Devon Timber Windows NZ

30/01/2022

What is it about Facebook? We put in an advert for apprentices saying we were looking in particular for:
'woman applicants': construction has a very bad record when it comes to bringing women into the crafts,
'dyslexics', all of us are dyslexic, so we know how talented we are despite what we were told at school,
and anyone with an 'artistic' bent, our business looks for creative and inventive people.
The above was deemed as non inclusive.
It reminds me when we were back at school when non competitive sports were being pushed because little Jonny and Jenny who were brilliantly academic were not to have their confidence in there own genuius dented.
When I was struggling to recite the alphabet, couldn't remember my times table, I remember being mocked for being lazy or stupid.
So for all you women, dyslexics and creative people, please reach out to us, free training in an inclusive supportive enviroment, no shouting, belittling or bullying goes on in our business.
Our clients mention how much they like having our lads on their projects, which is for us massively important.
Jon Norris

27/01/2022

Do you want to learn a craft?
We are the premier Timber window restoration and double glazing retrofit company in Auckland.
Interested in women, dyslexic and artistic minded people.
We have an excellent training program and supportive staff and management.
Get in touch to start your new career.
BCITO approved.

12/09/2019

Below is our latest review from a lovely client.
One of the things that is starting to change the trade businesses is the internet review system. That is not to say we have never had a bad review, but I have to say not from anyone we actually worked for.

Unfortunately there are a few trolls out there who just love to see how much damage they can do to a business. For us the greatest marketing tools are happy clients. At present every man and his dog is a builder, in the 30 years working here in NZ and the UK we see this every time there is an upturn in construction. Its one of the biggest hazards for home owners when trying to employ a tradie.

So how do you find a good craftsman or women? Without a doubt personal recommendation is the best way, either in the "real world" or 'Cyber world".
The next way is to get him/her to show you there tool kit. You can tell a lot from how a guy looks after their tools, also what kind of tools they invest in.
Remember when you employ someone to work for you there tooling systems are a large part of what you are basically renting out.If you see a lot of cheap DIY store kit thrown into a box this should be a big pointer. Also chisels, do they own any, are they sharp are they stored correctly?

Now my number one pointer to look for, do they own a handsaw, and if they do can they cut a straight line? I can't tell you how many guys out there calling themselves carpenters can't actually cut a piece of 4x2 square and accurately without the use of a drop saw. But again if all you are looking for is a quick cheap job that finish isn't your biggest issue then this probably wont be a problem for you as long as they are charging out in accordance with their low skill level.

But if you are looking for a craftsman finish make sure you understand the difference between a "Hammer hand" and a "Craftsman".
Top quality training and years of experience is what makes the difference.
Jon the joiner.

09/09/2019

Well just in case anyone isn't aware its another day of rain.
I just cant get this song out of my head at present.

The official Red Rain video. Directed by Matt Mahurin. The opening track of Peter's fifth studio album and the first one to have a proper title: So was a wat...

27/08/2019

At last, I can now sit in traffic on Lake road for an hour with the feeling that I'm actually working.
Marketing "Old School"!

21/08/2019

Sid the workshop dog informing me that its still raining.

21/08/2019

This is why I'm not a fan of glazing with silicone.
As you can see from this picture once you get water ingress its got no where to go so it just soaks through the timber.
This is a not very old cedar door, its probably the worst case of rot I have ever seen in cedar which is generally pretty hardy stuff.
So for single glazing use tried and tested oil based putty and for double glazing always choose a "dry system" such as Thermawood.

21/08/2019

A sash repair carried out for a client recently.
Rotten or damaged timber joinery is very reparable if you know what you're doing.

21/08/2019

This was a pretty exacting project, we had to not only carefully cut out all the glazing bars but very carefully reinstall each one as well as cutting new ones on the outside to give the impression that these were separate pieces of glass.
That meant over 160 individual joints, most by hand.