Houzz Call: What Did Your Dad Teach You About Making a Home?

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M L Radcliffe

My dad taught me about using quality materials that last. He also loved to entertain. He showed me you don't have to spend a fortune to have a good time with friends.

1 Like June 18, 2017 at 2:23AM

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dvd94

I wish I had a photo handy - but my dad taught me how to build a house :-) My father built our home on 12 acres of land that he bought from my grandfather, in the late 50's. I could be found by his side every chance that I could -- watching him every step of the way. A favorite funny story in our household was the time I got so close watching him mix concrete - he poked me in the eye with the hoe! Except for the roof, he built the house entirely by himself, self-taught - nights and weekends - it took almost 3 years to complete. It was made of concrete block - a modest 3 bedroom ranch-style home built on a mountain - overlooking the valley; it was a favorite of ours to watch 'sheet/or heat' lighting below on a warm summer night. It was a wonderful place to grow up, but sadly we only lived there for 3 years. He was offered a "handsome sum" (he thought at the time) by a developer that knew a highway was to be built through the land (about 10 years later) -- but of course, my dad did not know that at the time. The house stood for several decades - and is now the site of large hotel. My love for construction continued throughout my career - first as a draftsperson and a project cost controller in the commercial construction industry for many years until the downturn in 2009. Although I got a job in another sector, there is a part of me that wishes I could go back to my roots, but too many years have past and my skills were left behind. My dad is now 93 years old and still going strong! :-)

3 Likes June 19, 2017 at 3:10PM

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Nicholas Lane

I found out later that this was a stolen motto from some notable actor back in the day ... but My father was regular in telling me and my three brothers: "Never pass up and opportunity in keeping your mouth shut". And you know .... later in life I found out that in some circumstances, this mind set actually does work. Especially with a spouse on home renovation matters ...

2 Likes June 28, 2017 at 10:10AM