Whether you are putting an addition on your house, upgrading your closet and built-in storage, or adding a cosmetic refresh to your kitchen or both, you’ll need a carpenter to play a role in your job.
Carpenters have a varied skillset — and there are different sub-disciplines with carpentry. Rough carpenters handle structural elements like framing and roofing, while finish carpenters handle the elements you can see — like trim and cabinetry. Within those two disciplines, there can be even further specializations, like custom cabinet builders or specialty woodworkers.
To ensure you find the right carpenter for your job, here’s a list of questions to ask:
Find the Best Carpenter in Seattle with These Questions:
1. Do You Offer General Contracting Services?
Depending on your project, you may need a carpenter that also has project management skills and can act as a general contractor. Many carpenters offer general contracting services, while some prefer to be specialists and focus entirely on their discipline.
If you have a small project, like installing custom built-in shelves in a home office, you likely don’t need a general contractor. However, if your project has multiple phases, requires coordination, or manages multiple different types of work, you’ll want a carpenter that can be a general contractor, too. Learn this during your first call to avoid scrambling later!
2. Do You Have Client References?
Whether it’s a finish carpentry job, or a full-scale remodel, you want to know if the team you choose has a track record of good results. Asking to speak with previous clients can help you have an honest conversation about what the process was like from a different perspective. You can also search for testimonials and reviews, and see project portfolios across websites to get an idea of workmanship and feedback.
3. Are You Licensed and Insured?
For contracting jobs, you’ll want to be sure the carpenter you work with is both licensed and insured — this ensures competency and accountability. In addition, any carpenter you work with should be insured. This protects everyone from legal and financial liability during projects, and provides a safety net should something happen.
4. How Do You Handle Permitting in Seattle?
A general contractor or carpenter working in your home may need to coordinate the permitting process — and it’s their job to be the expert and guide you through it. Ask about the permitting requirements of your job, and how they plan to manage that. An experienced, local pro will know the quirks of your city’s building department: maybe your municipality is known for delays, so they know to start early to keep things on track.
5. What is Your Warranty?
A carpenter that offers a warranty stands behind their workmanship — be sure to inquire about what is and is not covered. A generous warranty is a sign of a dedicated general contractor or carpenter.
6. How Do You Structure Cost Estimates and Budgeting?
When reviewing estimates, you can ask for line items to be broken down or for additional explanation if you don’t understand the total cost. Find out more about how they structure their estimates, so you can understand how it relates to the final budget. Sometimes, assumptions and allowances change throughout a project, meaning you may be well over budget at the end! Asking about this ahead of time can give you insight into how accurate and detailed your proposal is.
7. How Do You Communicate About Project Issues?
Are they a transparent, proactive communicator? Every project will run into issues, even a smaller carpentry job. Ask about how they plan to handle problems, unforeseen circumstances, and field changes, so you can decide if your communication styles will work well together.
8. Do You Offer Financing or Payment Options?
For larger projects, find out how they expect to be paid — will you be expected to send a deposit, pay 50% up front, or are there financing options? This is helpful to you as you plan and budget. Asking this ahead of time can help you be sure you have what you need before you start a carpentry project.
9. Do You Offer Specialty Services?
Many carpenters and general contractors offer niche services, like fine woodworking, to their customers. Even if you don’t have a need for a custom dining table to fit in your new addition, it signifies a keen attention to detail and passion for their craft.
10. What is Your Process and Project Management Style?
Finally, the best way to know if you will work well with a carpenter or a contractor for your residential project is by simply asking what their process and project management style is. If you prefer a hands-off approach, where you’ll only be looped in as necessary, find a contractor or carpenter that is confident in their problem solving capabilities. Likewise, if you prefer to be heavily involved, ask how they keep clients updated and if they offer opportunities to collaborate throughout the process.
Learn More About General Contracting and Carpenters in Seattle
Ready to get your project started with a general contractor or carpenter in Seattle? Get in touch with Arbor Construction. Not only do we provide high-quality, speciality woodworking, but we also specialize in residential remodels and new builds in beautiful Seattle.
Learn more about our process and get in touch with us today.
