So you need a carpenter but how do you find a carpenter and a good carpenter at that?
A carpenter can have a range of skills so it's important to find a carpenter who is right for the job. A carpenter is often highly skilled and the tradesmen at the head of large builds are often carpenters.
Image: Carpenter in action
A carpenter is a skilled craftsman who performs carpentry - a wide range of woodworking that includes constructing buildings, furniture, and other objects out of wood. The work generally involves significant manual labour and work outdoors, particularly in rough carpentry.
Find a carpenter - top tips
When looking to find a carpenter, you need to select the carpenter you are happiest with. Take your time, don't rush into choosing your carpenter - it's important you get it right and choose the carpenter that has the skills and experience for the works required. To find a carpenter you can:
- Search on JuggleFrogs for local carpenters
- Ask local friends and family for recommendations
- Ask neighbours for carpenter recommendations
Hiring a carpenter
There are important steps to consider when hiring a carpenter:
- Ensure the company is reputable - check references
- Remember the cheapest price does not always equal best value and most expensive does not necessarily mean best quality
- Be clear about the work needed - take care to include enough detail in your written job requirement so that each tradesperson starts with a good understanding of your needs. This is essential if you are to get comparable quotations
- Get multiple quotations in writing from at least 3 carpenters - breaking down labour and material costs and where possible go for a fixed price
- If your carpenter is a member of a Trade Association then phone the scheme to check and find out what checks the Carpenter's Trade Association has in place
Ask as many questions as you need - a good carpenter will be happy to spend time with you and answer all of your questions.
Questions to ask potential carpenter:
- When can they do the work?
- How much is it inc VAT?
- What qualifications have they got?
- How long have they been in business?
- Is the work guaranteed?
- How long will the works take?
- Will they clear away rubbish and clear up mess made?
- If additional costs accrue during works, how will they be calculated?
- Do they have public liability and employers liability insurance?
Be sure to weigh up the benefits of working with one carpenter over another carpenter. If they offer more experience, or proof that they can do the job you want with the quality of workmanship you require, it might be worth paying those extra few pounds or waiting longer for them to start the works.
Know a good carpenter
If you know a good carpenter remember to spread the good news and recommend them on JuggleFrogs.
Carpenters are a critical part of most building projects, if you need help to find a carpenter let us know!