616 Carpenters

Carpenters

Constructing your home can be an overwhelming experience, which unfolds numerous steps that include a wide range of aspects and involves specialized experts in different areas. One of them includes a carpenter. A carpenter is a person who builds or repairs wooden structures or their structural parts such as modern houses, scaffolds, or shelving. 

Carpenters are involved in different kinds of constructions, from the installation of kitchen cabinets to the building of highways and bridges. Carpenters who remodel homes require a broad range of carpentry skills, for example, framing walls and partitions, putting in doors and windows, installing cabinets and molding, and similar other tasks. Well-versed carpenters have the flexibility to switch from residential construction to commercial buildings or remodeling work, depending on which offers the best work opportunities.

What can I expect from a carpenter?

1. Attention to detail : Carpenters should be detailed-oriented as they perform tasks that are often part of a larger piece of the overall building construction. For example, making precise measurements, help reduce gaps between windows and frames, which limit any leaks around the window.
2. Manual Dexterity: Carpenters work with many tools such as saws, hammers, and others,   hand-eye coordination is a must to avoid injury.
3. Math skills: To be able to calculate volume and measure materials to cut, carpenters use basic math skills on a regular basis. 
4. Strength and stamina: Carpenters need physical stamina and endurance as they often lift heavy tools and materials while standing, bending, or climbing for long periods. For instance, plywood sheets can weigh anywhere between 20 to 50 kgs.
5. Problem-solving skills: As each job differs for carpenters, they must have the flexibility to adjust plans to compensate for any environmental issues that may come up.
6. Ability to communicate: Being able to effectively communicate is a crucial factor in this profession. Carpenters should be able to clearly communicate with customers, understand their requirements, and accordingly present flexible solutions.

What type of work do carpenters do?

Residential carpenters

Carpenters who typically specialize in new-home, row-houses, condominium, and remodeling are residential carpenters, their job tasks lie in framing interior walls, building forms for footings, walls, and slabs, framing exterior walls, roofs, and decks, and others.

Commercial carpenters

Commercial carpenters remodel and help build commercial office spaces such as buildings, hospitals, schools, and shopping malls. Few carpenters specialize in working with load-bearing and light-gauge steel framing for interior partitions, curtain wall construction, and exterior framing, while others specialize in working with concrete forming systems and finishing ceilings, interior and exterior walls, and partitions. 

Industrial carpenters

Industrial carpenters work typically in industrial and civil settings, where they create and set forms for pouring concrete and build scaffolding. Few industrial carpenters build concrete forms for bridges, dams, tunnels, power plants, or sewer construction projects, while others build partitions in underground passageways and mines, and tunnel bracing.

Hire a carpenter or DIY (Do It Yourself)?

Some people prefer to get creative and try their hand at DIY (Do It Yourself), which isn't a bad thing, but there are certain situations you should hire a professional for. Some carpentry jobs can be done as DIY projects, however, few require a specialist and expensive machinery to carry out the job. Since professional carpenters are still around, they should be used to their full potential to help you with your final woodwork. Here are a few advantages to hiring a carpenter.

1. Effective Results and Experience: Professional and qualified carpenters bring with them not only the required skill to perform the job at a high level, but also tend to follow safe and reliable methods to deliver quality work. 
2. Reduce extra expenses: Professional carpenters are aware of where to get everything they need at local prices and can help deliver the job at the lowest budget possible. Additionally, they bring with them the niche skill of carpentry, which gets work done at a faster pace, hence reducing any extra costs. 
3. Correct Tools: Another advantage with hiring a skilled carpenter is they will have all tools, equipment, and machinery required to do the job. They will also be aware of the latest equipment available that help saves time by allowing them to work faster. 
4. Saves Time: With DIY projects, there is a learning curve involved and can be extremely time-consuming, for example, it takes time to get all the tools and machinery required, in addition to actually learning the skill to execute the job properly. Hiring a skilled and knowledgeable carpenter help save time and you get results quicker. 

What to consider before hiring a carpenter?

Choosing the correct carpenter may sound like a daunting task, but with a little research, the entire process can be a lot less stressful. 

The first obvious route to find an experienced and skilled carpenter is to consult with people your trust. Word of mouth is usually honest and the most reliable when compared to online reviews. 

The next plan is to look for two or three quotes from trusted carpenters and settle for the one that best suits your budget.

While making your choice, it is vital to consider the quality of materials used and work with an insured carpenter, which gives you the assurance that you are covered in case anything goes wrong.

How much does it cost to hire a carpenter?

Carpenters usually charge depending on the service provided. Most often carpenters charge INR 200 as visiting charges, in case no work is done, and just an initial check is required by the carpenter. 

Minor repair charges range from INR 200 to INR 500, depending on the type of job such as a latch, bolt, handle, and others. Few carpenters charge by the hour, increasing to INR 99 for every additional 30 mins.

For major carpentry work, for example, furniture, bed, mesh fitting, and installation, are decided based on inspection. 

Charges vary from area to the type of service required. It is recommended to check the detailed carpenter listing provided by Homify and compare the rates and services different carpenters have to offer, before making your final decision.