Common sense is not common.

Through the years in the construction industry I have noticed that how problems get solved and the approach used waxes and wanes depending on many factors. These factors can include the experience of the person solving the problem, the common sensibility of the person trying to solve the problem and the amount of critical thinking that is applied to solving the problem. More recently, it seems, a common sense approach has been harder to find. I have several theories about why this is, but if I listed those here I am sure many people might think the reasons don’t make any sense. What I have always enjoyed about construction is the idea that, often times, there are several solutions to a construction problem. The best solutions sometimes seem to contain percentages of experience, common sense and critical thinking.

Experience is hard to supplement, in my opinion, when making decisions in the field as problems arise. The general nature of field experience in construction is encompassed by the knowledge or skill that was gained through the continual involvement in some construction event or process. This is what we could call the “know how” factor. The act of framing a roof, laying tile flooring or really any other technical activity associated with construction takes experience to do well. That is why we call the people who do these things (who have considerable experience) experts. Of course, there are many experts today. The years of experience, or lack there of, quickly become apparent when a situation or problem mandates a thorough knowledge or understanding of the trade (or trades) in question.

Common sense, on the other hand, may have nothing to do with experience, but often does. Common sense pertains more to a natural understanding about a certain process and may not necessarily require specialized knowledge to solve a problem.  An interesting side note is that common sense, in a true form, should be based on what people would commonly agree on, a common sense. There might be an inherent conflict between experience, as defined above, and the use of common sense. I believe this is why sometimes an experienced tradesperson might approach a problem in a certain way (through experience) where a novice or “green hand” might approach a problem through common sense. I have seen an experienced solution unseated by a more common sense approach by a less experienced person. Therefore, does common sense equate to the knowledge and experience which a person allegedly has or is it more akin to what a person using common sense believes they do or should have? If common sense relates to events (in general) within a person’s experience then should it matter whether the experience is specific to the problem that the common sense is being applied or more about common sense prevailing (or not letting experience get in the way) to solve the problem. I see this most often in code issues. What I see as common sense in some cases is occasionally unseated by experience. Even though a common sense approach may make perfect sense, the person who is interpreting the code, the experienced person, will prevail. Frustration may ensue but is quickly extinguished by reminding myself that common sense, the “common” understanding of how something should be does not always apply to code.

Finally, we have the act of critical thinking. Critical thinking is the careful, deliberate determination of whether one should accept, reject, or suspend judgment about a solution or claim and the degree of confidence one might have about accepting or rejecting the solution. Critical thinking takes place when we start to evaluate a problem through observations, experience and common sense.  Based on the information gathered through these areas and others (such as written instructions or phone calls to the manufacturers) we start to determine the best course of action. The use of critical thinking, unlike just relying on experience or common sense, is a deliberate, skilled, method of thought that includes the interpretation and evaluation of experience, common sense and other factors into account. Critical thinking takes some conscious effort and work. The use of not only logic, but other intellectual functions, such as accuracy, clarity and relevance are necessary to carry out a critical evaluation of a problem. It takes work to do this so it makes sense that relying on simpler methods may prevail.

Two factors of solving problems in construction that will drive whichever method is used are the factors of time and money.  A timely and cost effective solution is often agreed upon as the correct solution. And why not?  As Matt Cardle displayed at last month’s dinner meeting, a construction defect was discovered, tested to see if it would withstand the criteria it was built for and found to not perform to the level that was prescribed.  Matt asked what the fix or solution should be. I’m sure for most of you there the answer was clear and simple.  An experienced person may have said that the only way to remedy the problem would be to rebuild the assembly as detailed in the plans. This approach would be correct although neither cost effective nor timely. A common sense person may have suggested modifying the assembly so that it would conform to the prescribed performance. Possibly creating a solution that was both timely and cost effective, but is it correct?  Whichever method used, some amount of critical thinking was applied to find the solution.

Problem solving in construction can be unique due to the wide range of variables encountered at each site and in each building. Still, many of the issues or problems seem to reoccur. Take one look at a book on construction defects and it becomes apparent where the problems arise. Nobody likes problems, especially when they slow down a job or cost money. Expediting the solution is important, but making sure the fix is appropriate is equally as important.  Having a good mix of experience, common sense and critical thinking helps. If all else fails, run!

I am looking forward to seeing you all at our annual field trip to the Ellis Creek Waste Water Recycling Facility on May 7th. The field trip will begin at 4 p.m. and go for an hour. After the field trip we will meet at Cattlemen’s in Petaluma for a social and dinner presentation by the team that built the facility. You are welcome to attend both events or one or the other. The dinner presentation will cost about the same as our regular meeting. The onsite field trip is free.

Regards,