1. I describe the desk I want to the labourers. They listen intently and seem to comprehend, so this might go nice and smoothly like I’d hoped. Ah, naiveté…
2. The frame of the desk starts to look more like an oversized stool rather than the workstation I had asked them to make. This is unacceptable, so I get them to change it, explaining again exactly what I want at the bottom, and where I want the drawers.
3. The carpenters decide to use their own “creativity” to conjure up an abomination they call a footrest. This is all very disappointing, and I tell them so. Getting it re-done is going to take time, so I decide to live with it.
4. And then they botch up the drawer. Turns out they miscalculated the length of the drawer, so now sitting at the desk makes opening it impossible, unless I’m willing to forgo some skin on my knee. Genius.
5. Well, at least the top’s flat and the drawers open. I have to deal with the bizarre frame, but it doesn’t interfere with my life so much.
Convenience Meter: 2 (Just short of murderous rampage)
2. I start with SketchUp, thinking that it’ll take me just a few minutes to design a new cabinet; no such luck. I’m not limited by the software, but actually using those features to create something that will become real is a different ball-game.
3. I struggle with SketchUp for a couple of hours, making sure that I use the exact measurements for the cabinet-I don’t want to end up miscalculating anything.
4. The cabinet’s done, and I’ve verified the measurements and proportions a billion times. When I show it to them, the carpenters seem to realise that it’s a Formidable Force they’re dealing with, and get to work.
5. This way is so much better. I’ve got my cabinet just the way I designed it!
Convenience Meter: 4 (Learning new skills takes time!)