(My thanks to Rebecca Reece for editing this post for me)1982~Apprenticeship in Carpet, Vinyl, Rough, and Finish Carpentry.
James began his apprenticeship under a Journeyman carpet and vinyl layer. Using that basic knowledge, he continued on to apprentice for 2 more years on a 9-man commercial crew where he learned how to work with woven carpets bearing names
like “Axminster” and “Whilton.”
1989~Apprenticeship in: Tile, Hardwood, Plumbing fixtures. Armstrong Certification
Seeking sun and sandy beaches in San Diego, James headed South and continued to work with woven carpets on a new team; ceramic tile, and hardwoods were often the work of the day, and he enjoyed working with the new materials.
While in California, James attended a workshop through the Armstrong Corporation where he learned flash coving techniques, and proper repair and installation requirements from the certified instructor of a world-class manufacturer. James found the
study to be well worth the effort!
1993~Mud set-shower pans, Plastic laminate counters, Granite, Epoxy Grout Certification.
James returned back home to the Northwest with more tools and skills, in search of cooler winters and greener trees which he found that he really missed while in the heat of California. Jon, a man in Clackamas, Oregon, challenged James to learn Plastic Laminate counters so he could work for Jon, so James attended an instructional class offered by the Nevamar Corporation. The class also included a brief instructional on beginning techniques for solid surfaces. James went on to install a great number of plastic-laminate counter tops with beautiful tile back splashes.
While James has not worked directly with Corian, or other materials of that nature, he became skilled at the process of making counter top templates, and used the skill often for other types of installations.
Over these 4 years, James' tile work expanded into learning, and becoming profficient in building mus-set shower pans, and granite counter tops. He became skilled at achieving highly polished granite with a water fabricator.
Also during this time, the Laticrete Corporation offered an instructional course covering advanced tile installation concepts with the focus on Laticrete epoxy grout installation.
1997~To Present Day: full scale remodel, framing, drywall, paint, cabinets/counters and floors.
Starting in 1997 is when James began remodeling all, or parts of a kitchens and bathrooms on his own. He has stripped, and re-built many kitchens and bathrooms from the studs-up in the last 12 years, and thoroughly enjoys working with his hands.
James' Commitment to Excellence!
"Over the past 27 years of experience and practice I have learned how the best finish can only be achieved with the best beginning. I build straight and plumb; I use the right materials, and I don’t take shortcuts. The result of these commitments is a high quality, professional finish that will endure with beauty and in strength. I believe that if you want something done right, careful and complete planning is the only way to achieve it. ~ James Kruger
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