Carpentry

Carpentry - A carpenter can be employed on many different aspects of construction projects. A frame carpenter erects roofing members, installs flooring joists and assembles walls. A  trim or finish carpenter installs doors, trim, baseboard and other custom woodworking materials. Hiring a carpenter involves choosing the right person based on the scope of work compared to their credentials and references.

Carpentry Licensing and Permits

Before choosing a carpenter, you’ll need to be sure they are licensed by the correct entities, have updated insurance and any other applicable documents as required by the local building department. A quick call or visit to your local building department can provide you with the details you need on any prospective carpenters licensing. They can also tell you exactly what permits you may need for your carpentry project.

References

While licensing, insurance, bonds and permits are all required to legally get the job done; it doesn’t mean that your carpenter is going to do a good job. By getting at least 3-5 contactable references from each prospective carpenter, you can be sure they have plenty of experience to get your carpentry project done right. Be sure to follow up with a phone call, email or visit to past customers projects to ensure that your future carpenter has done a good job in the past.

Multiple Bids

Getting the most out of your carpentry project starts with receiving multiple bids. Getting at least 3-5 bids is in your best interest for finding the best deal. Ask for a cost breakdown list of materials and labor costs with your bid. This can help you to compare prices between carpenters more accurately.

Payment Scheduling

Once you find the right carpenter, you’ll need to set a payment schedule. This commonly involves a down payment around 10 percent of the costs of the project. A percentage of the payments are then owed as certain phases of the project are completed. Once the project is complete to your satisfaction, the last payment is released. Always ensure a defined payment schedule is drawn into your contract before you sign any agreements.

Additional Labors and Materials

Expect to pay for additional work and materials that are not covered in the original contract. Ensure that you and the carpentry contractor are in agreement on each "additional" aspect of the project and that you and the contractor are keeping a log of the additional costs.  Just because the contractor is there already he or she are not going to do additional labor for free!