Construction is just like any other industry — it has a whole language all to itself. Many folks who aren’t in the construction industry day to day might hear the terms general contractor and carpenter and think they do the same job.
But there are key differences, and for some projects, one is better than the other. In this article, we’ll dive into the differences.
What is a General Contractor?
A general contractor is the main supervisor of a construction project. While they must have a great deal of technical and practical knowledge, they aren’t often the ones performing the bulk of the physical labor. A general contractor will assemble a team and subcontract out specialty trades like electrical and plumbing. Some general contractors, particularly in the homebuilding industry, do have a trade they perform. In that case, they will perform that portion of the project, and hire specialists.
What is a Carpenter?
A carpenter is one of the specialty trades that will be needed for a homebuilding project. A carpenter is a skilled craftsman that builds and installs components of the home.
In some cases, carpenters can be general contractors. It’s very convenient for homebuilding projects — the general contractor with carpentry skills can install framing, construct built-in shelving, and more.
Carpenters and Woodworkers: Is There a Difference?
When people think of carpenters, they often think of someone in a woodshop building furniture. While carpenters often do have the skillset to build a piece of furniture, woodworking refers to the art of, well, working with wood.
A carpenter may have the tools and skills to build a simple table, while a woodworker will be able to create turned legs, carved wood, and detailed inlays that a carpenter may not have the skills or equipment for. Essentially, woodworking is a highly specialized discipline to build smaller, finely detailed wood pieces. Carpentry refers to building structures – like a house, shed, or closet.
When to Hire a Carpenter vs a General Contractor
Carpenters and general contractors play very different roles in projects. Here’s when you should consider hiring each.
Whole Home Remodels & New Builds
A whole home remodel or custom home build is a complex project with many moving parts and people involved. A general contractor is the right choice to manage the budget, supervise subcontractors, negotiate with suppliers, and deliver efficient results. Remember, carpenters can also be trained as general contractors, and that’s often a bonus for residential remodeling projects and home builds!
Bathroom & Kitchen Remodels
Whether you choose a general contractor or carpenter for a smaller project, like a kitchen remodel, depends on the complexity of the project. If the changes are largely cosmetic and you are just upgrading or replacing what’s already there, a carpenter may be able to handle the entire project. A carpenter can frame new partition walls, install cabinetry, and place new floors. If massive changes are planned, like knocking down load-bearing walls, reconfiguring electrical and plumbing, and installing specialty tile, a general contractor will be better suited to handle the complexities of the project.
Custom Finishes
If you are looking to transform a bonus room into a cozy library with built-in bookshelves, turn your finished basement into a stunning wine cellar, a carpenter can help you with the custom finishes you’ll need. Whether it’s built-to-size shelving, custom cabinetry, or one-of-a-kind wine racks — a carpenter is the right choice to handle these projects skillfully and successfully.
Custom Furniture
If you want custom furniture for your space, like a stunning live edge table, you’ll want to work with a woodworker to get the best results. Woodworkers have tools and capabilities beyond what is typically used for carpentry, allowing them a higher level of control and detailing needed for their specialty projects. Where a carpenter may need only five chisels to successfully do their work, a woodworker will have dozens.
Need a General Contractor with Specialty Carpenter Experience?
Learn more about Arbor Construction. We offer full whole renovations, custom builds, and kitchen and bath remodels in addition to specialty woodworking. Our years of hands-on experience in carpentry and construction make us attuned to every detail of your project.
Get in touch today for a free consultation about your project.
