7 Construction Math Hacks: Estimating & More

I run a small carpentry business with 2 younger (early 20's) employees. I had one employee tell me he was watching one of your videos the other day. I immediately felt comfort knowing that he was learning from a man of great knowledge and experience. Somebody who has a heart of a teacher and wise enough to have a YouTube channel to share that wealth of knowledge. Thank you sir for that. You are grasping the right audience that way.

I was good at math in school. On my first construction job we were laying out lines on the site for a lazy el shape that had piles of fill around it that didn't allow for clear measurements and straight lines. (this was in the ground for a foundation). My boss was getting frustrated trying to lay it out and I finally opened my mouth and tried to tell him how to use Pythagorean's theorem. After a couple more failures he finally let me do what I was saying and laid I it out in perfectly. This was 1971 so I had to do the calculations on a paper bag. I immediately became his lead man. Math is good.

when young people like me say "where would this kind of math help" in school, NONE of my teachers have been as articulate as this. the hard part about "enjoying" math is seeing the fruit of all your memorization, but this REALLY helps!

I'm a carpenter here in Northern California been watching your channel for years now so many tricks and tips I've learned I always tell the guys I learned this from uncle Scott. Thanks the continued gift of wisdom.

I can’t say it enough. You amaze me. I would love to be your shadow. You have so many life skills that I and the rest of the world would benefit from. I am not in the same trade as you. But the knowledge you share translates across life. Thank you for being you. Thank you for sharing. Please never stop recording.

When I wrote my carpentry exam there were many questions where it asked you to measure quantities. The real skill as a carpenter is “what should I order”

3 4 5 rule. 43 years as a plumber/plumbing contractor. Invaluable. I am retired now but I volunteer at a vocational training school here in Medford and we teach this to all. Keep up the good work brother

Mathematics is most definitely Power. It is the fabric of this Universe. Having earned a Bachelors Degree and a Masters Degree in Applied Mathematics, I can truly state the sheer elegance and power of Mathematics.

I'm not even in construction. I'm a Mechanic but I find your videos absolutely fascinating and I've learned things I never knew I never knew and even put a few of them into action. And I have to say thats one of the most succinct descriptions of Pythagoras Theorum I've ever heard, brilliant.

I enjoy hanging around people smarter than me. Having a cup of coffee and your videos is truly a pleasure. Thank you.

beginning 2 AM, had a stressful morning. this..........calming, informative, worthy. Scott, gotta be lots and lots of builders who needed this and will use it. well done! ciao

PS - I forgot to mention as a DIY person. The amount of percentage waste I allow for depends on the material. Reason I say that is, because if you’re dealing with timber or aluminium, you can get away with 5% But if you’re dealing with something like floor, tiles or roof tiles You’re better off with 15% Because at the end of the day, when you have those extras left over, you now have spares that will 100% colour match the original And as you know, tiles are baked in batches with glaze, and if you need to replace a few tiles here and there a few years later, the colour will be different But if you were to allow 15% overage that covers the breakages on the job, the odd normally here and there, that gives you a good amount to stack in the corner of your garage as spares …….. And if you have a damaged floor tile that you cut out with an angle grinder and drop in one of the spares because the concrete slab has settled and cracked a few tiles, you will be glad you had 15% overage…… I would suggest for your viewers, it depends on the material

This is my favorite sort of video you produce. Explaining trade practices, or methods of how to use basic hand tools etc.

I’ve never built anything. In fact, I don’t even own a power drill, but for some reason, I really enjoy your videos. Keep up the great work!

Great tips, Scott! This was very informative for those of us who occasionally build stuff.

This might be the most important you tube channel ever

You sir are always a wealth of knowledge. Keep up the excellent work

I used to think the trades were for stupid people, but I've used more math as a builder than I ever expected to in my whole life. Arithmetic, fractions, and enough context to look up semi-complex formulas when you need them will give you a serious advantage in life and in the trades.

WOW, you packed a lot of wisdom/knowledge in this short episode. “Keep on Keeping on!” Tim in northern TN

This man is a Gem to us that are always learning. Thank you for your time sir.