I finished my basement following Jeff's methods and my homebuilder brother told me my level of quality was better than what his contractors use. I can't speak to his fence building prowess but his construction methods for basement finishing saved me tens of thousands and it is top notch.
I have worked in construction for 25 years and every video I stumbled upon of his is terrible advice. It may be that people in your area just have a really low standard for quality.
@@blanketstarry7725 I couldn’t care less what you think. I’m the best there is, was, or ever will be at what I do. All I know is if you think that fool in the video that’s being reviewed knows what he’s talking about, then you definitely don’t know the difference between crap and true craftsmanship.
I attended a 2 year residential remodeling program where you graduate with an associate's degree. Our first year carpentry instructor (who was very talented... and demanding) described what he called a "quality triangle", where one edge was "good", another was "fast/easy", and another was "cheap". He drilled into us that you can only achieve two of those edges, not all three.
@@anthonyc5003 Actually, I am a subscriber and fan of Renovision. However, there are occasions where Jeff's choices appear to be sub-optimal to me. I think he would have had a better result with using concrete for the posts as opposed to the foam product. This is a case where the fast/easy triangle vertex did not serve him as well.
So it’s funny watching this bc I did some of these exact same things, except I used a tape measure and concrete where my post don’t move when they are sneezed on. I did 500ft of privacy around my yard two years ago and only wish I had found your channel along with SWI and Mr. Fence prior to doing it. I almost hate looking at mine but I’m stuck with it….love all the info you give us!!
To be fair, if you’re DIY all the crap that home renovision covers, his advice is usually pretty solid and understandable for the average Joe that is DIYing a job. Also worth noting that even if you hire a “professional”, half the time they suck. So you really have to dig (no pun intended) to find a contractor that is going to correctly build you a solid fence. I love the Home renovision channel and find a ton of useful info in it. But I also understand that his methods are “good enough” and not necessarily best practice. As long as you understand that, it’s a fantastic resource if you need a starting point for DIY projects you otherwise know little or nothing about.
With certain things "good enough" is unacceptable. Fencing is one such thing. Better yo spend the money or the time researching the *correct* way of doing something to make sure it lasts. That whack job just hands out misinformation and shotty practices, and people follow his advice. That's not cool. A fence like what he glbuilt is going to look like crap and it won't last more than 5-10 years. Charging someone for that kind of work is slimy af and doing it for yourself is pathetic. I understand some people just want a fence that will last at least a year because they're selling or whatever, but that is also equally slimy.
@@ericr154literally every trade says theirs is the one where “good enough” is unacceptable. They also all have a point. As most people cannot afford to have the best professionals do literally all the work on their home, being able to do minor repairs and improvements to “good enough” is a very valuable skill. Though one should try to understand the work one is doing well enough to know how you will be paying later for your shortcuts and learning curve. Specifically what it will cost you in effort, inconvenience, cash, or durability.
I just remember seeing Jeff in a short video plugging a product for sweeping up drywall dust and every comment being along the lines of "shop vacs exist." 😂
I started to question some of the stuff his channel recommend and decided to see if anyone had a critique video on him. That's how I found your channel previously. Thank you for what you do.
He's great at some things, not great at other things. I used his videos on building bulkheads and finishing basements and the results were fantastic. His tips on drywall work were also really good. Clearly his fence is meant for DIYers that are NEVER going to pay $10k for a pro-built privacy fence. They're watching his fence building video because they are trying to do it themselves to save money, even if they know the results will be poor and they don't save money in the long run.
I’ve never seen a professional be so kind with constructive criticism! This guy’s recommendations are absolutely ludicrous lol. You are a good dude and so respectful with your critique God bless you
This put a smile on my face. I used to be subscribed to that Jeff guy till one day he was doing duct (ventilation) work and a pro told him he was doing something wrong and it made a lot of sense. The guy was saying to put the male vent pipe towards air flow and the female against the air flow like that you get less potential for air leak. Instead of accepting his mistake and thanking the guy for info, this Jeff guy told him off, I unsuscribed on the spot. Haven’t watched any of his videos since lol. Keep up the great work.
yeah, just did a load of ductwork in my new house and it made sense to me that way (thought of water rather than air) so having no edges to "catch" would improve air flow. rarely touched metal work since I left school but being a technical guy in a technical trade, I read a book on the subject first. There are Social media people who are educating and others who use it as a source of income. many "trade people" start out as the former and end up as the latter. Not to say there is no information to be gained, even if it is bad information.
Can yoy elaborate? Male part as in it fitting inside the larger female duct? If the air is moving towards the "male" interior edge part it would create a high pressure zone in the joint and cause more turbulence/non-laminar flow... you sure your didn't mean the opposite? Can you please post video link what he did?
Having critique is great. Love Jeff, but sometimes I'm not sure what he's doing is the best idea. So, doing my research and watching various videos on the subject is a good idea and a critique even better, and hiring an inspector when I can is best. I've always been a DIYer, especially after 2020 when finding good contractors is like finding a needle in a haystack and prices have gone through the roof. Learning is learning. Thanks for the video.
Amen, the best way to learn is to watch many different videos. You learn to pick up on common themes and start to pick out the outliers. You can then decide if the outliers are BS or if there's a legit reasoning behind it.
So glad someone is calling out Jeff for what he is - a hack. He markets himself like he's highly qualified professional but anyone who knows a thing or two about construction can see he's faking til he makes it. It's as if he watches a few youtube videos and tackles a project for first time. He's really no better than any total beginner. It pains me that he has made a career of giving bad information while truly competent people are actually out there with their hands dirty. Thanks again Joe, wish you got the views he does, you actually deserve it
As a home owner, on 40 acres. I make sure to do everything as good or better than the pros. The thing I can’t understand is why do people make “how to” videos about any subject if they have no clue what they are doing.
They are doing it because they truly believe they know how it's done. That's why I watch many how to videos and do more research to ensure I know the correct way before I follow a particular approach. Don't just look at the first video that comes up with a particular solution to the problem.
Anyone can make a how to video, unfortunately it doesn't mean they're doing the activity correctly. I'd follow a dedicated fence pro on how to build a fence.
Likewise, I'm a homeowner on a small farm and the reason I'm a Do-It-Yourselfer is because of too many past disappointments. People either never show, delay you by months or even years, (the best contractors are usually booked up for many months), or too many do crap work with low-quality materials and disappear. The last thing I hired done was concrete flat work. It wasn't horrible, but had I been home I'd have noticed there was no expansion joint between new work and existing work. As I predicted, the outside driveway chipped out the edge of the garage floor from frost heaving for lack of an expansion joint. I think we could find dozens and dozens of how-to videos showing new concrete work meeting existing work without expansion joints. I feel bad for people who aren't discerning or have too much confidence that projects done on UA-cam were done well. Too often something catches my eye and I soon realize the quality of information on the subject is simply wrong, even if it's something as simple as nesting boxes in a backyard coop.
I feel like this guy says "work smarter, not harder" a lot. Not measuring isn't smarter, it's just lazier. If you're spending the hours (or days) it takes to build a fence, why are you trying so hard to save 10 minutes. Realistically, it would probably take me less than 10 seconds per post to measure 6 inches down and make a mark. It would take me 10 seconds to measure 8 feet BEFORE I spend 10 minutes digging a post hole. Yes, it would take me a little longer to cut a mitered end on a stretcher, but i would probably make that time back with how much easier it would be to hang my pickets. And i wouldn't have to worry as much about my dogs getting out under the fence or, similarly, unwanted visitors getting in. Plus if I sold my house, i wouldn't have the buyers putting "a new fence" as a contingency after they saw the hobbled together mess i made after watching that video.
DIY my fence and I can personnaly attest to the fact that "foam fence post mix" do work. But the one with the concrete is significantly stronger in my opinion. The concrete has less movement after 1 week, and after 2 years, now 7 years later and still more noticeably feels stronger. Out of 8 fence post installed, the first 5 with concrete is rock solid compared to the foam. I still ocationally push on it once in a while to see if my opinion would change. The slight give on the foam is notieable still. All are 8' treated 4x4 post, buried 3' deep withthe top post on a string line, everything was installed identically with the foam being the only difference.
I dont use foam at all, and only use concrete where a gate will hang. I sink my posts 4 feet down and never had an issue. Concrete on every post is only necessary in dry rocky, sandy or clay soil. Most yards I’ve worked in are a good mix of rocky earth. No issues and easy to fix later in time. I roll Everything with the terrain and set posts 8’ centre.
the fence on my parents lot that they bought next door to their house, has got to be close to 100 years old! the house was built in 1908 that we demolished, and ide be very surprised if the fence wasnt original. its only a 4 foot fence, but its def old AF. i donno if its cedar off hand, but ya, its old, looks old, but is still sturdy and doing well.
@@headcas620 cause no one has lived in it for 40 years and it was totally ran down, not to Mentone old homes like that are shit, there was newspapers for insulation, it wasn't worth saving
@@CaliGhost mmmm, i donno, im in wyoming, we dont have any redwood anywhere close to here, but i have no idea how the dispersion of redwood was back in the turn of the 20th century, so obviously its possible. im sure it was along those lines if anything. the fence wasnt primo condition, obviously, but it was in tatters, it was just a little leaning to the side, and pretty much weathered black an grey. now that im done writing a stupid mini novel, im sure youre right lol. either way, ive had an unhealthy level of fascination with fences lately, and i dont know why, i have a chain link fence
If there is a deviation of ground between two posts, should you just dig out the ground or fallow the ground even though the 2x4's going across are straight?
Genuine question, Joe. When installing the horizontal pieces for a follow the terrian fence, what is your method for determining the angle of cut at the post. That way the 2x4 are butted up.
The funny thing is that he's talking about how much he's saving by using the bracing to build the fence later. He used $25 of foam per post and still claims he's saving money by using the 2x4s
While researching how to build a shed I found Jeff's original shed build videos. At first I thought he did a good job but as I built mine I realized he could've taken a bit more care in how he assembled his. I don't think it was horrible advice but I ended up coming across much better videos as I researched.
He has a fairly substantial following! I always look at people doing things better…if I can prove they are better. Suggestions for correction and improvement as you go are best.
Where I work virtually all fences have wood 4x4, I rarely can talk people into metal posts. The rails are in brackets between the posts. People complain when the fence follows the grade because it “isn’t straight” what they mean is level. They virtually all demand stair steps while also not wanting any gap at the bottom. To the point I have to argue that the pickets can’t touch the ground. The more I see from other states the more I think I should move.
I really like some of Jeff's videos, they can be really useful. But I have to be honest, he's miles wide of the mark on so many things in this video. I'm completely self taught and even I would be going "f**k no" if I saw someone doing pretty much everything in this video! For a start, wind sheer IS real! You NEED bloody strength. I've seen the wind rip a fence to pieces and punch a picket through a car windscreen. Can you imagine what that'll do to a child's body? Secondly, that foam fix is just absolutely sh**. Might aswell set them in horse turd! That second post moved when he was marking it WITH HIS PENCIL! Come on Jeff! Don't let sponsorship compromise your own standards. I've SEEN you build far better than this!
i built a new fence at my house, and really wish I recorded my process. I'd find it interesting to get your honest perspective (outside the double wide gate, which i'll say is at least functional haha) great video! -Tuning in from St. Pete Florida. awesome jersey in the background. Go Bolts!
In fairness.... he's trying to make it easy for a homeowner. Not making like a pro would do it. If a homeowner can do it easy and perfect like us pros we'd be out of work.
@@Feed_Bleed_Read my my how easily you get all mad and rude at complete strangers. It must be hard to be you. I bet you flip the bird to others drivers from the safety of you car.
Is it ok just the make the top of the fence perfectly level instead of trying to match the terrain? Especially if it’s not that much of a difference? I think I would rather see it being level than up and down with the ground.
Hi Joe - love your videos! i've got to make a block with two holes for the gate pins to drop into at the bottom! Any advice? Have you done a video about making one of these?
Agreed. As long as you have a few panels at the same level and step sections of 2-4 panels at a time. I prefer that look. But hey, all personal preference there. I do agree with the other commentary! Measure twice cut once.
I’ve been in trades all my life. I’ve seen a handful of guys that don’t need a tape measure. Even they still use hand or forearm for reference measurements
Hi Joe, I've been searching and haven't had much luck looking for the answer I'm looking for. We have done some fencing on our property and not happy with all of it.. :) We have used 5"-6" round treated posts with treated 4 1/4" half round rails. What is the best way to top the posts? Is there a jig out there? What do the pros use? Do they treat the tops after making their cuts?
In Australia, where I've built several fences, our approach is to construct things to last for 50-80 years. That's why we have the saying: "Prepare well, do it right the first time, so you can relax with a drink that night." As a tradesman and as a person, I don't tolerate halfway craftsmanship. Taking pride in one's work is crucial. That's why we rely on string lines and measuring aids to ensure the job is done properly.
I used it for a rotted off mailbox post. Was a quick and easy solution. My biggest concern is that if you don't seal off around the post, water will drip down into the end of the post and rot it from the bottom up.
I installed them and so far they have sustained a few days of wind gusts of up to 35 mph so far so good.. I used waterproofing stain before setting the post and then caulked around the base to help prevent water from running down into the post
Absolutely agree Joe if it’s a DIY or newbie installing fence they should definitely use a stringline and tape measure and take out the guess work and the, looks good enough 😀and racking with the grade instead of stair stepping when you can 👍
I have a neighbor who built an 8ft board on board fence with foam for Posts 2 years ago. Meanwhile, I built 3 fences a year ago in same neighborhood and HIS fence is leaning noticably already.
First, like your videos. As a fence guy for 16 years, install for 12 out of those 16 in NJ. Anyway this video did drove me up a wall a bit lol. Never used never thought and never will use that foam cause seeing him just mark the post with his pencil and it moves is the craziest part. 😂
You know, I set my posts with gravel at the bottom and then concrete around. Then I used square rocks to level everything underneath the fence, so the lowest part of the terrain has a bit of rock showing, but at least the whole fence is one level and the bottom of the sides does not touch the ground, ever.
I had a capped design put in last June in Harrisonville, Mo. The posts do not move unless you push reasonably hard. That movement you see in this video disturbs me. Foam just sounds sketchy to me. Joe, I paid a little extra for the capped fence. Does that indeed improvee sturdiness and logevity? It is definitely more eye pleasing. Do you think it was worth the extra money? I wish I could post a picture. It's gorgeous, especially after putting a oil based redwood stain on it after the wood dried out.
So im going to be redoing my fence soon. Do you have any videos on the correct way to build a fence? I will be building it because it’s cheaper then the premade fence panels.
Just went through the process myself with a handyman's help. (Wanted to learn all I can to spot mistakes should they happen.) The following is a summary. Consider buying a book on how to install a fence because as the other comments here reflect the quality of how-to advice you can get on UA-cam ranges from excellent to flat-out wrong. 1) Learn how to use a string line after deciding on the style (stair-stepped vs. racked if the ground isn't level). 2) Do the rise over run calculation if the ground isn't level. (Build from high side to the low side.) 3) Stain the wood before you build the fence. 4) Use stakes to mark out your fence post locations. This is generally 8' apart for level ground, but as close as 4-6' apart if you're building on a hillside. (Another consideration is what spacing will divide evenly between opposing ends.) 5) Consider galvanized steel posts if you don't want to deal with eventual wood rot. 6) Use a species of wood that resists pests and is less likely to buckle over time (i.e. redwood). 7) Face the nice side of the fence toward your neighbors (laws vary but in many places this is the law.) 8) Space your rail about 6" from the bottom, 6" from the top and center the third one in between, if present. 9) Use pressure-treated rails and wood posts (if you cut the ends, apply the Copper sulfate or Copper Naphthenate treatment. Make sure to read all safety precautions!). 10) Leave about a 2" gap under your fence for drainage. 11) If you're in a windy area, leave 5/8 - 1/2" between slats (looks nicer sitting flush but this is the "official" advice for a privacy fence). 12) Sink your posts at least 2' into the ground (make sure you have enough remaining above grade to build the desired height. (The legal limit is 6' in most states.) Bear in mind that if your posts are inconsistent, you may have to cut the taller ones down so they don't exceed the height of the pickets/slats. You may be able to save this step if you plan carefully.) 13) The post hole should be ~8" in diameter. Level the post before you set the concrete. Brace the post while it is curing. 14) Tack the wood as you go with nails. When everything looks good come back and use ~2" deck screws to secure the slats to the rails. 15) If possible, level the ground running beneath the closed position of the gates before you put in the gate posts. (Use extra heavy duty posts for gates.) Make sure the gates open toward the down-slope if the ground isn't level. 16) Use steel gate frames to prevent sagging. (Building a gate is a whole different animal and might be better served by a pro.)
The foam was a big mistake. dumping dry concrete and adding water incrementally is not that much harder and it will be super solid and strong. The "eye balling" method always used to come back and bite me in the as* so I learned that measuring always gives me a consistent result.
The real test for anyone who puts wood in the ground… is do they know the difference between UC4A and UC4B PT lumber? If you use UC4A (what they sell at every lumber yard off the shelf) then it will likely rot off in 5-10 years, maybe 15-20 in a dry area like where I live. If you use UC4B treated lumber (like they use in engineered post frame foundations) the lumber will last 70+ years in the ground. Is this necessary in every circumstance? No, obviously it’s not. But if you didn’t know the difference to begin with, I question if you’ve actually done research or only listened to the “old timers” about every single process on how to build a fence, a deck, a post frame building, etc. I’m also a fan a metal brackets made for bending moment loads, etc. but sometimes a post in the ground is better, depending on your application or availability of materials. I guess my issue is, if you’re going to mock Jeff for his easy DIY methodology (which is fine too in many respects) I’m hoping you educate your audience on different treatment levels and analyze the pros and cons, effective time frames, and applicable situations. If you do this, great. I’ve just found that very few people ever mention the UC4B or UC4C options in PT wood. Everyone just assumes all PT wood will rot in a few years with concrete in the ground.
No Way do the posts last 40 or 50 years!! 😂 I can speak from experience because we have a fence in Houston tx area that has rotten posts after 7 years. We’re now using Post Master posts now and in the future.
I agree with you that Jeff's fence building techniques are questionable. Jeff's other building techniques for houses are pretty good. As I have qualifications in engineering in Australia and due to the long-term problems with using timber posts, I use steel posts, concrete and heavy rust prevention. The concrete level is above the ground and has a slope away from the post. Also, in Australia we can get over 17' lengths of fence rail. Using these rails allow for staggering the joints to increase the strength of the fence. At rail joints, an angled joint is used as well that allows the two fixings to the post to be away from the edge of the post. Under the pailings, I also install a concrete mowing strip that is reinforced into the post concrete.
I don’t know how this guy haves a Chanel, the only reason anyone would seriously watch this guy it to see what come in the box of a product you interested in
I'm glad you called him out because he was going to cost a lot of people a lot of money I didn't want to say anything I hate bashing people I know you're not you are actually being pretty cordial.
I think there's more than "make it look professional". Some people don't have the budget and have to just make something that looks "good enough" and serves a purpose. In my experience, the better is built, the higher the budget goes. I've done project where budget is not an issue and I surprise myself with the results, and others where I know everything I did wrong but I didn't have the money to buy the materials needed to make it right, and well, ot still works and serves it purpose, so, whatever lol. It's for me not for a customer. A job's quality from a contractor should definitely carry a higher quality standard than from a homeowner.
Wow! Just him marking the post (7:30) showed how well it was in the ground. See that thing wobble? Living in Florida, no way would that hold up to even a Tropical Storm.
I have not finished this video yet, but I have watched his video. Other than the foam (even if its a good product, it makes me uncomfortable) i think its a pretty decent fence. Im by no means a professional but i wanna be a framer so i watch a lot of videos like his after school a lot. He definitely does not have the “best” advice but coming from someone who grew up with a literally slapped together house (1920s house built by/for workers of a local factory) that nobody has properly maintained until the last few years, i would kill for half the quality of work he does to be done in my house. Edit: Spelling mistakes
Anything worth doing is worth doing well, his public court records seem to indicate his former clients aren’t nearly as impressed with his work as he is.
I’m from the same area as him, code for depth is 4 feet deep which is where our frost line is. I’ve removed and replaced multiple fences that were only 5-7 years old and already falling over because whoever built it decided 2 feet or something a handyman I came across said, as deep as your arm can reach in the hole was more than enough
Where we’re from it is most common to inset rails and fence boards, it looks cleaner in my opinion and has been what I’ve always seen growing up, on the face we would call a hack job
i first saw jeff years ago. back before i knew anything about home improvement. but even then i could tell he was blowing smoke. you guys ever see him try and fix a bow in a framing stud buy cutting it and using leverage. just for it to crack in half. that footage could have never seen the light of day. but he filmed it edited it and said yep good enough. and posted it. i cant with this guy.
He has great tips. He better than most. He has so many talents that he can't be good at all of them. His fences seem not great. Maybe he should calab with a professional so he learns as well as the viewers. That's the thing he wouldn't be where he is today without him making mistakes.
I finished my basement following Jeff's methods and my homebuilder brother told me my level of quality was better than what his contractors use. I can't speak to his fence building prowess but his construction methods for basement finishing saved me tens of thousands and it is top notch.
I have worked in construction for 25 years and every video I stumbled upon of his is terrible advice. It may be that people in your area just have a really low standard for quality.
@@Nicball505 I've been in construction for 30 years, and I've stumbled across your work in your area, and I wasn't impressed with your quality.
@@blanketstarry7725 😂 that is a lame ass comeback.
@@Nicball505 It wasn't a comeback. Just because I am anonymous, you think I am not credible? What's your deal?
@@blanketstarry7725 I couldn’t care less what you think. I’m the best there is, was, or ever will be at what I do. All I know is if you think that fool in the video that’s being reviewed knows what he’s talking about, then you definitely don’t know the difference between crap and true craftsmanship.
Followed his guidance for years and never had any issues with his instructions.
I attended a 2 year residential remodeling program where you graduate with an associate's degree. Our first year carpentry instructor (who was very talented... and demanding) described what he called a "quality triangle", where one edge was "good", another was "fast/easy", and another was "cheap". He drilled into us that you can only achieve two of those edges, not all three.
This applies to so many things, like building cars!
Thanks for sharing this.
It's songs like you have a problem with him not just the work
@@anthonyc5003 Actually, I am a subscriber and fan of Renovision. However, there are occasions where Jeff's choices appear to be sub-optimal to me. I think he would have had a better result with using concrete for the posts as opposed to the foam product. This is a case where the fast/easy triangle vertex did not serve him as well.
Is carpentry hard I’m thinking about going to community college for it
So it’s funny watching this bc I did some of these exact same things, except I used a tape measure and concrete where my post don’t move when they are sneezed on. I did 500ft of privacy around my yard two years ago and only wish I had found your channel along with SWI and Mr. Fence prior to doing it. I almost hate looking at mine but I’m stuck with it….love all the info you give us!!
To be fair, if you’re DIY all the crap that home renovision covers, his advice is usually pretty solid and understandable for the average Joe that is DIYing a job.
Also worth noting that even if you hire a “professional”, half the time they suck. So you really have to dig (no pun intended) to find a contractor that is going to correctly build you a solid fence.
I love the Home renovision channel and find a ton of useful info in it. But I also understand that his methods are “good enough” and not necessarily best practice. As long as you understand that, it’s a fantastic resource if you need a starting point for DIY projects you otherwise know little or nothing about.
With certain things "good enough" is unacceptable. Fencing is one such thing. Better yo spend the money or the time researching the *correct* way of doing something to make sure it lasts. That whack job just hands out misinformation and shotty practices, and people follow his advice. That's not cool. A fence like what he glbuilt is going to look like crap and it won't last more than 5-10 years. Charging someone for that kind of work is slimy af and doing it for yourself is pathetic. I understand some people just want a fence that will last at least a year because they're selling or whatever, but that is also equally slimy.
@@ericr154literally every trade says theirs is the one where “good enough” is unacceptable. They also all have a point. As most people cannot afford to have the best professionals do literally all the work on their home, being able to do minor repairs and improvements to “good enough” is a very valuable skill.
Though one should try to understand the work one is doing well enough to know how you will be paying later for your shortcuts and learning curve. Specifically what it will cost you in effort, inconvenience, cash, or durability.
His drywall videos are terrible
I just remember seeing Jeff in a short video plugging a product for sweeping up drywall dust and every comment being along the lines of "shop vacs exist." 😂
Yes they exist, but you will be unclogging that filter 5 times before you finish the job. And you might as well throw the filter away after.
I started to question some of the stuff his channel recommend and decided to see if anyone had a critique video on him. That's how I found your channel previously. Thank you for what you do.
Very welcome, appreciate you watching!
He's great at some things, not great at other things. I used his videos on building bulkheads and finishing basements and the results were fantastic. His tips on drywall work were also really good. Clearly his fence is meant for DIYers that are NEVER going to pay $10k for a pro-built privacy fence. They're watching his fence building video because they are trying to do it themselves to save money, even if they know the results will be poor and they don't save money in the long run.
I’ve never seen a professional be so kind with constructive criticism!
This guy’s recommendations are absolutely ludicrous lol.
You are a good dude and so respectful with your critique
God bless you
This put a smile on my face. I used to be subscribed to that Jeff guy till one day he was doing duct (ventilation) work and a pro told him he was doing something wrong and it made a lot of sense. The guy was saying to put the male vent pipe towards air flow and the female against the air flow like that you get less potential for air leak. Instead of accepting his mistake and thanking the guy for info, this Jeff guy told him off, I unsuscribed on the spot. Haven’t watched any of his videos since lol. Keep up the great work.
Sounds like a very Jeff move, thanks for watching and weighing in!
yeah, just did a load of ductwork in my new house and it made sense to me that way (thought of water rather than air) so having no edges to "catch" would improve air flow. rarely touched metal work since I left school but being a technical guy in a technical trade, I read a book on the subject first.
There are Social media people who are educating and others who use it as a source of income. many "trade people" start out as the former and end up as the latter. Not to say there is no information to be gained, even if it is bad information.
@@andrewcarr2431 💯
Thats one of the first things you learn in sheet metal school after how to use tin snips lol
Can yoy elaborate? Male part as in it fitting inside the larger female duct?
If the air is moving towards the "male" interior edge part it would create a high pressure zone in the joint and cause more turbulence/non-laminar flow... you sure your didn't mean the opposite? Can you please post video link what he did?
Having critique is great. Love Jeff, but sometimes I'm not sure what he's doing is the best idea. So, doing my research and watching various videos on the subject is a good idea and a critique even better, and hiring an inspector when I can is best. I've always been a DIYer, especially after 2020 when finding good contractors is like finding a needle in a haystack and prices have gone through the roof. Learning is learning. Thanks for the video.
Amen, the best way to learn is to watch many different videos. You learn to pick up on common themes and start to pick out the outliers. You can then decide if the outliers are BS or if there's a legit reasoning behind it.
So glad someone is calling out Jeff for what he is - a hack. He markets himself like he's
highly qualified professional but anyone who knows a thing or two about construction can see he's faking til he makes it. It's as if he watches a few youtube videos and tackles a project for first time. He's really no better than any total beginner. It pains me that he has made a career of giving bad information while truly competent people are actually out there with their hands dirty. Thanks again Joe, wish you got the views he does, you actually deserve it
As a home owner, on 40 acres. I make sure to do everything as good or better than the pros. The thing I can’t understand is why do people make “how to” videos about any subject if they have no clue what they are doing.
They are doing it because they truly believe they know how it's done. That's why I watch many how to videos and do more research to ensure I know the correct way before I follow a particular approach. Don't just look at the first video that comes up with a particular solution to the problem.
Anyone can make a how to video, unfortunately it doesn't mean they're doing the activity correctly. I'd follow a dedicated fence pro on how to build a fence.
Likewise, I'm a homeowner on a small farm and the reason I'm a Do-It-Yourselfer is because of too many past disappointments. People either never show, delay you by months or even years, (the best contractors are usually booked up for many months), or too many do crap work with low-quality materials and disappear. The last thing I hired done was concrete flat work. It wasn't horrible, but had I been home I'd have noticed there was no expansion joint between new work and existing work. As I predicted, the outside driveway chipped out the edge of the garage floor from frost heaving for lack of an expansion joint. I think we could find dozens and dozens of how-to videos showing new concrete work meeting existing work without expansion joints. I feel bad for people who aren't discerning or have too much confidence that projects done on UA-cam were done well. Too often something catches my eye and I soon realize the quality of information on the subject is simply wrong, even if it's something as simple as nesting boxes in a backyard coop.
Wind took 2 down here that I know of this year. Mine 1 lol
I feel like this guy says "work smarter, not harder" a lot. Not measuring isn't smarter, it's just lazier. If you're spending the hours (or days) it takes to build a fence, why are you trying so hard to save 10 minutes. Realistically, it would probably take me less than 10 seconds per post to measure 6 inches down and make a mark. It would take me 10 seconds to measure 8 feet BEFORE I spend 10 minutes digging a post hole. Yes, it would take me a little longer to cut a mitered end on a stretcher, but i would probably make that time back with how much easier it would be to hang my pickets. And i wouldn't have to worry as much about my dogs getting out under the fence or, similarly, unwanted visitors getting in. Plus if I sold my house, i wouldn't have the buyers putting "a new fence" as a contingency after they saw the hobbled together mess i made after watching that video.
All great points, thanks for watching and weighing in!
You need a roasting Jeff playlist 😂
Beware, Jeff is highly emotional
Have you review 4x4 fence post anchor spike that is hammered into the dirt.
The force is real, love that. Great videos overall 🤌🏼
I watched some of Jeff’s videos on various home improvement projects and I had doubts about his methods & quit watching him.
“Do your best and caulk the rest” is this guy in a nutshell.
Did you see how much the post moved when he marked the placement for the 2x4 😂
DIY my fence and I can personnaly attest to the fact that "foam fence post mix" do work. But the one with the concrete is significantly stronger in my opinion. The concrete has less movement after 1 week, and after 2 years, now 7 years later and still more noticeably feels stronger. Out of 8 fence post installed, the first 5 with concrete is rock solid compared to the foam. I still ocationally push on it once in a while to see if my opinion would change. The slight give on the foam is notieable still. All are 8' treated 4x4 post, buried 3' deep withthe top post on a string line, everything was installed identically with the foam being the only difference.
I dont use foam at all, and only use concrete where a gate will hang. I sink my posts 4 feet down and never had an issue. Concrete on every post is only necessary in dry rocky, sandy or clay soil. Most yards I’ve worked in are a good mix of rocky earth. No issues and easy to fix later in time. I roll
Everything with the terrain and set posts 8’ centre.
Joe is the man!!!
Appreciate you watching!
the fence on my parents lot that they bought next door to their house, has got to be close to 100 years old! the house was built in 1908 that we demolished, and ide be very surprised if the fence wasnt original. its only a 4 foot fence, but its def old AF. i donno if its cedar off hand, but ya, its old, looks old, but is still sturdy and doing well.
why would you demolish a 1908 house? 😡
@@headcas620 cause no one has lived in it for 40 years and it was totally ran down, not to Mentone old homes like that are shit, there was newspapers for insulation, it wasn't worth saving
More than likely redwood, that stuff lasts forever and was common back in that era for building material
@@CaliGhost mmmm, i donno, im in wyoming, we dont have any redwood anywhere close to here, but i have no idea how the dispersion of redwood was back in the turn of the 20th century, so obviously its possible. im sure it was along those lines if anything. the fence wasnt primo condition, obviously, but it was in tatters, it was just a little leaning to the side, and pretty much weathered black an grey. now that im done writing a stupid mini novel, im sure youre right lol. either way, ive had an unhealthy level of fascination with fences lately, and i dont know why, i have a chain link fence
@@trope5105 railroad tracks
If there is a deviation of ground between two posts, should you just dig out the ground or fallow the ground even though the 2x4's going across are straight?
Genuine question, Joe. When installing the horizontal pieces for a follow the terrian fence, what is your method for determining the angle of cut at the post. That way the 2x4 are butted up.
The funny thing is that he's talking about how much he's saving by using the bracing to build the fence later. He used $25 of foam per post and still claims he's saving money by using the 2x4s
While researching how to build a shed I found Jeff's original shed build videos. At first I thought he did a good job but as I built mine I realized he could've taken a bit more care in how he assembled his. I don't think it was horrible advice but I ended up coming across much better videos as I researched.
I belt a fence with vevor fence spikes. The fence is super wobbly, I even put up a 16" gate. LMFAO 🤣 Hoping it last through the wind season we have.
The post moved when he marked it with a pencil...lol
He has a fairly substantial following! I always look at people doing things better…if I can prove they are better. Suggestions for correction and improvement as you go are best.
Where I work virtually all fences have wood 4x4, I rarely can talk people into metal posts. The rails are in brackets between the posts. People complain when the fence follows the grade because it “isn’t straight” what they mean is level. They virtually all demand stair steps while also not wanting any gap at the bottom. To the point I have to argue that the pickets can’t touch the ground. The more I see from other states the more I think I should move.
Its a miracle Jeff didnt place a strike against you for criticizing him.
I really like some of Jeff's videos, they can be really useful.
But I have to be honest, he's miles wide of the mark on so many things in this video.
I'm completely self taught and even I would be going "f**k no" if I saw someone doing pretty much everything in this video!
For a start, wind sheer IS real! You NEED bloody strength.
I've seen the wind rip a fence to pieces and punch a picket through a car windscreen.
Can you imagine what that'll do to a child's body?
Secondly, that foam fix is just absolutely sh**.
Might aswell set them in horse turd!
That second post moved when he was marking it WITH HIS PENCIL!
Come on Jeff! Don't let sponsorship compromise your own standards.
I've SEEN you build far better than this!
i built a new fence at my house, and really wish I recorded my process. I'd find it interesting to get your honest perspective (outside the double wide gate, which i'll say is at least functional haha) great video! -Tuning in from St. Pete Florida. awesome jersey in the background. Go Bolts!
In fairness.... he's trying to make it easy for a homeowner. Not making like a pro would do it. If a homeowner can do it easy and perfect like us pros we'd be out of work.
@@Feed_Bleed_Read my my how easily you get all mad and rude at complete strangers. It must be hard to be you. I bet you flip the bird to others drivers from the safety of you car.
I don’t see how pointing out poor quality work. Is being rude or being angry. You are rude and angry and have no clue.
@@stevenkushinski6674 Wow, this exchange went right over your head. Read it 10x over and contemplate what was really said. Then get back with us.
It did not go over my head people watch diy videos to do a better job have a better out come Jeff’s channel should be removed not joes channel
@@stevenkushinski6674 Uhhh.... yeah. It did. Take a nap. You're tired.
Is it ok just the make the top of the fence perfectly level instead of trying to match the terrain? Especially if it’s not that much of a difference? I think I would rather see it being level than up and down with the ground.
Hi Joe - love your videos! i've got to make a block with two holes for the gate pins to drop into at the bottom! Any advice? Have you done a video about making one of these?
What are tubafores?
His motto could be, "Measuring is hard, and I like doing things the easy way."
@@BigHarryBalzac 😂 💯
One of the reasons I enjoy the videos is that sometimes the way to know how to do something correctly is to also look at how it’s done incorrectly.
Nothing wrong with stepping. I prefer the step look in most cases as long as they are not big steps. I like the level lines look.
Agreed. As long as you have a few panels at the same level and step sections of 2-4 panels at a time. I prefer that look. But hey, all personal preference there. I do agree with the other commentary! Measure twice cut once.
I’ve been in trades all my life. I’ve seen a handful of guys that don’t need a tape measure. Even they still use hand or forearm for reference measurements
Hi Joe, I've been searching and haven't had much luck looking for the answer I'm looking for. We have done some fencing on our property and not happy with all of it.. :) We have used 5"-6" round treated posts with treated 4 1/4" half round rails. What is the best way to top the posts? Is there a jig out there? What do the pros use? Do they treat the tops after making their cuts?
In Australia, where I've built several fences, our approach is to construct things to last for 50-80 years. That's why we have the saying: "Prepare well, do it right the first time, so you can relax with a drink that night." As a tradesman and as a person, I don't tolerate halfway craftsmanship. Taking pride in one's work is crucial. That's why we rely on string lines and measuring aids to ensure the job is done properly.
Australia has some of the worst tradies ever. Their work is shocking.
How do you feel about using OZ-Post spike to install fence post?
We’ve only used them once and it was a very great experience
I used it for a rotted off mailbox post. Was a quick and easy solution. My biggest concern is that if you don't seal off around the post, water will drip down into the end of the post and rot it from the bottom up.
I installed them and so far they have sustained a few days of wind gusts of up to 35 mph so far so good.. I used waterproofing stain before setting the post and then caulked around the base to help prevent water from running down into the post
Dude, those posts rot out in five, depending on water. That foam is garbage, quick set cement if you want to build the same day.
There are a number of posts about this guy in the Ottawa subreddit (where he works as a contractor), saying not to hire him.
Absolutely agree Joe if it’s a DIY or newbie installing fence they should definitely use a stringline and tape measure and take out the guess work and the, looks good enough 😀and racking with the grade instead of stair stepping when you can 👍
💯
Professionals still use string ling to mark the rail lines not just diyers.
This is GREAT 😂 Jeff, just stop building fence bro
💯
Is it ok to stagger your rails? I feel like having the rail attched to the whole 4x4 would be better for strong winds. Love a comment 😊
You certainly can, it will make for a stronger fence if you stagger the overlaps! Thanks for watching!
Joe I love that you tear this stuff apart. Bet this fence has already failed.
I can’t imagine what that fence will look like after a couple seasons!
I have a neighbor who built an 8ft board on board fence with foam for Posts 2 years ago. Meanwhile, I built 3 fences a year ago in same neighborhood and HIS fence is leaning noticably already.
I’m not a fan of 8’ span.. my max is 7’.. I realize it’s a few more post, but I feel you get a stronger fence for the money
Thank you for ending the video I couldn't listen to jeff for another second. I felt my brain getting smoother 😂
As my grandad taught me “no matter how hard you try you just can’t polish a turd”.
It moved a bit but OK. As long as the wind only moves in 1 direction I LOVE THIS CHANNEL'S REVIEWS
First, like your videos. As a fence guy for 16 years, install for 12 out of those 16 in NJ. Anyway this video did drove me up a wall a bit lol. Never used never thought and never will use that foam cause seeing him just mark the post with his pencil and it moves is the craziest part. 😂
My fences are a mix of stucco earthbag, rebar and steel pipe.
Some spots will stop a fifty round, and unless it’s assaulted, it should last decades.
Joe Dont stress much , take it as Comedy!!🤣
At this point I’m starting to question whether he actually believes this stuff or if he’s just trolling us!
you should see him paint🤣@@JoeEverest
He’s so good he doesn’t need the tape measure. He taught me how to build a house this way.
Thank you! I’m so sick of these YT content kuck’n dumbbmasses! Joe, you’re a good dude! I subbed! Team no BS! Cheers!
Ok
this kinda breaks my heart
I’ve watched quite a few of Jeff’s videos…. and had faith in the quality of his craftsmanship
however……
If I were building a fence solely to enhance my sale of a property, I'd do this. Never any other time/reason. And I'd never talk it up.
That guy gives all sorts of bad advice, I’ve watched his videos before and was shocked at how confidently he spreads misinformation.
You know, I set my posts with gravel at the bottom and then concrete around. Then I used square rocks to level everything underneath the fence, so the lowest part of the terrain has a bit of rock showing, but at least the whole fence is one level and the bottom of the sides does not touch the ground, ever.
I had a capped design put in last June in Harrisonville, Mo. The posts do not move unless you push reasonably hard. That movement you see in this video disturbs me. Foam just sounds sketchy to me.
Joe, I paid a little extra for the capped fence. Does that indeed improvee sturdiness and logevity? It is definitely more eye pleasing. Do you think it was worth the extra money? I wish I could post a picture. It's gorgeous, especially after putting a oil based redwood stain on it after the wood dried out.
So im going to be redoing my fence soon. Do you have any videos on the correct way to build a fence? I will be building it because it’s cheaper then the premade fence panels.
Just went through the process myself with a handyman's help. (Wanted to learn all I can to spot mistakes should they happen.) The following is a summary. Consider buying a book on how to install a fence because as the other comments here reflect the quality of how-to advice you can get on UA-cam ranges from excellent to flat-out wrong.
1) Learn how to use a string line after deciding on the style (stair-stepped vs. racked if the ground isn't level).
2) Do the rise over run calculation if the ground isn't level. (Build from high side to the low side.)
3) Stain the wood before you build the fence.
4) Use stakes to mark out your fence post locations. This is generally 8' apart for level ground, but as close as 4-6' apart if you're building on a hillside. (Another consideration is what spacing will divide evenly between opposing ends.)
5) Consider galvanized steel posts if you don't want to deal with eventual wood rot.
6) Use a species of wood that resists pests and is less likely to buckle over time (i.e. redwood).
7) Face the nice side of the fence toward your neighbors (laws vary but in many places this is the law.)
8) Space your rail about 6" from the bottom, 6" from the top and center the third one in between, if present.
9) Use pressure-treated rails and wood posts (if you cut the ends, apply the Copper sulfate or Copper Naphthenate treatment. Make sure to read all safety precautions!).
10) Leave about a 2" gap under your fence for drainage.
11) If you're in a windy area, leave 5/8 - 1/2" between slats (looks nicer sitting flush but this is the "official" advice for a privacy fence).
12) Sink your posts at least 2' into the ground (make sure you have enough remaining above grade to build the desired height. (The legal limit is 6' in most states.) Bear in mind that if your posts are inconsistent, you may have to cut the taller ones down so they don't exceed the height of the pickets/slats. You may be able to save this step if you plan carefully.)
13) The post hole should be ~8" in diameter. Level the post before you set the concrete. Brace the post while it is curing.
14) Tack the wood as you go with nails. When everything looks good come back and use ~2" deck screws to secure the slats to the rails.
15) If possible, level the ground running beneath the closed position of the gates before you put in the gate posts. (Use extra heavy duty posts for gates.) Make sure the gates open toward the down-slope if the ground isn't level.
16) Use steel gate frames to prevent sagging. (Building a gate is a whole different animal and might be better served by a pro.)
Thnx for this! Great advice @@newsview7844
The foam was a big mistake. dumping dry concrete and adding water incrementally is not that much harder and it will be super solid and strong. The "eye balling" method always used to come back and bite me in the as* so I learned that measuring always gives me a consistent result.
I'm tickled bc I've come across his videos like AINT NO WAY😂😂😂
😂😂😂
It's a pretty fair option to build a fence tbh. It doesn't always have to be hurricane proof
The real test for anyone who puts wood in the ground… is do they know the difference between UC4A and UC4B PT lumber? If you use UC4A (what they sell at every lumber yard off the shelf) then it will likely rot off in 5-10 years, maybe 15-20 in a dry area like where I live.
If you use UC4B treated lumber (like they use in engineered post frame foundations) the lumber will last 70+ years in the ground.
Is this necessary in every circumstance? No, obviously it’s not. But if you didn’t know the difference to begin with, I question if you’ve actually done research or only listened to the “old timers” about every single process on how to build a fence, a deck, a post frame building, etc.
I’m also a fan a metal brackets made for bending moment loads, etc. but sometimes a post in the ground is better, depending on your application or availability of materials.
I guess my issue is, if you’re going to mock Jeff for his easy DIY methodology (which is fine too in many respects) I’m hoping you educate your audience on different treatment levels and analyze the pros and cons, effective time frames, and applicable situations.
If you do this, great. I’ve just found that very few people ever mention the UC4B or UC4C options in PT wood. Everyone just assumes all PT wood will rot in a few years with concrete in the ground.
So glad this guy is getting the review he deserves. The whole channel is full of bad advice.
Absolutely, thanks for watching and weighing in!
My man Joe called his belt a landmark 😂😂😂😂
I came across this guys videos when i built my fence last summer, I did not end up using his tips and tricks lol.
No Way do the posts last 40 or 50 years!! 😂 I can speak from experience because we have a fence in Houston tx area that has rotten posts after 7 years. We’re now using Post Master posts now and in the future.
I agree with you that Jeff's fence building techniques are questionable. Jeff's other building techniques for houses are pretty good. As I have qualifications in engineering in Australia and due to the long-term problems with using timber posts, I use steel posts, concrete and heavy rust prevention. The concrete level is above the ground and has a slope away from the post. Also, in Australia we can get over 17' lengths of fence rail. Using these rails allow for staggering the joints to increase the strength of the fence. At rail joints, an angled joint is used as well that allows the two fixings to the post to be away from the edge of the post. Under the pailings, I also install a concrete mowing strip that is reinforced into the post concrete.
Usually I like Home Reno’s videos but when I saw this one I was like 🧐🤔🤔🤔
Jeff should watch some SWI Fence videos so he learn how professionals do it
Jeff is definitely the type of person that won't listen to reason and always thinks he's right. I feel for his wife. Yikes.
@@chandracox6814he's son hate working with him
Do you have a video of building a wood fence over a metal fence?
I don’t know how this guy haves a Chanel, the only reason anyone would seriously watch this guy it to see what come in the box of a product you interested in
I like to put my bottom rail right height to the top of my ankle socks 🤣🤣🤣
I used foam for my mail box first good rain the post started floating up I had to hold it down with a flag stone
I'm glad you called him out because he was going to cost a lot of people a lot of money I didn't want to say anything I hate bashing people I know you're not you are actually being pretty cordial.
I think there's more than "make it look professional". Some people don't have the budget and have to just make something that looks "good enough" and serves a purpose. In my experience, the better is built, the higher the budget goes.
I've done project where budget is not an issue and I surprise myself with the results, and others where I know everything I did wrong but I didn't have the money to buy the materials needed to make it right, and well, ot still works and serves it purpose, so, whatever lol. It's for me not for a customer.
A job's quality from a contractor should definitely carry a higher quality standard than from a homeowner.
Look how much it moved when he was making the x mark on the post. That sucker was shaking like he buried it 12 inches
LMAO, love the video! Perfect title for his videos by the way.
Thanks for watching and weighing in!
If you need advice for tile and grout Jeff is your guy.
Wow! Just him marking the post (7:30) showed how well it was in the ground. See that thing wobble?
Living in Florida, no way would that hold up to even a Tropical Storm.
LMAO oranges dudes face after blue dude says some dumb ahh shi XDDD
What's a tuba for?
I remember of a video where Jeff says to viewers not to use a mask while working with asbestos as your lungs will always heal.
I always had a feeling about this guy right from the first time i watched him lol
What would you recommend for setting post in sandy soil and high winds
Go deeper in setting your posts, and set them in concrete
You want that weight as ballast the higher the fence the deeper the post depth.
I have not finished this video yet, but I have watched his video. Other than the foam (even if its a good product, it makes me uncomfortable) i think its a pretty decent fence. Im by no means a professional but i wanna be a framer so i watch a lot of videos like his after school a lot. He definitely does not have the “best” advice but coming from someone who grew up with a literally slapped together house (1920s house built by/for workers of a local factory) that nobody has properly maintained until the last few years, i would kill for half the quality of work he does to be done in my house.
Edit: Spelling mistakes
Anything worth doing is worth doing well, his public court records seem to indicate his former clients aren’t nearly as impressed with his work as he is.
I’m from the same area as him, code for depth is 4 feet deep which is where our frost line is. I’ve removed and replaced multiple fences that were only 5-7 years old and already falling over because whoever built it decided 2 feet or something a handyman I came across said, as deep as your arm can reach in the hole was more than enough
Where we’re from it is most common to inset rails and fence boards, it looks cleaner in my opinion and has been what I’ve always seen growing up, on the face we would call a hack job
Joe and Jeff just need to get a room.
😂 pass
Well in canada you won't probably see this fence at all because of the snow so the wind will not be a problem
i first saw jeff years ago. back before i knew anything about home improvement. but even then i could tell he was blowing smoke. you guys ever see him try and fix a bow in a framing stud buy cutting it and using leverage. just for it to crack in half. that footage could have never seen the light of day. but he filmed it edited it and said yep good enough. and posted it. i cant with this guy.
He has great tips. He better than most. He has so many talents that he can't be good at all of them. His fences seem not great. Maybe he should calab with a professional so he learns as well as the viewers. That's the thing he wouldn't be where he is today without him making mistakes.