How to Hire a Craftsman (Contractor)

Selecting the Best Contractors, From Carpenters to Painters

Jan 5, 2009

There are still craftsmen out there who take pride in their work and who can bring the benefit of their many years of experience to your project.

The construction process can be a joy or it can be a nightmare. Even the simplest project can turn disastrous if contractors disappear for days at a time, hire uncooperative sub-contractors, and or simply do not give your project the proper attention and care it deserves.

The usual advise; ask and check references, inquire of friends and co-workers, the local building inspector, the Better Business Bureau. Never work without a written contract, and be wary of paying deposits prior to the commencement of work.

How To Identify A Craftsman

Carpenters are broken down into two skill types, “framers” those who primarily do the rough carpentry work, and finish carpenters, those who fabricate and install cabinetry, millwork, casework, as well as exterior siding and trim.

A poor framing job will wreck havoc later in the job. Beyond the obvious critical nature of the structure, proper nailing and installation of all the load carrying members of the house, door and window rough openings must be properly sized and constructed plumb and square for correct installation. Walls installed out of plumb or square will cause untold headaches later on for the finish crew who must install cabinetry, countertops, and millwork such as crown molding or baseboard, and other casework. These defects often aren’t readily apparent to the naked eye until it’s too late, short of putting a level and square to every inch of the job or verifying all measurements.

Excellent finish carpenters have their character traits, they keep their workspace clean, they exhibit patience, are never afraid to back off and look at a detail a second time, they work carefully but productively.

Clues

Before hiring a tradesperson visit their jobs in progress and search for these clues; a good craftsman will gladly parade you around his job, allowing you to test his good work, the best craftsmen always keep a clean job-site, no scraps of wood or other debris, sheetrock tapers will not drop much “mud” on the floor and painters won’t look like kindergartners after a half hour of finger painting and so on.

The copyright of the article How to Hire a Craftsman (Contractor) in Home Renovation/Repair is owned by Brian J. Pilling. Permission to republish How to Hire a Craftsman (Contractor) in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.