A carpenter can do a couple of jobs in a home setting. You will call them when there is a problem with the cabinets, shelving or just for general repairs. As a homeowner, it might be your first time looking for a carpenter and might not know what to look out for. It could be an overwhelming endeavor, especially when you don’t have any referrals and you’re doing everything from scratch. There are a couple of tips that could come in handy when looking for a carpenter and we’re going to highlight some of them.
Know The Type of Carpenter You’re Looking For
Not all carpenters are the same. There are different kinds of specializations and some of the common ones include:
Rough Carpentry: Rough carpenters are also referred to as frame carpenters. They specialize in the construction of basic frameworks for structures. You might need to contact them when you’ve bought Octopus Skirting Boards for your floors. The work of the framing carpenter is to ensure that the structures are at a consistent level, plumb, and square. They will build the foundation for the finished carpentry which will make installation a lot easier.
Finish Carpentry: These carpenters are responsible for the finishing of the carpentry. They will complete the work that might have started by the framers. Some of the work they do includes installation of sliding doors, roofing, deck installation, and any other furnishing job that is supposed to be done by a carpenter.
Cabinet Makers: These are carpenters that have specialized in making cabinets. They’re highly specialized in building robes, cabinets, and furniture items. The carpenters are mainly involved at the finishing stage of a project.
Recommendations
It is important that you’re asking for recommendations from friends and relatives when searching for a carpenter. They’re likely to know of someone that could assist you with whatever problem that you might be experiencing. Word of mouth is much more reliable compared to the carpenters that you might get on the internet.
Get Multiple Quotes
You should not settle on the first carpenter that you come across no matter how decorated they might appear to be. Try getting quotes from at least three providers so that you can compare the costs. A good carpenter will ensure that the cost is broken down so that you’re aware of what you’re paying for at every stage.
License and Insurance
Working with a carpenter that is not licensed could result in serious quality issues. They will not be aware of the standard procedures that need to be followed for carpentry jobs. A good carpenter will ensure that they have the necessary license. It also tells you that they take the profession seriously.
Insurance is equally important. Ideally, the carpenter should have both liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance. You don’t want to be held liable when there is an injury because the carpenter is working on your property.
Warranty
A great carpenter should be able to stand behind his work. This means that they should provide a warranty on both the workmanship and materials that are used. The quality of the material varies. There are materials that are designed to last for a long time. The carpenter should be able to advise on the material to be used in order to guarantee the highest level of quality.
Experience
Experience is crucial whenever you’re working with a home contractor and carpenter is no exception. You can know that a carpenter is experienced by looking at the number of years they’ve been in business. A company that has been in business for a decade will obviously have more experience than one that is just starting out. The more the years, the more experience.
You can also gauge the experience of the carpenter by asking for references. Call one or two of the contacts provided and inquire about their experience working with the carpenter.
Availability
You might have an upcoming project that is time-sensitive. You want to make sure that the carpenter is available when you need him or her. They should also be able to complete the job within the stipulated timelines. That is why it recommended to have a written agreement with the carpenter, especially if it is a long-term project. The contract will include the cost estimates and projected timelines for the completion of the project. Take your time when searching for a carpenter as you don’t want to end up working with a shoddy contractor. The internet can be a powerful tool in your search if it is used well.
