Measure Twice, Cut Once

Words: Bronzella Cleveland

MCAA Magazine

Jerry Painter

I’m sure everyone remembers the adage “measure twice and cut once”. Its purpose was to stress the importance of correct measurements. The Inca’s, the Mayan’s, and the Egyptian’s must have thought precise measurements were very important. The builders of the great cathedrals also knew that all measurements had to be accurate. The beauty and longevity of these structures prove how important precise measurements truly are. We have progressed tremendously from the most rudimentary devises. We have come from using body parts in repetition, to standardization, such as cubit, rod, and square. In my lifetime, we have progressed from the use of water levels, plumb bobs, and steel tapes, to the use of transits, building levels, retractable single-user measuring tapes, and on to lasers and GPS. Yet, we still can’t seem to get it right. All of our materials have built in tolerances. Our measurements also have some allowable variations. As an example, masonry is considered ‘PLUMB’ if it is within ¼” in 10’-0”. The wood industry is so detached, they prefer not to deal with tolerances. Locally I know of wood framed buildings that are as much as four stories high, and 2” to 6” out of plumb. As for light gauge steel and structural heavy steel, many installers believe everything is fine as long as the structure stands when bolted together and doesn’t fall over. Do not let the iron workers install shelf angles. They just don’t understand level and plumb as necessary for a masonry installation. Masonry contractors with our unyielding tolerances, some as small as 1/16”, have to work around, within, and over some of these framing systems. The concrete folks have larger tolerances than masonry, even when the masonry and concrete beams, columns and slabs are tied into the same wall. The slab edges frequently wander, the footings are wavy, the columns are twisted, and the beams wobble around. However, the masons are expected to bring it all together as a finished wall. A CMU corridor wall with wall washing light is expected to have no shadows. Drywall can’t do that and it comes in sheets, not hand placed individual units. We give plumbers and electricians a 5 ¼”X 5 ¼” core opening in the CMU’s to get their PVC and conduit in, and yet they cannot seem to get it into an 8” wall. They wonder why we get mad when we have to thin down the face shell of the CMU. DUH! Come on back next month and we will discuss who has the responsibility to get it right the first time. Until then, measure twice and verify, verify, verify. Raise the line and come on around the corner!
About: Painter's Corner
How I plan to live to 130
November 2026

While talking with one of our mechanics about the importance of changing the oil and keeping equipment greased, a thought occurred to me. These simple maintenance habits keep equipment running smoothly and help prevent breakdowns when you can least afford

Damian Lang
Contractor Tip of the Month
Read More
The Frustration Of Firefighting
November 2026

I find it fascinating what happens when an owner or executive leader walks into a struggling project. Morale picks up. Production improves. People communicate better. Meetings get sharper. Problems that have been sitting around for two weeks suddenly get

Corey Adams
Building More
Read More
Motivate With Money!
November 2026

I get asked about employee incentive and profit-sharing programs with every contractor I coach. Construction business owners seem to be looking for the magic bullet that will motivate their people to work harder and produce more. Some hope that providing

George Hedley
Business Building
Read More
Manufacturer Relationships
November 2026

As a contractor, the last person I wanted to see in my office was a salesman or a sales representative. Now that I better understand being a manufacturer, I see it in a different light. As a contractor, you can control the purchasing of material, understa

Steve Fechino
Fechino Files
Read More