Carpenters & Joiners | Local Services

Joiners/Carpenters build and repair things from wood and other materials. They can build houses, furniture, shelving and storage units and stairs. They construct, install, and repair structures, such as doors and kitchen cabinets. Joiners/Carpenters usually work for general building contractors, but some are self-employed. They lay out and/or design projects -- this includes planning, measuring, marking and cutting materials. Joiners/Carpenters use hand and power tools, such as saws, sanders and drills.

Types of Joiners/Carpenters
There are various jobs that a joiner/carpenter can do. Some are specialist jobs and some are general -- not all joiners/carpenters will have the same skills or offer the same services. Common specialist areas here include:

Special trade contractors specialise in certain tasks, such as forming moulds for concrete or building decks.
A rough carpenter does rough carpentry. This usually includes framing, formwork, roofing and large-scale work that doesn�t need detailed work or fine finishing.
A joister is a carpenter that installs floor joists. Floor joists are horizontal boards connected to the frame of a structure below the floor to support it.
A joiner does finish carpentry -- i.e. work that involves more detail such as cabinetry, furniture building, woodworking, or parquetry.
A trim carpenter specialises in making mouldings and trim, mantelpieces, skirting boards and cabinet installation.
A cabinetmaker does fine, detailed work making cabinets, wardrobes, dressers and other furniture.
A ship's carpenter is a specialist in shipbuilding and ship maintenance and repairs. Steel warships also need ship's carpenters for making emergency repairs.
A carpenter in the theatre, film, and TV industries builds and dismantles structures and sets.
A framer builds the frameworks of buildings.
A roofer specialises in roof construction.

Choosing a Joiner/Carpenter
< Look for a joiner/carpenter who specialises in an area relevant to a project and be specific about what needs to be done. For bigger jobs have plans available, which an architect should create before carpenters become involved. The architect can provide a wood list which will give a carpenter all the information necessary to give an accurate estimate.

Get estimates from at least three joiners/carpenters and compare the estimates carefully. Ask questions -- if one estimate is higher than others then find out why and then decide which bid is most suitable for the project and its budget.

Ask for references from any joiner/carpenter that may be hired and follow up on at least three of them. Go and see the work done at the reference points to see the actual work that the carpenter did.

When checking references, ask these questions:

Is the joiner/carpenter competent?
Did he/she take the project seriously?
Is he/she polite, efficient and on site each day?
Did he/she arrive on time or work late to make up time if not?
Did he/she answer all questions?
Did he/she solve problems and keep promises?
Was the final cost close to the estimate? If not, why not?
Was the job done well and finished on time?

Whenever hiring a tradesman such as a joiner/carpenter then make sure to understand the contract/estimate before agreeing to anything -- either verbally or in writing. A contract should include a detailed description of the work, a payment schedule, a start date and an estimated completion date. For bigger jobs attach a copy of the wood list to the contract.

Trade Associations and Professional Bodies
Check the joiner/carpenter has relevant liability insurance and -- ideally -- that he/she is a member of a relevant professional association or body. These can include the Guild of Master Craftsmen and the Federation of Master Builders. If necessary call the association to check membership/standing. A full list of trade associations and professional bodies is available in the Yellow Pages. The list includes contact numbers in various areas of the UK and types of work offered. These groups can also give helpful advice on projects.

Using these tips will make it much easier to find a joiner/carpenter who will do an excellent job on any woodworking project no matter how big or how small.