Has anyone bought a good marker that can fix the glazing on a purse where the glazing may be too bright red or orange? Looking for the right shade but also a pen that was bleed and permanent.
Hey everyone,
Throwing this out there to see if anyone has walked a similar path and can offer some perspective.
I’m in my mid-40s and have spent my entire adult life in commercial glazing. I started straight out of the field as a helper and earned my way up through the ranks: shop/field labor, estimating, AutoCAD/drafting, project management, and ultimately running operations and regional P&L as a senior manager for a commercial sub.
The company I'm with focuses on mid-to-large commercial work (contracts regularly between $500k and $5M+), dealing with everything from standard storefronts to heavy design-assist projects.
Things are shifting internally at my current company, and I’m ready for a change. Instead of jumping to another corporate sub, I’m seriously exploring launching my own independent shop. Because of the massive working capital required for seven-figure contracts, my strategy is to intentionally scale down at the start: focusing entirely on small storefronts, tenant improvements, interior heavy glass, and quick-turn retail service work.
In my current role, a massive part of my success in getting awarded projects comes down to strategy, knowing which GCs to build relationships with, identifying the right projects to chase, and positioning our bids so we aren't just competing on a race to the bottom. I know how to navigate that at the $1M+ level.
I’ve spent nearly three decades building equity and navigating the hardest parts of this trade for someone else. I know the field and I know the numbers, but starting from absolute scratch is a heavy mental pivot.
Appreciate any insights, lessons learned, or "don't do what I did" stories you guys can share. Thanks.
I’ve had an ongoing issue with my rental in Victoria, Australia and want advice on whether I should push further or accept the current outcome.
I moved into a 2 bed, 2 bath apartment (with 2 balconies) around late 2024.
# Timeline:
**Dec 2025**: Balcony glass door was damaged/shattered. The crack is on the outside facing glass as it is double glazed. One balcony became unusable. Issue was reported to the building management which claimed that it was a manufacturing fault and will be replaced under warranty by the builder.
**Dec 2025–Apr 2026:** Multiple follow-ups. I was often told by my agent to contact building management/builders directly instead of the agent handling it. No clear repair timeline was provided.
**Apr 2026**: I was told replacement glass was required and being sourced from overseas.
**May 2026**: Agent said repair would likely be completed in May, but no fixed date was given.
**May 2026**: I lodged a non-urgent repair dispute with Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria (RDRV).
**May 2026**: After lodging the case- Agent offered a 5% rent reduction backdated to 29 Dec 2025 for \~5 months, and said repairs were expected in May.
**May 2026:** RDRV advised adjournment for 30 days to allow repairs to be completed. Agent confirmed glass is in transit from China.
**July 2026 (now):** It has been \~7 months since the issue started. Repair still not fully confirmed/installed.
# Current situation:
One balcony is still unusable
Glass door is still awaiting full replacement
Agent has told me the balcony is “safe to use” and has applied tape/plastic film over the cracked double-glazed glass
This balcony is directly attached to my master bedroom, which has no window — it relies entirely on the balcony door for ventilation and airflow
# My question:
Is a 5% rent reduction reasonable for this situation, or should I be pushing further given the duration (\~7 months), loss of amenity, and concerns around using a cracked glass door with temporary repair?
Would appreciate advice from anyone familiar with VIC tenancy/VCAT outcomes.
So I snapped the two lock plates off the top and bottom (although .ethi is this beast was installed inside out because the lock plates were on the outside...), but how do I now remove the glass? The two sides are all that are holding it in place. Do I have to slide it over to one side or the other to clear the oppositeside, then pull it out? Or am I missing something altogether?
Is this a supplier / product issue or does everyone who has aluminium windows face this issue?
26 degrees outside, frames are 44 deg and glass 39 deg…
Supplier already has said in his 35 years he’s never heard of this and will ring his manufacturer… he’s always deflected away from issues is he right to do it now?
I recently got a raise but I feel like I deserve a little more, I’ve definitely established myself in the company and I have a decent reputation. Many foreman and our main super independent seeks out for my help. I’m proficient at CAD, I’m the lead drafter and also run a few projects.
Looking for opinions on whether I should install triple pane,Saint Gobain Cool lite glazing or double pane in the Philadelphia Suburbs.
We are considering,,AdamS or Oknoplast, uPVC windows. The triple upgrade is very reasonable. The salesman feel the triple is unnecessary in this area.
Much less expensive than Marvin.
Any opinions?
Thank you
What are you guys using to measure and check angles? I need something better than the little pocket-sized compass with the pivoting leg that won’t stay locked at the selected degrees.
I’m envisioning something larger, like the size of a T-square, with two long legs attached at a lockable center pivot point.
Or maybe there’s something better entirely, something that I haven’t imagined. Lasers? What else? What’s working well for you guys? I need to up my game.
Does anyone have any suggestions for cutting out IGU’s ?
Been using a prybar and utility knife for years , have to do 80 replacements next week and want something better than a bi-metal multi tool blade if anyone has any thoughts that would be great !
Has anyone ever expanded curtain wall aluminum that’s meant to receive 1/4” glass to 1”IGU
I'm working on ordering a restaurant storefront window enclosure from a local company.
Apparently they are out of stock of the "Black" colorway we wanted and are proposing a "Bronze Anodized" as an alternative.
The pictures they provided seem pretty similar in color, but I'm concerned that the bronze may look cheap when installed.
Does anyone have any experience with bronze anodized finish vs black and is able to weigh in?
Hi there, I've been having some new issues with my pieces where they come out with sharp bumps and pinholes. I was having issues with my community studio clear glaze (made there) where it was cloudy and cracking. I didn't mind it on my own pieces but since I'm trying to sell my work, I wanted it to be clearer and smooth. I primarily use Mayco fundamental underglazes, and from a fellow potter friend, got myself zinc free clear glaze from the local clay art center. She's used it before and didn't have issues on her pieces so I felt pretty good about trying it but now I'm dealing with these bumps.
What can I do differently?? I'm brushing on 2-3 coats and making sure there aren't any pinholes before getting fired. Can I lightly sand these down? Should I be applying it differently?
Thank you in advance! I always appreciate everyone's guidance 🫶🏻