What do you think?
Rate this book
Making Things Right: The Simple Philosophy of a Working Life
A celebration of craftsmanship, teamwork, and the relationship between contractor and client.
Making Things Right is the simple yet captivating story of a loft renovation, from the moment master carpenter and contractor Ole Thorstensen submits an estimate for the job to when the space is ready for occupation. As the project unfolds, we see the construction through Ole's eyes: the meticulous detail, the pesky splinters, the problem solving, patience, and teamwork required for its completion. Yet Ole's narrative encompasses more than just the fine mechanics of his craft. His labor and passion drive him toward deeper reflections on the nature of work, the academy versus the trades, identity, and life itself.
Rich with descriptions of carpentry and process, Making Things Right is a warm and humorous portrayal of a tightknit working community, a story about the blood, sweat, and frustration involved in doing a job well and the joys in seeing a vision take shape.
Making Things Right is the simple yet captivating story of a loft renovation, from the moment master carpenter and contractor Ole Thorstensen submits an estimate for the job to when the space is ready for occupation. As the project unfolds, we see the construction through Ole's eyes: the meticulous detail, the pesky splinters, the problem solving, patience, and teamwork required for its completion. Yet Ole's narrative encompasses more than just the fine mechanics of his craft. His labor and passion drive him toward deeper reflections on the nature of work, the academy versus the trades, identity, and life itself.
Rich with descriptions of carpentry and process, Making Things Right is a warm and humorous portrayal of a tightknit working community, a story about the blood, sweat, and frustration involved in doing a job well and the joys in seeing a vision take shape.
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2015
55 people are currently reading
397 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
July 24, 2021
Cuando llevas 100 páginas de Diario de un carpintero te preguntas ¿qué hago leyendo un libro sobre cómo se construye una buhardilla? pero sigues leyendo esta deliciosa historia porque está cargada de sentimientos tan empáticos como el orgullo del trabajo bien hecho, o el miedo a equivocarte.
Más en nuestra video-reseña https://youtu.be/0halAiG6pOY
Más en nuestra video-reseña https://youtu.be/0halAiG6pOY
January 13, 2018
An absolute undiscovered gem.
A Norwegian Master Carpenter writes about a loft-conversion in Oslo.
Mainly he writes about the supporting beams, the fire-safe insulation regulations, ventilation considerations, quoting and bidding and getting all the materials up to the third floor.
And yet he has a style of writing (in English, not his first language), that Hemmingway described as "Make everything as simple and plain as it can possibly be, but no simpler."
The whole book has a life-affirming quality about it that I loved. Ole Thorstensen is clearly a very nice man.
I sat down and knocked off the last half of the book in one read, on a Sunday morning, when I had a lot of other things that I should have been doing. I almost never do that these days.
A Norwegian Master Carpenter writes about a loft-conversion in Oslo.
Mainly he writes about the supporting beams, the fire-safe insulation regulations, ventilation considerations, quoting and bidding and getting all the materials up to the third floor.
And yet he has a style of writing (in English, not his first language), that Hemmingway described as "Make everything as simple and plain as it can possibly be, but no simpler."
The whole book has a life-affirming quality about it that I loved. Ole Thorstensen is clearly a very nice man.
I sat down and knocked off the last half of the book in one read, on a Sunday morning, when I had a lot of other things that I should have been doing. I almost never do that these days.
December 1, 2020
Ova knjiga svidjela mi se već od samog naslova, "Raditi kako treba" zvuči tako čestito, suvereno i dostojanstveno. Oduševila me pomisao da se netko kod nas sjetio tako odgovarajućeg i primamljivog naslova, jer se u originalu zove samo "Dnevnik majstora stolara" (što u izdanju Frakture funkcionira kao podnaslov), ali vjerojatnije je to uspješan prijevod engleske verzije "Making things right". Kako bilo da bilo, ovo je rijedak oblik dnevnika, dnevnik manualnog radnika. U njemu autor opisuje uređivanje potkrovlja, ali i otkriva svoj odnos prema radu od samog početka do potpune realizacije. On je samostalan stolar koji vodi svoj obrt, pa je velika stavka s kojom se mora nositi i birokracija, a pedantnost kojom vodi svaku etapu svog rada zadivljujuća je i upravo osvježavajuća. Iako se ne razumijem u stolarske radove i neke dijelove opisa konkretnog izvođenja radova sam preskakala, uživala sam u završavanju renovacije gotovo jednako kao i sam autor te naručitelji projekta! Ovaj dnevnik dokaz je da svaki dobar posao započinje prije posla samog, opsežnim i kvalitetnim razmišljanjem.
December 31, 2017
p.105-6
To hold one end of something heavy and be aware of another's movements, feel them transmitted through the object, is an experience all of its own. I can tell if the other person is adept at carrying, if they show me consideration or just think of their own burden, and I can sense when they are getting tired. Fatigue is reflected in their step, in imprecise motions. It is expressed by silence. Anyone who is able ought to lift something together with another person from time to time, it is a good way to get to know one another.
To hold one end of something heavy and be aware of another's movements, feel them transmitted through the object, is an experience all of its own. I can tell if the other person is adept at carrying, if they show me consideration or just think of their own burden, and I can sense when they are getting tired. Fatigue is reflected in their step, in imprecise motions. It is expressed by silence. Anyone who is able ought to lift something together with another person from time to time, it is a good way to get to know one another.
July 12, 2018
Probably the best book I’ve read this summer. In some ways it reminded me of Tracy Kidder’s book, House, which I also enjoyed. However, this book was written by the carpenter himself, and his love and respect for his craft are clearly evident.
April 1, 2018
Interestingly look at the work of a master woodworker/contractor in Norway--not just the physical work with wood but the teamwork with others on a remodeling job and with those paying for the work. He shares his philosophy and obvious pleasure in his craft through a step-by-step remodeling job--first the bid (and getting all the prices from plumbers, etc.), then the negotiation, then the actual job with the pitfalls (some anticipated some discovered on the job) and the satisfaction of creating the desired space. Along the way there's talk of politics and philosophy, the necessity of quality, and the importance of understanding the fundamentals of a craft. It could be a very dry account, but it's leavened with humor and a warmhearted approach. Fascinating details--probably of interest to anyone into DIY but there are also plenty of tips for anyone seeking to have professional remodeling done.
May 16, 2018
The book description mirrors much of my own thoughts on this simple engaging story, so I won’t belabor those points, other than to encourage readers to give this book a chance.
The story isn’t written in a conventional form which contributes to its appeal, and the writing style of the author is fresh and engaging. The translation is excellent (only a few errors in mathematical knowledge were conspicuous) giving the sense that you are engaging with the author’s own homespun voice—Thorstensen’s undecorated writing style has an elemental beauty. The words sound good in my head as I read it.
Making Things Right should have special appeal for folks in the building industry like myself. Many of its themes should resonate, whether they’re in the trades, or on the design side. The idiosyncratic nature of the loft expansion project around which the story is framed does not diminish its valuable insights into the nature of almost any building project involving design and craftsmanship. It illuminates the way we and the colleagues we work with approach our work every day. I may even make it assigned reading for my own staff. Maybe I should encourage my clients to read it as well.
As an architect it was a bit painful to read about his thoughts on the unsatisfactory relationships the writer has had with architects and engineers—because it doesn’t have to be that way. Thorstensen’s work experiences are limited by the nature of the tiny projects he takes on and this in turn limits the nature of his relations with professionals. I personally work very closely with several single man contractors that do large homes worth millions, demonstrating that the shortcomings of his unfortunate experiences with the design community are in part self-imposed.
However, viewing these professional interaction issues through his eyes demonstrates the collateral damage the described approach to design causes. Design professionals would do well to take these insights to heart as they examine their own approach to the work. People in the building industry in America may also enjoy the many commonalities between our work and that in Norway, along with the several peculiar unique materials, means and methods Thorstensen describes in detailed but accessible ways.
Ultimately there is much here for anyone to take away about the satisfying nature of hard exacting work and the camaraderie that develops among the people sharing in that work along side you. The larger message being a reflection upon how work, well done, lends dignity and purpose to our lives while simultaneously enriching the lives of those around us.
The story isn’t written in a conventional form which contributes to its appeal, and the writing style of the author is fresh and engaging. The translation is excellent (only a few errors in mathematical knowledge were conspicuous) giving the sense that you are engaging with the author’s own homespun voice—Thorstensen’s undecorated writing style has an elemental beauty. The words sound good in my head as I read it.
Making Things Right should have special appeal for folks in the building industry like myself. Many of its themes should resonate, whether they’re in the trades, or on the design side. The idiosyncratic nature of the loft expansion project around which the story is framed does not diminish its valuable insights into the nature of almost any building project involving design and craftsmanship. It illuminates the way we and the colleagues we work with approach our work every day. I may even make it assigned reading for my own staff. Maybe I should encourage my clients to read it as well.
As an architect it was a bit painful to read about his thoughts on the unsatisfactory relationships the writer has had with architects and engineers—because it doesn’t have to be that way. Thorstensen’s work experiences are limited by the nature of the tiny projects he takes on and this in turn limits the nature of his relations with professionals. I personally work very closely with several single man contractors that do large homes worth millions, demonstrating that the shortcomings of his unfortunate experiences with the design community are in part self-imposed.
However, viewing these professional interaction issues through his eyes demonstrates the collateral damage the described approach to design causes. Design professionals would do well to take these insights to heart as they examine their own approach to the work. People in the building industry in America may also enjoy the many commonalities between our work and that in Norway, along with the several peculiar unique materials, means and methods Thorstensen describes in detailed but accessible ways.
Ultimately there is much here for anyone to take away about the satisfying nature of hard exacting work and the camaraderie that develops among the people sharing in that work along side you. The larger message being a reflection upon how work, well done, lends dignity and purpose to our lives while simultaneously enriching the lives of those around us.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2022
Ole Thorstensen is a Norwegian carpenter, and Making Things Right is his memoir of a loft renovation. I found the way he built a relationship with his clients interesting. If you think tradesmen are lying to you about a job, they probably are. Thorstensen always presents these omissions as requirements if he wants to get the work: you can't scare away the client with too much honesty if you want the job, so it's better to reveal all of the costs and choices after a relationship has been established. I thought Making Things Right would remind me of Michael Pollan's A Place of My Own, but a better comparison might be Shaun Bythell's Diary of a Bookseller as this is a book about a job more than a book about a project. Sadly, I found it less thoughtful than Pollan and less funny than Bythell. I suspect, however, that Thorstensen would say this is a simple and straightforward memoir about simple, straightforward work--nothing wrong with that.
July 25, 2024
Goede uiteenzetting van waarom we het werk van een vakman niet mogen onderschatten ! Aanrader!
July 13, 2018
There's no great skill involved in carpentry these days—standardised, engineered materials and explicit building codes have made sure of that, and that's... not entirely a bad thing?—and Thorstensen doesn't seem to be particularly exceptional, but there's real value in a tradesman's slice-of-life book like this. Not because literally anything Thorstensen does will come as a surprise to any casual European DIYer (Americans might not be used to buildings that aren't just 2x4s and plasterboard), but because the book lays out the entire ecosystem: the people he interacts with, the specific jobs he offloads to subcontractors, the pace of the work, the interaction with the clients. These are things that are often deemed too unimportant to mention, and because of it we've already lost whole dimensions of historical life. If, a century from now, Making Things Right isn't ranked alongside The Joiner and Cabinetmaker, The Wheelwright's Shop, and The Cooper and His Trade, it will only be because modern carpentry is just kind of distasteful.
Until then, though, it's also just an enjoyable read—there's a pleasing cadence to Thorstensen's prose that almost makes it written ASMR, despite being a translation.
Until then, though, it's also just an enjoyable read—there's a pleasing cadence to Thorstensen's prose that almost makes it written ASMR, despite being a translation.
July 19, 2021
Nevjerojatno lako plovljenje kroz nešto o čemu znam tako malo. Nema puno lirskih elemenata, a bome ni epskih; mirno i staloženo opisivanje koje fino teče, bez naglih obrata. I Drew i Jonathan nešto bi naučili, sigurna sam. Preporučit ću je i mužu.
July 22, 2021
The book is a kind of a working man diary. It takes you through every little bit of construction work and not in a boring way. It made me realize that we don't see every little bit of work that construction workers do and that costumers should thrust the process.
December 16, 2020
Odličan pogled na struku iznutra. Pametan, sistematičan, duhovit, prilagodljiv... Ugodno sam iznenađena pročitanim.
May 26, 2020
Úgy állok itt ezzel a regénnyel, mint öreg székely, amikor először látott teknőst: ez most vagy valami, vagy megy valahová. Olyant sokat láttam már (sajnos), hogy amatőrök nekiállnak regényt írni, és az (sajnos) papíron ölt testet. De ez valami egészen más. Mert Thorstensen nem amatőr, sőt vérprofi, csak éppen nem író, hanem ács. Azt mondják, mindenkiben benne van egy regény, a saját élete, az, ami mozgatja. Persze nem mindenki írja meg (szerencsére). Thorstensen megírta. És tulajdonképpen jól. Nem akart valami olyasmit csinálni, amihez nem ért, nem akart irodalmat csinálni, ő csak fogta, amihez ért, és szépen leírta egy tetőtér felújítással kapcsolatban a mesterfogásait, a tapasztalatait, meg annál egy kicsit többet.
A regény néhány hónap történéseit öleli fel, attól kezdve, hogy ajánlatot kérnek tőle a munkára, elmeséli, hogyan kalkulál, hogyan küzd meg a munkáért, amit persze elnyer, és onnan hétről hétre elmeséli, hogyan is dolgozik, csavarról csavarra leírja az építés folyamatát. Ennyire persze nem száraz a szöveg, belevegyül a megbízókkal való kapcsolata, a többi munkással történő együttműködése. Igaz, a magánéletéből nagyon keveset ad ki, ez szinte csak a hétvégi kocsmázásokra szűkül le, a családjáról semmit sem tudunk meg pl. Úgy tűnik, egyedül él, egyszer említi csak, hogy elutazik a családjához, de itt sem tudjuk meg, pontosan kikhez, úgy sejtem a szüleiről, testvéreiről lehet szó. De tulajdonképpen rendben is van így, hiszen ez a regény elsősorban Oleről és a szakmájáról szól, amiben tényleg profi. És nem csak a szögbeverésben, de már az árajánlat szakaszában is megmutatkozik a szakértelme. Érdekes pl. amit arról ír, hogy hány ajánlatot érdemes bekérni egy munkához. Gondolnád, hogy minél többet, annál több esélyed van a legjobbat megtalálni, de nem így van. Ha túl sok az ajánlat, akkor óhatatlan, hogy a jobbak egyrészt drágábbak lesznek, mert több – nem véletlenül – olcsó árajánlat is befut, másrészt kiszállnak a versenyből, mert nem éri meg az idejüket vesztegetni. És hiába választod a második legolcsóbbat, az még mindig jó eséllyel egy alul kalkulált, emiatt problémás ajánlat lesz. Egy építkezés, felújítás előtt mindenképpen hasznos olvasmány. De nem csak az, mert ha így lenne, akkor az Ezermesterben jelent volna meg, folytatásokban.
Valami többet is kapunk, és éppen ezért vagyok zavarban, hogy honnan is közelítsek ehhez a könyvhöz. OK, akik már alkalmaztak itthon mestereket, azok sci-fiként fogják olvasni.
Megszoktuk, hogy a regény az értelmiségi irányból jön, nem azzal foglalkozik, hogy milyen nehéz a gerenda, hanem hogy megtalálja a szálkát. Már a cím is - Hogyan csináljuk jól? - ellentmond eddigi tapasztalataimnak, mert a magas irodalom elsősorban azt vizsgálja, hogyan csináljuk rosszul, így, kijelentő módban. Márpedig Thorstensen könyvéből pozitív üzenet sugárzik, nincsen negatív fordulat, nincs antagonista, csak a szakértelem dicsérete, na meg egy kicsit a kontárok ekézése. És emiatt válik egy kis csodává ez a könyv, hogy ennek az embernek a szakértelme egy olyan pozitív életfelfogást közvetít, amire a szépirodalom szinte képtelen. Annál jóval többet kapunk, mint egy összeszerelési útmutatót. Egy életszemlélet leírását olvashatjuk, amiben nincs helye a sunyiságnak, a megbízhatatlanságnak, a mindenek fölötti pénzhajhászásnak, hát komolyan, ha nem olvastam volna más norvég szerzőket, akkor azt hinném, hogy Norvégia a földre szállt Kánaán.
Valószínűleg sokan lesznek, akik elvéreznek ennek a könyvnek a műszaki tartalmán, és a segítő rajzok ellenére sem tudják elképzelni, hogy emberünk éppen mit is csinál, de az életszemlélete mindenképp megbecsülendő, és nem csak egy tetőtérben működik, de a ház bármely pontján.
A regény néhány hónap történéseit öleli fel, attól kezdve, hogy ajánlatot kérnek tőle a munkára, elmeséli, hogyan kalkulál, hogyan küzd meg a munkáért, amit persze elnyer, és onnan hétről hétre elmeséli, hogyan is dolgozik, csavarról csavarra leírja az építés folyamatát. Ennyire persze nem száraz a szöveg, belevegyül a megbízókkal való kapcsolata, a többi munkással történő együttműködése. Igaz, a magánéletéből nagyon keveset ad ki, ez szinte csak a hétvégi kocsmázásokra szűkül le, a családjáról semmit sem tudunk meg pl. Úgy tűnik, egyedül él, egyszer említi csak, hogy elutazik a családjához, de itt sem tudjuk meg, pontosan kikhez, úgy sejtem a szüleiről, testvéreiről lehet szó. De tulajdonképpen rendben is van így, hiszen ez a regény elsősorban Oleről és a szakmájáról szól, amiben tényleg profi. És nem csak a szögbeverésben, de már az árajánlat szakaszában is megmutatkozik a szakértelme. Érdekes pl. amit arról ír, hogy hány ajánlatot érdemes bekérni egy munkához. Gondolnád, hogy minél többet, annál több esélyed van a legjobbat megtalálni, de nem így van. Ha túl sok az ajánlat, akkor óhatatlan, hogy a jobbak egyrészt drágábbak lesznek, mert több – nem véletlenül – olcsó árajánlat is befut, másrészt kiszállnak a versenyből, mert nem éri meg az idejüket vesztegetni. És hiába választod a második legolcsóbbat, az még mindig jó eséllyel egy alul kalkulált, emiatt problémás ajánlat lesz. Egy építkezés, felújítás előtt mindenképpen hasznos olvasmány. De nem csak az, mert ha így lenne, akkor az Ezermesterben jelent volna meg, folytatásokban.
Valami többet is kapunk, és éppen ezért vagyok zavarban, hogy honnan is közelítsek ehhez a könyvhöz. OK, akik már alkalmaztak itthon mestereket, azok sci-fiként fogják olvasni.
Megszoktuk, hogy a regény az értelmiségi irányból jön, nem azzal foglalkozik, hogy milyen nehéz a gerenda, hanem hogy megtalálja a szálkát. Már a cím is - Hogyan csináljuk jól? - ellentmond eddigi tapasztalataimnak, mert a magas irodalom elsősorban azt vizsgálja, hogyan csináljuk rosszul, így, kijelentő módban. Márpedig Thorstensen könyvéből pozitív üzenet sugárzik, nincsen negatív fordulat, nincs antagonista, csak a szakértelem dicsérete, na meg egy kicsit a kontárok ekézése. És emiatt válik egy kis csodává ez a könyv, hogy ennek az embernek a szakértelme egy olyan pozitív életfelfogást közvetít, amire a szépirodalom szinte képtelen. Annál jóval többet kapunk, mint egy összeszerelési útmutatót. Egy életszemlélet leírását olvashatjuk, amiben nincs helye a sunyiságnak, a megbízhatatlanságnak, a mindenek fölötti pénzhajhászásnak, hát komolyan, ha nem olvastam volna más norvég szerzőket, akkor azt hinném, hogy Norvégia a földre szállt Kánaán.
Valószínűleg sokan lesznek, akik elvéreznek ennek a könyvnek a műszaki tartalmán, és a segítő rajzok ellenére sem tudják elképzelni, hogy emberünk éppen mit is csinál, de az életszemlélete mindenképp megbecsülendő, és nem csak egy tetőtérben működik, de a ház bármely pontján.
November 23, 2020
It’s the story of a loft conversion in Olso as told by the master carpenter running the job. It’s not a how to book. It is more a perspective piece. It’s short, well written, and moves along. Ole includes some biographical sketches of his life. Beers with friends, fishing trips, ect. Scandinavians do seem to have a better pace of life than Americans. He is still working pretty hard and puts in a lot of weekends. He is a small business owner and working for himself, which takes some of the edge off his long hours, but it’s still a tough job.
There is an economics study in here somewhere. I read a short comment once that single family home construction in the US was a bit of a productivity backwater. The theory was that since it’s a hard market to scale and that most firms were not making the capital investments necessary to significantly increase labor productivity. Ole makes a few jabs at the architect and the engineer who have higher wages and prestige and do dozens or hundreds of projects for every one he works on. His point is that he is closer to his jobs and more invested. I’m not disputing that, but it strikes me that software and communications have made the architect and engineer much more productive. Ole and his fallow tradesmen can use the same technologies (some he does, some he disdains), but they don’t help him nearly as much. He does have power tools, lifts, electric light, and the internet, so he is much more productive than his 19th century counterparts, but his productivity didn’t expand nearly as much as the knowledge based fields of engineering and architecture.
He talks a bit about pricing. He says the loft renovation was over $120K. That seems incredible to me. I could buy 2-3 houses in the Midwest for that. It is Europe, and an urban center, but $120K to renovate an apartment is insane! He doesn’t say how much of that he took home, but I doubt it was more than ¼ to 1/3 of the total as he was paying for subcontractors and materials. He wasn’t doing much other work and the job took half a year, so he’s not making much.
I liked the book and think it’s better than average, maybe 3.4 stars, but not worthy of rounding up to 4.
There is an economics study in here somewhere. I read a short comment once that single family home construction in the US was a bit of a productivity backwater. The theory was that since it’s a hard market to scale and that most firms were not making the capital investments necessary to significantly increase labor productivity. Ole makes a few jabs at the architect and the engineer who have higher wages and prestige and do dozens or hundreds of projects for every one he works on. His point is that he is closer to his jobs and more invested. I’m not disputing that, but it strikes me that software and communications have made the architect and engineer much more productive. Ole and his fallow tradesmen can use the same technologies (some he does, some he disdains), but they don’t help him nearly as much. He does have power tools, lifts, electric light, and the internet, so he is much more productive than his 19th century counterparts, but his productivity didn’t expand nearly as much as the knowledge based fields of engineering and architecture.
He talks a bit about pricing. He says the loft renovation was over $120K. That seems incredible to me. I could buy 2-3 houses in the Midwest for that. It is Europe, and an urban center, but $120K to renovate an apartment is insane! He doesn’t say how much of that he took home, but I doubt it was more than ¼ to 1/3 of the total as he was paying for subcontractors and materials. He wasn’t doing much other work and the job took half a year, so he’s not making much.
I liked the book and think it’s better than average, maybe 3.4 stars, but not worthy of rounding up to 4.
August 11, 2018
I am always here for non-fiction in translation so when I saw this title as an audiobook I scooped it up. Using the framework (ha) of a loft renovation Thorstensen shows what it's like to be an independent contractor in Norway.
Most of the book is process - how bids are calculated, how materials are ordered and brought into the loft via a crane, how you make sure the floor of a bathroom is water-tight. It's fine and good, but this electrician's daughter was slightly bored by the details.
My favorite bits were the ones between - talking about how people from different places and backgrounds enter the trades, what gets played on the radio, how people in different parts of Norway opt for different kinds of construction. I was cuted out when he gave to small kids, who were going to live in the loft once it was done, free rein to draw in pencil all over the drywall. They marked out the rooms, still only plans, and drew airplanes as they saw fit. Adorable and heartwarming.
I ran into a few issues, though. Unfortunately the translation and audiobook narration do not mesh well. It sounds like a British English translation read by someone who knows Norwegian and speaks with an American accent. On top of that it sounds like some terms were slapdash "translated" into American without much thought.
For example, at one point the text reads "6.25 feet". This strikes me as poor translation from metric - I'd call that "six feet three inches". But 6.25 feet stands, and it's read aloud as "six point twenty five feet", which sounds even worse. Six and a quarter feet, six point two five feet... why "point twenty five"?
There are also some terms that seem common in European discourse that I've never heard before. I found myself googling "social dumping" and "passive housing", terms that make no sense unless you're familiar. I may just be ignorant but a gloss in the text would have been appreciated.
Likewise, at one point Thorstensen lists radio programs he listens to while working. "(so-and-so) does a great radio show", he says, with no further info. I desperately wanted one more word in there - a great music show, a great interview show, a great comedy show... something. I don't think you have to explain every unfamiliar reference (there are many more) but some could use this minimal, additional info.
All in all Making Things Right is an okay book, but if you're looking for great carpentry memoirs go for Nina MacLaughlin's Hammer Head instead.
Most of the book is process - how bids are calculated, how materials are ordered and brought into the loft via a crane, how you make sure the floor of a bathroom is water-tight. It's fine and good, but this electrician's daughter was slightly bored by the details.
My favorite bits were the ones between - talking about how people from different places and backgrounds enter the trades, what gets played on the radio, how people in different parts of Norway opt for different kinds of construction. I was cuted out when he gave to small kids, who were going to live in the loft once it was done, free rein to draw in pencil all over the drywall. They marked out the rooms, still only plans, and drew airplanes as they saw fit. Adorable and heartwarming.
I ran into a few issues, though. Unfortunately the translation and audiobook narration do not mesh well. It sounds like a British English translation read by someone who knows Norwegian and speaks with an American accent. On top of that it sounds like some terms were slapdash "translated" into American without much thought.
For example, at one point the text reads "6.25 feet". This strikes me as poor translation from metric - I'd call that "six feet three inches". But 6.25 feet stands, and it's read aloud as "six point twenty five feet", which sounds even worse. Six and a quarter feet, six point two five feet... why "point twenty five"?
There are also some terms that seem common in European discourse that I've never heard before. I found myself googling "social dumping" and "passive housing", terms that make no sense unless you're familiar. I may just be ignorant but a gloss in the text would have been appreciated.
Likewise, at one point Thorstensen lists radio programs he listens to while working. "(so-and-so) does a great radio show", he says, with no further info. I desperately wanted one more word in there - a great music show, a great interview show, a great comedy show... something. I don't think you have to explain every unfamiliar reference (there are many more) but some could use this minimal, additional info.
All in all Making Things Right is an okay book, but if you're looking for great carpentry memoirs go for Nina MacLaughlin's Hammer Head instead.
April 24, 2022
This was a charming book indeed. Craftsmanship and community are endlessly interesting to me. The author of this book is a plain spoken craftsman who just wants to do good work for people who appreciate it. Problem solving of carpentry and process is part of the intrigue for me. Thorstensen explains his solutions and dilemmas of unavoidable extra costs with clarity and understanding. At least it was understandable to me. I have some familiarity with construction, trade sequence, and wood structure but not a huge amount and none in Norway. I found the shift in perspective ( of a non North American author) to be part of the charm.
Craftsman ship and the community who struggles to do good work, translates easily across borders regardless of the tools or the materials involved. The story and the relationships of trust have a universal quality to them. I found this to be a comforting and interesting read. A real find.
Craftsman ship and the community who struggles to do good work, translates easily across borders regardless of the tools or the materials involved. The story and the relationships of trust have a universal quality to them. I found this to be a comforting and interesting read. A real find.
August 26, 2018
If you are a DIYer or know someone in one of the building trades (carpentry, plumbing, electrical, masonry, etc), you should enjoy this as much as I did. Ole Thorstensen describes his work, thoughts, and interactions w/ clients, architects, engineers, and co-workers from bid to 6 months later completing a $140K loft conversion in Oslo, Norway.
And if you don't know anyone in the building trades, then I also recommend this 200 page book to gain a better appreciation of the challenges a craftsman like Thorstensen encounters in order to do quality work that he can be proud of, win bids, avoid costly mistakes and misunderstandings with clients and co-workers.
And if you don't know anyone in the building trades, then I also recommend this 200 page book to gain a better appreciation of the challenges a craftsman like Thorstensen encounters in order to do quality work that he can be proud of, win bids, avoid costly mistakes and misunderstandings with clients and co-workers.
November 13, 2019
I purchased this book because I thought it would be a (1) specific discussion of carpentry and home construction; (2) be a discussion of the philosophy of carpentry; (3) both. Turns out its none of the above. Basically the project details the boring day to day of a tradesman in northern Europe. Details of discussions with friends, logistics practices of moving material around a work site and interacting with clients. There's very little discussion of any carpentry. It's basically the book version of one an HGTV DIY show - lots of discussion about the hosts and their daily problems with little focus on the DIY problems / solutions / practices. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone.
May 6, 2018
Making Things Right... a passionate carpenter's walk-through of his daily routine during a loft/ attic renovation for a family. The contractor explains the process of bidding, estimating materials, and acquiring a job, and waiting to hear if his price was lower than competitors. This is a great book to read if you are considering a home renovation; it provides helpful advice, good questions to ask, and a step-by step process that contractors take to stay on schedule and within budget. Helpful illustrations detail the text.
December 8, 2019
Reminded me much of a Wendell Berry type book, whereas Thorstensen is a master craftsmen of the interior. The book covers his journey through a loft addition in a Norwegion home and, really, the spiritual journey of getting the work done. For someone like me,who has very little mechanical sense, I am awed by this level of knowledge and ability. Would make a great book for that person you know who is a tinkerer and builder. An appreciation and love for making things by hand and doing it beautifully.
December 18, 2017
A master craftsman brings us into his world.a warm charming look at his craft hires to construct a loft for a couple with two children ,he takes us through the bid his hiring process .We learn how he&other other workers integrate into the family's life who are living there through the process.He also shares glimpses of his personal life the bar he hangs out in his pals,From the first day of construction to the final this is a wonderful read. #netgalley
November 14, 2018
En lun og saklig bok om arbeidet til en tømrer og selvstendig næringsdrivende. Den er utformet som en dagbok, deriblant mye teknisk informasjon. Men den inneholder også mye refleksjon rundt de enkle, og mer kompliserte, delene av jobben det er å bygge et loft i en gammel bygård i Oslo.
Det er en fort lest bok som gir deg respekt for håndverkeren, og gjør at du tenker deg om et par ganger før du går for enkle løsninger.
Det er en fort lest bok som gir deg respekt for håndverkeren, og gjør at du tenker deg om et par ganger før du går for enkle løsninger.
December 20, 2022
A meditative, straightforward but lyrical and philosophical look at the life of a master tradesman. Kind of what I would want to get from reading Hemingway. There was a distinctively Scandinavian feel… blunt at times, but in that way that comes off as nonjudgmental and nonoffensive, just direct. Some strong opinions for sure, but all meant with good intentions. A little practical info on top of it all— got me thinking about how to handle a couple of DIY projects in progress.
January 9, 2025
This was delightful and totally different than my normal reads. Thorstensen brings us along, from start to finish, one of his construction projects. His prose is concise and measured, and the story is gentle is soothing. Interspersed in the narrative is philosophical reflections that are incisive and insightful. He offers readers a glimpse of the world of the craftsman, and why this world matters.
May 6, 2018
Relaxing reading
The tale of a loft conversion in Norway was interesting but somewhat dry. The author's attention to detail was quite inspiring and it was interesting that there is no easy job and challenges occur continuously. Living in Southern California, the level of insulation and other details required in a cold climate was overwhelming and expensive.
The tale of a loft conversion in Norway was interesting but somewhat dry. The author's attention to detail was quite inspiring and it was interesting that there is no easy job and challenges occur continuously. Living in Southern California, the level of insulation and other details required in a cold climate was overwhelming and expensive.
December 2, 2019
More practical than philosophical, this book traces the everyday steps taken by a master carpenter to renovate a loft. The writer gets into the weeds on what he does and why, which is invaluable to anyone hoping to learn from his habits or experiences. This book notably, and positively so, lacks the drama or sensationalization that permeates home improvement and renovation culture.
October 7, 2020
I really enjoyed this very straight forward book. It's a craftsperson's view of a job from start to finish. It's well paced and an easy read. I wouldn't think it's for everyone, there's nothing heart stopping or action packed. Just facts and figures and day to day mundanity which is very comforting right now.
August 26, 2018
A straightforward and simple description of a carpenter's work over six months, a sort of Zen and the Art of Loft Conversion, the author's appreciation of work well-done is infectious, and it's a calming and comforting read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews