Clarence D. Elam

Clarence D. Elam CozyPlaces

I always nonchalantly leave a level in different spots when I leave for the day / I’ve noticed more often then not when ...
06/06/2026

I always nonchalantly leave a level in different spots when I leave for the day / I’ve noticed more often then not when working on a project that takes multiple days that the customer will come take a look after we leave. I will leave a few unimportant tools as I just don’t want to pack them up and unload them next day. Level, pry bar, maybe a shovel. Inexpensive things that I wouldn’t care too much if they were stolen. Anyway I always leave the level in a place where if the walk by the will notice it and say. “Yup that’s dead level. Lol maybe they notice. Maybe they don’t but it just reaffirms the job we’re doing and we have no imperfections we’re trying to hide..!

Wondering if this is whack any help...? Please Was looking at this work and wondering if weird !!
06/06/2026

Wondering if this is whack any help...? Please Was looking at this work and wondering if weird !!

Attaching stringers to deck its been a while since I've done steps, but I remember adding a 2x4 ledger and notching the...
06/06/2026

Attaching stringers to deck its been a while since I've done steps, but I remember adding a 2x4 ledger and notching the stringers to sit on top. then bolting it to the band board. this one I laid out sits really low on the band board and I want to make sure it's supported properly so what would your suggestions be

How'd this happen?? And what should I do about it.?I had to order 48" sleeves and cut them to (what I thought) was the ...
06/06/2026

How'd this happen?? And what should I do about it.?
I had to order 48" sleeves and cut them to (what I thought) was the height for 36" sleeves. This looks... So very not right. Any advice?
I was just going to take some scrap 4x4, screw it onto the top of the posts, and sit the caps up another couple inches.
Is there better way that doesn't involve taking down and starting over??

I love when my clients go for the extra details on deck jobs> Can’t beat a good ole picture frame layout..!!
06/05/2026

I love when my clients go for the extra details on deck jobs> Can’t beat a good ole picture frame layout..!!

Built a gate, apparently I put the brace in the wrong spot 😁 Got a score on the reclaimed cedar batons at the local timb...
06/05/2026

Built a gate, apparently I put the brace in the wrong spot 😁 Got a score on the reclaimed cedar batons at the local timber yard, the top of the archway is an old Douglas Fir scaffold beam. Nice New Zealand quality twisted and warped treated pine for the gate ,

How would I cut this cabinet would, barely..? I ordered a new fridge for my kitchen, not realizing that only one side fi...
06/05/2026

How would I cut this cabinet would, barely..? I ordered a new fridge for my kitchen, not realizing that only one side fit as the prior owner cut it and it’s uneven. I used an orbital sander but that didn’t do much. I also tried to lower the fridge but it as low as it goes. What tool would you use to take off more of this? Should I use a different sander or a different tool...?

Figured I was putting in the labor so might as well go big on materials Learned basically everything from this communit...
06/05/2026

Figured I was putting in the labor so might as well go big on materials Learned basically everything from this community and built with a couple friends (and about 100 questions for a contractor buddy. See anything to improve next time??

I made a gate...! It is still going to be painted but that is for the client to homeowner to deal with
06/05/2026

I made a gate...! It is still going to be painted but that is for the client to homeowner to deal with

Are these deck stairs unsafe??? I just bought this house and started noticing the stairs coming off the deck feel pretty...
06/05/2026

Are these deck stairs unsafe???
I just bought this house and started noticing the stairs coming off the deck feel pretty wobbly when walking on them, which made me take a closer look...!🥰
A few things stood out to me:
The stair stringers appear to just be screwed into the deck framing instead of sitting in proper stair hangers. There is also a visible gap where the stringer meets the framing which makes me question how much is actually bearing on the structure.
There is a single support post about halfway down the stairs and it looks like it might just be buried in the ground without a concrete footing or post base.
The stairs feel usable but definitely not solid, and I’m worried the structure might not be correct long term.
Since I just bought the house I’m trying to figure out if this is something that needs to be replaced immediately for safety or if it’s more of a repair or reinforcement situation.
I included photos of the staircase and the connection points. Any insight would be appreciated.

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2376 Elliot Avenue
Seattle, WA
98115

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