Carpentry

Carpentry

Please pick a category below to get a quote from qualified professionals

When considering the construction and building trades' service industry it is impossible not to give a large portion of credit to the area of carpentry. Carpentry is one of the oldest skilled trades around and has been the backbone behind all building services. Carpenters are responsible for services including:

Carpentry
Qualifications and Licensing Bodies for Carpenters

To become a contractor that is qualified to work in the carpentry service industry an individual must first complete either a formal education at a secondary educational facility or work as an apprentice under a licensed carpenter. Individuals often choose to work as an apprentice versus the formal education as they get more hands on experience and are paid while learning. To be licensed or certified in the carpentry service industry a person must first pass a state certification or licensing exam. This test provides the proof that the person has obtained the proper knowledge on how to finish well crafted wood work so that safety and quality of the finished product is not of concern to the well-being of the consumer. These tests ask specific questions as to the tools, equipment, and general knowledge that a professional carpentry contractor should know before going into this service industry.

There are contractor associations throughout the country that offer carpenters with the ability to gain membership into their organization so that the carpenter's reputability can be monitored and that they will always have access to knowledge and resources to stay up to date on the latest information related to their specialty field. Some of the more reputable organizations that a Carpenter can select from include:

Better Business Bureau or BBB This organization is one of the most reputable for any service industry out there. People have come to trust the Better Business Bureau for tracking information about companies and service providers across the country. The BBB issues a rating for the entity based on the number of complaints filed against them, the years the company has been in business, and any special recognitions that the entity has formally received that would be of benefit to the consumer.

National Association of Home Builders The NAHB.org is an association that monitors the accomplishments of contractors in their specific field of specialty. Carpenters that choose to join the NAHB are able to gain resources throughout their time of membership on the outlook for their field and continue to gain knowledge on growing trends so they can offer the best services possible to their clients.

You can also find out about the many state and local organizations available for carpenters in your respective state. These organizations are able to provide a more updated account of the practices of their members as they deal with smaller sums of contractors at any given time.

What to Look for in a Carpenter

Before hiring a carpentry contractor there are a few things that a person should know and be aware of. A reputable carpenter should be able to provide proof of their state license or certification in the specialty area of carpentry. These individuals should also have at least 2 years of experience in a formal training center or as an apprentice under the supervision of a licensed carpenter. Skilled gained during this time provide the carpenter with a basic understanding of how to utilize carpentry tools and equipment, how to select top quality wood materials to use for maximum results, and how to care for the completed wood products so that they will last for the longest time possible.

Before hiring a specific carpenter you should also inspect their insurance and bonding levels to ensure that they carry adequate coverage to provide for replacement should damage be encountered when performing work on your premises. When providing levels of services that are over $10,000 a contractor is also required to carry certain levels of liability to protect their clients in some states. You can find out this information through your local agencies that monitor these service industries or by contacting a reputable contracting company in your area.

As with any contracting company that you may work with there are certain things that you should be aware of throughout the course of the project when hiring a carpenter. Carpentry contractors may sometimes be required to hire sub-contractors to assist with the services they are hired to perform. Prime examples of this are carpenters that are enlisted to frame homes or prepare rafters for a building may need enlist the help of outside general contractors for footings, measurements, and other such services.

Keep Your Project on Track

To ensure that you do not encounter problems with the project going over budget, find a carpenter that will provide you with a thorough estimate of products and services before beginning the project and make sure that it is in writing. While this may only be an estimate it does provide you with an understanding on whether the cost for products and services are set in stone or can fluctuate.

Make sure that the Carpenter knows what your expectations are prior to the start of the project. This will prevent the need for changes that can take up time and money, costing you more in the long run.

Every carpenter has a different style of working with wood. Ask to see photos of completed projects that the contractor has finished for other clients to get an idea on the type of results you can expect for your carpentry needs.

Set a realistic budget when you plan on hiring a carpenter. These contractors offer a specialty service that cannot be performed by just any general contractor. Know what the average rate is for projects you are seeking in your area.