thinking back to when I was young my dad built many houses from the ground up doing probably 95% of the work. In the summer he roofed, framed, did siding, built decks. In the winter time he moved inside and remodeled kitchen and baths, wired several houses. He was always known for doing great work. He took pride in everything he did from footing to the ridge cap. So I think it's safe to say my dads no hack. How about yours?

Well thats about what I do, I enjoy all phases of the work, if I need outside help I hire it, otherwise leave me alone or its gonna take even longer.

My Dad can't really work with his hands, well, besides pushing a pencil. I guess that makes me a hack too.

This country was not built by specialists just as this country was not built by building inspectors, building codes or building departments. Your Dad's not a hack and neither was my grandfather., (my dad was an electronics guy who spent most of his life working on gps.).

Yeah, and if I want to start a new business other than what I have done thus far, I am a hack too.

What you described your dad doing is what I do. Others posters said this.

I don't have a problem with people respecting this and in fact they are envious of this lifestyle and set of skills.

Furthermore, we are not limited by the way we derive our income. We can be highly educated in an unrelated field, enjoy all sorts of culture such as food, drink, music, literature, horticulture, language, food, drink, design, pets, architecture, family raising, and food and drink.

I think an aircraft mechanic, a MD, and a bricklayer can all sit down at the same table and talk down to an attorney if the attorney has no culture.

Doesn't everyone talk down to an attorney? After all, they work for you.

And i thought i was the only one.
Growing up i watched my dad do everything. From building our own house to working on our cars, lawn mowers, atvs, go carts, boats, everthing. Never once can i remember him paying anybody to do anything. I am the same way now when ever possable. The 20 or so houses we have built in the last 15 years where done 90% by me and him. Not to mention many pourches, decks, and a few remodels and additions. We do great work with only the occasional minor call back and have a big repeat customer base. So if thats the definition of a hack then we are too. Just make that professional hack

My father was a school teacher and a football coach and never did anything related to building.

The farther folks get from the
farm, the more they get into
specialization. JMHO

I will second that Neo, seems us farm kids had to do it all. I am glad I dont have to haul sheep shiit any more!!!

There are many that know a little about everything, and alot about some particular things.
That doesn't mean they are a hacks.

Doing it all, with a proper level of skill and ability, is commendable.

The main difference is knowing one's limitations, and knowing when to "back-off".

Being able to, and knowing when, to call in the "fulltime" tradesman/specialist to deal with certain matters, is also a skill, that some have yet to learn....

Hmm.... does this apply to plumbing too? Don't let the plumbers see this thread.

Actually, the Master Plumber's I've worked with do believe in this. They are there for some of the major issues that arise and to review my handiwork. They have never minded that other's did most of the work and they focused on the more odd issue that would come up. Of course, work was plentiful so they could afford to be nice.

Hello, my name is Dave and I'm a hack.

We have a bid out on a grant job that will include some roof work, electrical work, a plumbing vent and a new heating duct along with misc. carpentry. We will perform all tasks in house if we get this one. (I've been told unofficially we will) The electrical will be inspected by a third party and the rest by the spec writer. There will be 3-4 men on the job, so I guess that's a pack of hacks.

My sheep live outdoors year round so I don't have to shovel it.

Good Luck
Dave

I think the term hack really refers to the person's knowledge of what he is doing and how well it is done. Some people have the mentality and responsibility to do different trades correctly and will even know when to lean on an inspector for direction.

There are may specialized "contractors" around that seem to get lost if they turn around. They are just technicians that call themselves contractors.

Judging from some posts on the forum, it is hard to separate real contractors from the DIYers.

My dad is at veternarian so not a hack but I am I guess I am my motto is concrete to cabinets red iron to red mahgony. I was lucky the first builder I worked for said "you have to know it all to know if your subs are bs'n you" so I worked for each trade for a while gaining a good working knowledge of each. Through exposure you should know what the finish product should look like on any trade and anythig else is unexceptable. Stick to that and it will force you to learn the knowledge and skill. Tradesmen can still know alot about a particular and be a hack.

We live in the age of information, it would take a lot of effort to be a hack.

Hack is a very general term. I would be willing to bet that the bulk of the people on this site are not hacks. My dad was a truck driver and happens to be one the most skilled wood workers I have ever seen. My Grandfather was a physicist and was an extremely talented craftsman. Today when I hear the term hack I almost automatically think Craig's List. Back in the day ethics and humility were all the rave. Today our industry loses respect because of a lack of morality and the lost art of pride in craftsmanship.

My dad is a hack. Typical handy home owner that didn everything as easily as possible, and when he passes away we won't be able to sell the house since the plumbing and electric won't pass inspection, so I'll probably buy it, remodel it and rent it.

Is your dad a hack? I don't know him but I believe specialization yields higher quality. How can a single person possible be GREAT at so many different things? Would you go to a general practicioner docotor for heart surgery?