Two colleagues of mine were let go a few weeks ago. Since then, the three of us have decided to pool our collective architectural resources and work towards developing a client base and a freelance design business. This sounds much easier than it actually is. The time it takes to find people to write or call is enormous, add that to my weekly writings for DC Metrocentric and my studying for my ARE exams, I am finding that I am busier than when I was working full time, or maybe it just feels that way.
Category: Freelance work
Ceilings torn down, one foot at a time
So today I had my first solo freelance gig. I was going to consult a homeowner on whether a wall was structurally necessary and if not, provide some help with a bathroom design.
When I got there, I took a look at the space and went up into their attic to see how the roof was structured. The attic was mostly fiber fill insulation with a small plywood landing area. I could see that the roof trusses ran across the house and seemed to bear on the outer walls, but I was hoping to get a look at the ceiling framing to see the wall better. With so much downy snow-like insulation I had a hard time seeing the bottom of the trusses and on my first truss I missed the bottom chord and stepped through the ceiling. While trying to prevent myself from falling two stories to my death, I ended up making a big hole and cracking some more of their ceiling.
Needless to say not only was my leg bruised, but my pride was hurt as well. To add insult to injury (literally) in the rush of everything we never signed the letter of agreement. To make up for the damage I told the homeowner that would waive my fees and did some kitchen consulting in addition to the bathroom design.
I was hoping to use this opportunity to make a little money, but more to make a future good referral. In the end I just have to hope I don’t get sued.