MASON BUSINESS IS CHANGING (Mike Haduck)

I talk about how the masonry business is changing, All my videos are my ways and ideas, my opinion. tee shirts, mugs - teespring.com/stores/mike-haduck-masonry
Tools - www.amazon.com/shop/mikehaduck

[@barrymichaels2663]

I think it's fair to say that old school is definitely better than new school.👍

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Barry, Mike

[@vhehn]

no its not.

[@m.renner9650]

Not alwaya

[@m.renner9650]

Not always

[@sevenspineiii7524]

Sometimes….

[@Genologic]

“We got fake news in the United States” 😂😂

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Geno,,, I agree, mike

[@daveyboy8907]

Everything has gone fake.. Nothing is real anymore... Its like the whole world is upside down..

[@paulp1008]

@@daveyboy8907 yeah they got men now sockin women boxers and half killin them...but they say they`re wimmin..even though they got balls...

[@joanies6778]

And corporate greed is behind it all, too.

[@andreycham4797]

Americans love fake

[@jimt902]

"He is a pickin, and I'm a grinnin!" Love the banjo Mike.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Jim,,, mike

[@stavebnifirmapikr9129]

Glad we still build houses of brick blocks and aac blocks in czechia, not some premade bullcrap, cheers Mike!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Heiko,,, mike

[@ironheadbro]

Mike, thanks for taking the time to produce your many videos! My Dad is 93yrs old and has been a bricklayer/stone mason all his life and he still was laying stone at his home up until about 5 years ago. I've had the privilege of working with him starting at 12years old till I was about 20years and went a different direction with my life apart from Masonry. Now that I'm 65 and retiring,,,, I want to take on a few small Masonry repair jobs (at my leisure) and rekindle the experience/knowledge instilled in me from my father. My dad still has many of the tools he has used over the years which I'll be getting to start with. People probably think I'm crazy for doing this but what the heck,,, I'm pretty excited about it! Keep posting,,, your helping to refresh my memory! Thanks

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks bro, I hear that a lot, there is not many left, after the wpa Era there were so many stone masons, not any more, keep it going, Mike

[@buckhorncortez]

I worked for two of the largest engineering companies in the world. I had to do cost estimates that included a variety of different types of construction. The largest cost on any project was labor and not materials. What you are seeing are the construction methods that reduce labor costs to make the projects as affordable as possible. You can get more square footage for the construction budget using panelized systems. As you've shown, an entire wall system was put up in three hours. From a labor standpoint, that is far more cost-effective than hiring a carpentry crew or masonry crew to build the walls. If it meets the building codes, that's all that matters from an owner's perspective when they're trying to get the most building possible within the project budget.

[@xbdaddyx]

^this is correct, 100%. As a masonry supplier, I'm in and out of architectural offices every month. We help design and submit bids for projects, both commercial and residential. Labor cost cutting is king. The issue is that most of the time, the pre-fabbed, or labor saving solution is not what it is made out to be. Example: we live in a big stucco and EIFS area. Stucco and EIFS sold the system as a energy efficient, low maintenance, and sturdy material for all applications. Soon however, many people found out that if you are in a wet area, the Stucco is liable to "melt" off the building. If you are in a high traffic area, you will get dents from people bumping into it or throwing stuff at it, and if you don't put a new elastomeric coat on it every 5 years, you will get cracks in the exterior walls. Owners were saving 40% in labor cost for the project and paying 10x's the amount in upkeep and maintenance over the next 7-10 years.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Buckhorn, I agree, mike

[@demammoet]

@@xbdaddyx Ohh lord, that's hilarious. I guess it's so very true, I mean, construction is already so damn dependent on the stresses from the location. Even "if" prefab is the future and we're all dinosaurs trying to dodge a meteor, prefab production will have to become more localised. I looked into prefab in the Netherlands before, it was a scam and we're talking the highest value prefabs. Right now it's a fashion statement for high end prefab, showing your wealth, or bad construction for poor people, ripping off both demographics.

[@plannottruster]

That's true. But unfortunately, prefab lacks soul in my opinion.

[@buckhorncortez]

@@plannottruster The projects I worked on were commercial and government projects. The last thing they care about is some kind of undefined aesthetic you quantify as "soul." What they're interested in is meeting building codes, fire codes, getting the floor space required, and building functionality within their budget. If you can do that more effectively with things like structural insulated panels, prefabricated wall systems, or tip-up concrete panels, then that leaves more of the budget left for desirable additions like expanded network systems, distributed antenna systems, WiFi nodes, etc. Those are the type of things that give more functionality to the building space that "soul" (whatever that is) can't address.

[@internacionalfc]

Still going strong in Edinburgh guy's 🏛 Cheers Mike the old timers appreciate your passion and respect. It's more of a traditional craft now but still well respected. peace.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, peace also, mike

[@74stevedc]

I remember about 15 years ago we had a job of pouring a one sided Concrete wall in a old barn. Well it was a beautiful stone foundation made by those Craftsman your talking about. He wanted to convert it into a wood shop and store lumber so limit moisture. I couldn't believe how nice the stone work was we were going to cover up with a poured concrete wall,. Wish I took pictures of it was the nicest 8' tall stone wall I ever seen made back near early 1900's.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Steve, yep the old stuff is disappearing, thanks mike

[@travel.24.77]

You have taught me a ton through your videos. I poured my first concrete step a few days ago. It turned out beautiful and now I'm patching my porch using ur mud trick to blend it in to the old. I'm a home owner but I'm also super handy. I guess that's what you get when you're raised with boys in the middle of nowhere. I've always done my own work around the house and for a girl I'm more than happy to listen to an old timer. Thank you for sharing your skill set.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Osborn, mike

[@peterrexilius254]

Your right Mike, I'm a Mason up in Canada, there not building with true Masonry anymore all pre fab. In the 90 and 2000 there were many large Masonry companies here, now there is 1. Sad times for the Masonry trade😞😞😞

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Peter, things are changing, mike

[@noneyabussiness634]

More money for me😁

[@nugerocks1]

Mike, things might be changing. But, please don’t ever change! Watch all your videos, and have learned a lot. I have a house built in 1823 in Massachusetts. I have used some of your techniques to restore it. Thank you for taking the time to post all your informative videos.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Christopher, I plan to keep going, thanks Mike

[@andymac1158]

A truly wicked video. I cried a bit and laughed some too.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Andy, Mike

[@sgtboz9730]

Good info, yet sad. I remember one video you did that featured a train tunnel made over a hundred years ago with this amazing stonework. It was incredible. And it will still be there when all this new stuff is long gone.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks sgt,,, very true, mike

[@susanoutler1724]

I love the way you share so much information! Thank you it is very helpful❤️✨

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Susan, Mike

[@ayynk]

I think it very important that the work you do, the way you do it, and your insight on masonry techniques in general and how the industry has changed over the ages is documented here on youtube not only for us to enjoy and learn from, but for future generations to as well. Thanks for all your videos Mike. Good banjo picking there too.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks ayynk,, I appreciate it, mike

[@BillLowenburg]

Thanks for the update, Mike! It’s great to hear the perspective from someone who knows the field in depth.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Bill, mike

[@burp1914]

This video reminds me of the story my old buddy told about how drywall would never catch on. He was/is a mason who did a lot of plaster work. Times change!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Burp, very true, mike

[@tomtindira9865]

Long time follower, first time comment or. Started in masonry August of 97 Cleveland OH. Have sean all the changes you've discussed. Have often thought that society is following the decline in masonry. Fake masonry, fake society. Cannot fathom building a house ( or any structure for that matter) ON GRAVEL. Love this trade of ours because of its simplicity, honesty and integrity by its very nature. Mike, you remind of all the good guys I've worked thru the years. When I witnessed the fire at notre dame it broke my heart because I know that it will prove next to impossible to rebuild that magnificent ediface to its former glory. God bless u Mike.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Tom, God bless you also, I agree, Mike

[@notalizardperson]

I was looking at photos of a recent build high-dollar house... we're talking above ten million here. I was impressed for a few seconds, but then I noticed they used a 1/4" veneer tiles for the marble entry, and they didn't do a good job at it. If they cheaped out on something like that, where everyone will see it, makes you wonder what's behind the walls.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, very true, mike

[@cgindustrial1859]

This old timer is incredible...thanks for spreading your knowledge Mike.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks. I appreciate it, mike

[@dylnthmsn420]

The efflorescence on the fake stuff happens so fast too

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, mike

[@suep4530]

Love the comment on fake news!!! Too many things are fake anymore!! I still think the old ways were better in so many ways!! Good video.. very interesting.

[@jeromeduffy9270]

While your convinced everything is fake. They're plenty of Real news. Its to easy to call it fake. When you dont like it

[@suep4530]

@@jeromeduffy9270 I wasn't commenting to you.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Sue, mike

[@paulg444]

He is the gift that keeps giving !!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Paul,mike

[@bengunns9500]

I think yours is the Go-to Channel for Building and repairs in the World, keep up the good work Mike, best wishes from the UK,

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Ben, I appreciate it, mike

[@anthonycote1615]

I'm glad there are people around like you. I've learned a lot just from watching your videos.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Anthony, mike

[@leggbuildingdorchester6234]

Still laying bricks and stone in uk. Hardly any prefab about . Never worked on one or seen one. We have brick slips for interior, decorative walls. We have a bit of cladding but always blockwork. Different climate maybe

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Kegg, it will be changing, took twenty years hear but almost no brick or block work anymore, thanks Mike

[@leggbuildingdorchester6234]

@@MikeHaduck thanks for reply. I really hope not. Inferior build in most cases I thinks. Will be retired by then but boy won’t. We in the UK love your concrete works. We do nothing like that at all. No colours or stencils. Just pour and tamp . Looks amazing and I should try it over here one day ⚒⚒

[@amyswale7061]

I think mikes right. We sooner or later follow the u.s with just about everything

[@thomasmorrison3279]

Great video. Thank you for the information. Modular luxury homes are becoming big in our area of VA.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Thomad, mike

[@froter1]

You're the real deal Mike ! Thank God 👍💗💗

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks joe, God bless, mike

[@yougoog1]

Changing is the one and the only one thing in our life that is not changing. Your great video very well demonstrates this truth in the case of masonry business. Thank you Mike!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks yougoog1,, I appreciate hearing that, mike

[@rico1319]

Mike, thank you for keeping us all updated and informed! Great video! Kind of a sad one though. But you made us laugh at the end! Old school all the way!! 👍👍👍😎🇨🇱

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Rico, Mike

[@davidcrowl6138]

Grew up in a family masonry business with 16 members being union masons. I started laboring by loading trucks then onto mixing, building scaffolding, stocking and running forklift. The brickies would give me a trowel and let me work but hid me when the BA came around. Went to college to learn business end. We hung it up back in 2010 for many of the reasons you cite. "Red Brick" contractors were finding less new masonry construction especially in the structural phase. Gray block masonry load bearing was fast becoming obsolete. Structural steel and curtain wall construction started back at Geisinger back in 1979. Now warehouses, factories and institutional buildings are prefabbed. Unit masonry is becoming a thing of the past I'm sure the PCC segment of the BAC will surpass "red brick" segment. Labor problems started with shortages of mason tenders then bricklayers. I learned alot over those 54 years but your insight on stonework is very educational. We did our share of stonework but most were old school Italians who were very suspicious and didn't share their tricks. All we did as contractors was pick up 5 gal buckets of hammer heads and chisels to sharpen at weeks end . Been out of the business for over 10 years and miss the guys but not the hassle bidding jobs, dealing with GC's, owners and architects. Keep the videos coming Mike really enjoy seeing them.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks David, I appreciate hearing that from a professional, Mike

[@Don.Challenger]

Mike, plenty of clear wisdom drawn from various schools of experience or observation and then some additional deep thought by you, plus some fine musicality (with the banjo we hear this time); but what we don't get is any of the blues from you nor much regret. Change comes like the tide, you accept you will move on before it to higher ground or you will get wet.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Don, that's a good way to look at it, keep that positive attitude, thanks Mike

[@PhilJM]

Great video Mike. You really hit the nail on the head, nothing is built with pride or built to last anymore. Love the videos. Keep ‘em comin!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Philip. Mike

[@johnenright4969]

Hi Mike all true!!! I've been working on industrial air compressors for over 30 years and my business has changed too all throw away machines, when I started in the 80s it wasn't unusual to be rebuilding giant machines from the 20s and 30s!!!! The distributor I work for Sullair was bought by Hitachi and more and more chinese junk is rebranded to the Sullair name which is still in Michigan, even though Hitachi is Japanese! Your lucky to get 5 years out of very expensive machinery instead of 80 and up! I'm in the twilit of my career and I won't miss it at all because the industry left 20 years ago! Hello from the Granite State!!!

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi John, I hear you. It's a throw away society anymore, even trucks and cars, nothing better than a 67 chevy, lol, mike

[@mrboffo44]

Excellent video. I live in Illinois, in a town that has either cracked sidewalks that are six years old, or good sidewalks that are 95 years old. Many years ago I called the company (Albin Carlson ) that made the good sidewalks and asked why theirs lasted forever and the new ones were junk. They said that the Lowest Bid was killing the good quality work-the cities would give the jobs to the lowest bidders, not even considering quality. Then I asked how they had made the good sidewalks and they said, 5 inches of cinders as a base, 6 bag concrete with a high standard in the aggregate, tall forms for pouring and once done covered with straw and kept wet for a week after to cure the surface properly. What a difference in replacing sidewalks every ten years or every hundred!

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Myron, check out my video "sidewalks, old school vrs new school, mike haduck, thanks Mike

[@clintprice2123]

Mike I was born in 1958 and see changes in the home building industry and labor wise it is sad. We don’t have many craftsmen left, we have laborers and not many skilled ones at that. I’m happy to have survived the last 42 of my 45 years being self employed and hope to pack it in soon. Many of my customers say no, don’t leave us with nobody to call. I’ve worked in homes that I was young and they had young kids, now those kids are homeowners and have toddlers of their own. It’s been a long road. We also had loyal customers, now it’s all about how cheap they can get it done, they’ll never learn you can have good or cheap, never both. Are you just doing things to keep busy here and there or are you still actively working? I need hand and knee surgery, who says hard work won’t kill you, it’s beating the crap out of me. haha Nice informative video and right on point as always.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Clint, yep just odds and ends now, to keep the videos going, I hear you, mike

[@ATOMIKAGE]

Another informative video, Mike. I always look forward to it. I listened especially to the chimney part because my 90 year old house has a chimney going through the middle of the house. The pros are telling me that I’m going to need a liner. I’ve been using gas appliances for the last 25 years and don’t know when the original owners converted from oil. Is the liner needed, or is this another sales pitch. Thanks, Mike. Hope you and family stay well....Phil from Staten Island.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi phil, I reccomend a line anymore for most. Chimneys, mike

[@Laguna2013]

@@MikeHaduck Is that a 'yes' you do recommend a liner?

[@edwardcomiskey6556]

I’m in the glaziers union in Jersey. Same thing with us when I first got in. we were putting up stick curtain walls that would take 20 men six months to install. Now they ship in pre glazed unitized panels that connect together with a crane and bolts, done in two months.im 55 and coming to the end soon. I feel for the next generation.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Edward, I agree, Mike

[@johnnybear111]

Mike knows what's up, don't forget the old ways!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks JW, Mike

[@joanies6778]

Well, I am thankful for your videos, Mike. I watch your channel and a few others because I bought a 104 yr old house with a basement, sidewalks, a driveway, and a garage floor that all need repairs. Some things I am learning to do myself, but other things I'll have to hire out. My issue is finding anyone in my small town with the right skills, plus affordability, since I retired after buying it. Well, retiring early was not the original plan. 😉 At least now I know the right questions to ask when I can afford to hire out certain jobs. Thanks for sharing so much knowledge.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Joanie,, I appreciate it, I am sure you will do fine, thanks mike

[@mudkatt2003]

this is what youtube was made for, I get to hear some gnarly pennsylvania old man mason wisdom while sitting on my couch eating a grilled cheese sandwhich in southeast georgia. you rock mike!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks mudkatt,, I appreciate hearing that, mike

[@kenstaniforth7060]

Great video Mike.My son is partner in a company that installs screw piles so there's another change in the masonry ...no more sonotubes.I really enjoy your videos Mike...no BS just honest information.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Ken, I appreciate it, mike

[@heystarfish100]

Local government building inspectors inspections don’t insure a quality end product. How does a homeowner ensure their new construction home is actually built well and will be enduring? With the amount of people in this country relocating out of State learning about the local construction differences is quite an effort.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi starfish, nobody knows everything is more bureaucratic and confusing, lol, mike

[@andybonneau9209]

LOVE the banjo Mike. You should include some in all of your videos.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Andy, Mike

[@Ryan-ru4mi]

Thanks for your thoughts, Mike. I got one of them ice boxes that keeps cool all year 'round!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Ryan,, Mike

[@ericlitts9917]

Without your knowledge, i would be lost. Theres just nobody to teach me this stuff. Im a younger guy, trying to figure it out. I have a lot of work to do on my house, and cant afford to pay somebody to do it. I learn a lot from you, thanks. Someday the world will regret trying to cut labor and skilled craftsmen out of the picture.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Eric, Mike

[@AllAccessConstruction]

Much respect.. 💯💯💯 One must be able to adjust and adapt in this age

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, mike

[@dougsherman1562]

All the best Mike from Vallejo California. Love the videos and the education!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Doug, mike

[@metroman93f27]

I am a third generation mason. Mike you nailed it. About all my work now are repairs and restoration.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Randall, yep , things are changing, Mike

[@lindsayprince4039]

carpenter here...you got that right....inspections and politicians making it harder and harder to stay afloat

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Lindsay, I agree, Mike

[@Boysinda]

Great video mike I have been watching you since high school

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Bob, mike

[@billiamc1969]

Quicker, cheaper, poorer quality...this is the signs of our time...any wonder why our infrastructure gets a grade D? Those pre-fab houses fall apart way quicker than the older turn of the century buildings, yet those cheap modern houses cost MORE and do not last

[@barrymichaels2663]

Your right mate👍

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, very true, mike

[@schmitty8225]

Bro, that infrastructure is from the 60's-80's and was not meant to last for 60 years. Most had a 30 year lifespan. Whenever the government talks about spending money to update the system, people whine and complain about waste.

[@JohnnyMotel99]

Tons of bricky work over here in the UK, you'd love it!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Robot, it was that way here 20 years ago, it will change , thanks Mike

[@cdbflynow]

Thanks for your comments on the evolution of the masonry business Mike. That was a good overview. Generally, I am accepting of change. Every once in a while the new way might even be better than what we are familiar with. Having said that, I cannot imagine ever wanting to construct a building which sits only on pea gravel. Maybe you can do a video in 25 yrs showing us how well that pea gravel building has done :) . Paul

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Paul, we will take a look at it again in 25 years. Lol, mike

[@dustincheckley9388]

Fake stone fake brick and fake news !! Classic Mike !!! Love your channel !

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Dustin, mike

[@mlee81]

Great info. Some just bought old houses with old real stone foundations that need TLC work so appreciate those vids. Subbed. Pennsylvania represent!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Mike,mike

[@kylebarton778]

I'm lucky. I've been restoring a 1908 three story stone beauty of a house for the past several years. We recently purchased another old beauty and I'll have to leave the other behind but there is plenty of new work to be done.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Kyle, that should keep you busy, mike

[@kylebarton778]

Appreciation for you and your channel from the midwest USA.

[@bengunns9500]

I was just watching a Report from Ireland where alot of new build houses have defective building blocks and the plaster is cracking away from the Blocks, an engineer said they will have to be demolished, old school is really so much better Mike. I an not a Professional Builder.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Ben, sometimes that is the way it happens, thanks mike

[@stevenschaublin9695]

thanks mike for the insight about the future if the masonry business

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks steven, mike

[@bigfoot99]

Awesome video, as a recently retired builder in Utah I really relate to what you said. I have to weigh in on the pre-fab debate; I speak more as a carpenter than a mason here. Panelized construction is nothing new; I remember it even back in the 70's especially on multi-family. They could never really compete against a veteran stick-build crew, as they had factory time and transportation costs to factor in before they even got to the jobsite for installation. But what happened is that over a period of time it became very difficult to field a veteran crew anymore as less and less young people entered the trades. Now they talk about panelized construction as a way to get around the shortage of skilled labor. I believe this to be the driving force behind increasing panelization, as well as the emphasis of "cycle time" being even more important than the actual overall hard costs of construction. It would still be possible to compete in many instances with skilled labor as opposed to panelized type construction if there were enough of those people around; those days are gone forever.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Craig, very true, well said, mike

[@taddmcmichael9061]

Superior Walls owner here for 22yrs . I seen a few digs in the comments but it mostly is related to their lack of understanding. Built my house within 5 years of 2 family members who's contractors went with poured walls. I have experienced none of the issues they have faced since then. As well as when it came time to finish our basements they were envious of the built in features that allowed me to save time and money. Not saying new is always better but not always bad either.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Tadd, I actually like the idea, they use gravel under railroad tracks with tons of weight going over every day, and as long as they have every put in properly you should get a long time out of it, thanks mike

[@paulashford4155]

Here in Wales it is still the old fashioned way... I am not a construction guy... I bet you are right.... it is going to change everywhere.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Paul, yep its only a matter of time, thanks Mike

[@konakaffe]

Great content Mike!!! I thought I would share a little "Old Man" perspective about aches and pains of the body. I was a mover for over 40 years, still asked to do some sometimes, but had a bad doctor. I could easily get pain meds, but after all the shut down on opiates, It is hard to get more than a thirty day prescription these days, but I got a new doctor, and he is prescribing a different approach. If you are like me, trying to turn from grand pianos, safes, tons of house hold goods toward laying concrete it is not smart to do this. Not for commercial, but for just on my house, but my body just will not cooperate. My new doctor prescribed GaBa, a new way to deal with painful joint pain and some other things. Ask your doc, guys, laying on a couch for retirement will kill you quick. By the way Mike, I love how you do not over-charge some of your senior customers. Thank You!!!!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Denny, yep I can't and won't pick up anything heavy no more, I feel it coming, mike

[@davemilne2484]

Hello again from n z. The more I watch your videos the more I realize when I worked for John Thompson in madison WI we only did old school. I lost touch with him because he doesn't use computers, only real letters. Lazy me. Love your chimney. Thanks for another great videos

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Dave, mike

[@cwh050]

I live in a small rural community in Germany. Three houses were built in the last year, one in my village and the other two in the neighbouring village. All three were prefabricated and erected in one day (walls and floor, no windows, no roof) The only difference here - compared to the USA - is that, once the house is up, they glue polystyrene insulation blocks onto the outside walls and plaster over it. Also, in all three cases, they poured a footer. Apparently these “parts” already have the cutouts for electrical and water. Ten years ago, when I first came here, nearly all houses were built using special red-clay or concrete block. It would take them weeks to erect the basic structure. And they probably need skilled workers to do that. With the prefabricated houses, all they need are some unskilled labourers to guide the pieces in and maybe one “skilled” guy to check the joints between the panels. Most of the houses in my village were built in the fifties using block - which was a very new thing at the time - and brick. Back then, they needed to build houses quickly and cheaply due to the huge demand at the time. The big employer back then was the local steel mill. The older houses in my village mostly date from the 1600s to 1800s and are all timber-framed. We don’t have local stone - just some slate. Any stone would have come from further away. The only stone buildings are the churches in the neighbouring towns and the old school buildings. The church in my village is timer-frame (quite unusual).

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Wayne, thanks for the input, it's good to hear what's going on in other countries, nice to hear from Germany, mike

[@ernieforrest7218]

Mike, you will find that the industry has changed more in your part of the world than it has in others. One large reason for that is the lack of quality labor. Modular housing was fast becoming popular before i retired. It got to the point that for certain types of houses like the basic single floor houses commonly called (ranch style), we couldnt compete. So, we went to a modular manufacturer in Selinsgrove Pa called Lifestyle Homes and did a tour of their facility. The big thing that someone like you or me would see is that their labor force was all unskilled. They had a few people who were of a slightly higher level who were the supervisors. But the finish product looked pretty good, even though the methods they used were questionable. We built a total of 4 of them, 2 were one floor type requiring just 2 sections, which were the front and back half of the house. The 2 story models were 4 sections, front and back of both floors. My son who now lives here lived in one of the 2 story models for a few years. We used our regular methods for the foundation, poured footing and 12” block. Some of the townships in Bucks county wouldnt permit using the Superior wall system, mainly due to the no footing issue. So that could well be an issue anywhere where the building code is fairly ridged. The thing we must remember is that better will always be better, and faster and cheaper regardless of how well it looks will never replace that. Toll Brothers have become on of the nations largest home builders. Their very first development was in Richboro Pa were we were located also. They didnt and as far as i know still dont use the modular method for building their houses. They do have their own facilities for building the walls in sections to be delivered to the jobsite. And of coarse they use trusses for the roof framing. We found that the cost factor really didnt change much when you factored all things in including the crane rental for lifting the sections in place. Remember there is also the trucking expence for delivering the house, a second trip for returning large trailers. But you do have the crane stack the trailers so that only on truck is needed for the return. And a real builder can pick out a modular house from a half mile, even the nicer ones. So Mike do i need ask you what happens to those steps when the ground freezes under them? I can tell you this Mike, by and large up there you are dealing with a bunch of narrow minded bastards who want everything as cheap as they can get it. Your good reputation will get you a phone call. But your price will determine who gets the job. I remember numerous times having old customers come by our office with plans for another usually bigger house. They would be all happy over selling the home we built for a large profit which they would use to afford building the new one. But Mike if our price was $500 higher than someone else, we would lose the job. Mike how many times in your life have you had someone ask you to do a job for the invoice cost of all labor and material and supervision cost, plus a 20 or 25 percent fee for your profit? I can tell you that is the way most custom type work is done down here, especially any remodel type jobs. You still wont get rich, but you wont lose your ass on a job either because of things beyond your control like material cost increases and that lousy weather your standing in while making some of those videos. Mike you could get a good paying job as a building inspector here in this county and have a nice truck furnished for you to ride around in. And you would be talking with people who still do it the old way, the right way. You would get used to the mono poured slabs on the deep filled areas once you see how they do it. Bring the old man with you, he will live even longer down here.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Ernie, I would take him for sure but he is barely walking, it snowed today, wish I was in Florida, time will tell, but yes everything is getting pre made faster and cheaper, Mike

[@m.j.9627]

Good lord! Masonry AND banjo? That's a thumbs-up for sure.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks MJ, mike

[@WHATSUPWATSON]

After WW2, the UK was in dire straights and broke, with a desperate need for housing they started making prefabricated houses(known as prefabs) with some surviving into the 21st century. Now corporations are wanting to have everything made in a factory, premade and assembled on-site.

[@oldsteamguy]

how are the old prefabs standing up to the test of time?

[@MikeHaduck]

Yep, things are changing, mike

[@amyswale7061]

@@oldsteamguy around my area which is semi rural there are a couple of areas with prefab bungalows still going but most have been built around with brick but some are still just like the original.

[@scottrogers2831]

I guess it’s progress. So many of us guys have been left behind due to obsolescence, in lots of different fields. I’m not a stone man, but I feel the crunch. Hey, good pickin’ too brother.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Scott, mike

[@jimc4731]

Those first foundation panels you showed, how can they support the load without a footer and how do they keep the basement dry? In my old city the sidewalks were bluestone slabs and the curbs were either granite or sandstone. JIM

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Jim, I love the old sidewalks etc, things are changing, mike

[@jamtlandhomesteaders2710]

You are right again Mike- 'Times they are a changin' *

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Jam, mike

[@creepyoldlady2995]

Hi there Mike! I don't know a thing about stonemasonry but you describe the work in such an interesting way that I've become a fan. Here's an odd question: what do you think about rammed earth construction? I see a lot of videos about houses that are newly built and it looks fascinating, but there's not a lot of information about how they hold up after a few decades. I would love to hear your opinion.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Lady, I can't say, I am not familiar with them, I guess I am a old schooler, thanks mike

[@BlackMan614]

I went back to watch your original video. So... these "slabs" are not attached to the ground - they simply "float" on the pea gravel and are connected together by a bolt (guy looks like he's using a standard socket wrench to tighten them LOL ). Uhh... earthquake happens or just the ground "shifts" below... seems to me humpty dumpty would just fall down. What if these connecting bolts rust and deteriorate over the years and the ground shifts below (like we see in the East with slides, old mines below, etc.)? This looks like its designed to fail - massively.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi, bkackman, time will tell, thanks, mike

[@edcosman5957]

Well said. Permits and inspections for everything we do to our house in the county we live in. Most of the time now our inspector has me e mail him pictures because he to busy or lazy not sure which it is, but we still have to pay him.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Ed, I know, I see it all the time, thanks Mike

[@paulg444]

Sure it is fake and lightweight and only lasts 20 years... but at least it is more expensive !!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks paul,very true, mike

[@electromechanized7957]

You are a real artist!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, mike

[@heathclitheroe9955]

Totally agree about change an climate an we're NW England (positive note if your good enough you'll never be out of work) Think I'll check your other videos, cause your old man right. It's up to us to pass on

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks. I appreciate it, Mike

[@mississippi4589]

Thanks Mr. Mike Nice Picking .

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Mississippi, mike

[@Richard-qs8dn]

I would have to admit to you Sir, that one of the many things I enjoy about your videos, is that it is a window to an craft dying out. Also here in Norway it's been comen for a while with premade. And also building to fast, and don't let things settle before destress is added, with it failure and damage follows. 100% unnecessary. I also known for years, watching your quality videos, it will end for me when you stop making them. I have no need to follow anyone else since I am so happy with yours. And its really not as satisfying watching premade videos, for me that is. Changes are good, and not so good. I guess it all really relys on who we ask. One thing is for sure. Things no longer are built to last. 👏 for Mr Haduck. - Richard.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Richard, great hearing that from Norway, mike

[@mtec8743]

Mike love the videos. And the banjo

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Mtec,,, Mike

[@lonewolfsurvival3453]

I'm a big fan of alternate and primitive building methods. Would cob (hardened clay,sand, straw mixture) or adobe be considered a primitive form of masonry or no? Just curious.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Lone I seen brick ramps in Egypt thousands of years old, uncovered, mike

[@lonewolfsurvival3453]

Cob and adobe both harden into a form of brick and would seem to fall into the "masonry" category, just wanted to make sure, since it's not cement or concrete. It does contain clay though.

[@lonewolfsurvival3453]

Judging by the current landscape of things, I really think we could be heading back into more primitive times than most of us are familiar with. Like I said, I've been a huge fan of primitive building techniques for years, where your hands and your brain are your main tools of the trade. No electricity, technology or modern tools and practices. The channel here on KZbin "Primitive Skills" is quite fascinating!

[@T.E.P.]

thanks Mike ... these videos are a joy to see. My wife likes how i look in the tshirt i bought. she can't keep her hands off me now. is there a return plan?

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Thor, I don't know how to answer that, lol, Mike

[@seth_schiavo]

I’m a commercial mason in central PA and we have plenty of brick and block work...that’s actually all we do and are constantly busy.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Seth, that's a good thing, I did too at one time, things are changing, thanks mike

[@63flight]

Those superior wall foundations suck! I can't imagine those lasting a long time, they're bolted and caulked together. I worked on ones that had a brick ledge. The concrete was flared out wider at the top of the wall and that's supposed to hold a real stone veneer up. I don't see it lasting. Thanks for the video Mike.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks 63,,, Mike

[@muxxor9492]

Most all new construction in CT is traditional formed and poured concrete, rarely ever see cinder used and nothing like these walls build on gravel base. I wouldn’t even want a shed built like that let alone a house.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi muxxor,,,, things are changing, mike

[@davemiller7633]

Fascinating video, Mike!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks David, mike

[@kgriff087]

Mike - I am not sure which came first - the lack of skilled labor, or the use of these pre-fab items? One is leading to the other, but not sure which was first. Definitely there is a skill gap right now for sure. Also, pre-fab items require less labor to install and thus reduces costs. Buyers expect a big house for not a lot of money these days and the only way to deliver that is to reduce labor costs and material expenses. 90% of the homes built today are complete JUNK!

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Kris, true, mike

[@tristanstefanetti6072]

Hey mike have you seen the hope for architecture guys? They are sparking a revival of the old school structural masonry super cool stuff very glad I found your channel.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Tristan, mike

[@АлександрМ-ф9ц]

Agree 👍 In Russia all the same. Corporations are slowly introducing the same technologies as yours for low-rise construction. So far, classic brickwork has a strong position in our country, but I see more and more objects moving to ready-made solutions. Mike, like yours videos. Keep shooting them and sharing your rich experience. We are very interested. Thank! Greetings from Russia ;)

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, nice to hear from Russia, mike

[@jimcramer9656]

Nice stove! Looks like a really good one.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Jim, it works well, Mike

[@richardfitzgerald4812]

Hi Mike my name is Richard fitzgerald i invented a tool called fitz brick clamp. I'm a bricklayer living in London. Here and the rest of the uk and most Of Europe don't want to live in a false environment like Disney Land. I think it'll take a while but individuals are not stupid when these artifical methods of bulding start to fail they will go back to traditional building. Many year's ago in the 1960 S they tried using concrete prefab in the uk It failed it cracked It was damp So they gave up on the idea. They then went onto timber frame it failed damp and catching fire I'm Sure you guys have seen What happened to grenfil in the centre Of London claded high rise building caught fire and a lot Of people died. Bricks can't catch fire they have already been burnt.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Richard, actually in the usa, more people are starting to live in mobile homes, it's getting crazy here with taxes, laws as and regs, thanks mike

[@mervyndavies2250]

So true Richard I was told 40 plus years ago when I was apprentice that brickwork was a dying trade how wrong they were. Great clamps by the way.

[@richardfitzgerald4812]

@@mervyndavies2250 Thanks I First made a rough pair of clamps 35 year's ago. I injured my Shoulder 3 years ago So l was off work for 3 months I decided to patent and manafactor the clamps and put them on the market end of October last year. I have been Surprised how many bricklayers are buying them and really like them. Thanks for your kind comments.

[@jacklucas7265]

In Texas all the brickwork on the homes is real brick, and much of it, even on "modestly priced" homes is pretty intricate. The foundations are slab.

[@MikeHaduck]

Hi Jack, I hear you, things will be changing, thanks mike

[@LightningFabrication]

Years ago I would watch the concrete block masons put up walls, they were straight as an arrow. Not a block out of place and they would cover them with stucco. Today there are corners sticking out, you look down the side of the wall with the sun shining on it and there are shadows cast by the out of place blocks. Their excuse is , it's going to get covered with stucco and you'll never know. Watched a Barns and Noble book store going up, the whole facade was styrofoam made to look like carved stone. They stuccoed over it. But it's that way with everything let's get it up faster and cheaper so we can move on to the next one. I also think there isn't much pride in workmanship either.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks, yep the old days are gone,, Mike

[@user-eq7cc1yt6z]

Love the ending with the water pumping hahah

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks again, Mike

[@Vehlman]

I feel like almost every field is degenerating,not just masonry,not just labor work. Stuff like music itself is less thought out and with cut corners,every product feels more and more "fake",we could even argue a lot of moral values have been lost too in a way. This is what i call "the end times",not a post-apocalyptic wasteland kind of end but really a slow burn to eternal mediocrity.

[@MikeHaduck]

If it ain't the end times its getting close, thanks mike

[@jormawails]

love your videos Mike are you familiar with slip form? They put mortar and stones into the form and get a straight wall

[@MikeHaduck]

I seen it but I am old school, thanks mike

[@terrygreen2243]

back when i worked in pa. the radio station use to play happy boy by the beatfarmers at 3:00 on the week days check out that band Mike (big ugly wheels & happy boy )

[@dc-wp8oc]

Excellent video Mike. A sad commentary on the state of things today; not only masonry. Trade skills are going the way of freedom.

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks dc, Mike

[@johnlilly7552]

Great music mike ...god bless you

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks john,, God bless,,, Mike

[@Eman85515]

Thank you Mike 🥀🥀🥀

[@MikeHaduck]

Thanks Eman, Mike