Becoming a woodworker is a noble and rewarding career choice. It is a time-honored craft that connects you with nature, and it provides a sense of accomplishment that no other profession can offer.
But it can also be a dangerous business for unscrupulous contractors who use tricks to make more money than they should. Here are some tips to help you find a great contractor.
1. Ask for References
You should never hire a contractor without checking their references. This is the best way to gauge the quality of their work. You want to ensure that their past clients had a positive experience working with them.
Ask about the type of projects they worked on in the past, and how they handled the challenges that came up. For example, if a project was delayed due to a shortage of materials, you’ll want to know whether they were able to make alternative plans or find a solution in the timeframe necessary.
You should also inquire about the types of warranty they provide. A solid written warranty will show that the woodworking company has confidence in their skills and materials, and is willing to stand behind them. Make sure the warranty covers both materials and labor, as well as a clear timeline for completion. A good woodworking contractor should be able to provide you with this information easily.
2. Talk to Previous Clients
Some contractors will include client testimonials on their website or provide a list of references you can call, but it’s also a good idea to get in touch with those clients yourself. This can help you find out what it was like to work with the contractor, whether or not they were able to meet their expectations and deadlines, and if they were happy with the quality of the work.
Woodworking firms may have a particular specialization, such as custom trim carpentry or furniture-making. Some will only take on large-scale commercial projects, while others specialize in creating ornate carved fixtures and sculptures. Find out what their capabilities are, and if they’re willing to work on your project type, you should have a solid understanding of how much it will cost before hiring them.
Ask your potential woodworking contractor what their budget is for the project and if they’ve worked with other subcontractors in the past. This can help you determine if you’re on the same page and can make the project happen smoothly.
3. Look at Their Work
In some cases, if you need something crafted out of wood and installed on your commercial or residential building, it's best to go with a woodworking firm instead of calling a carpenter. Depending on the size of the project, there may be some overlap, but for more complicated work like framing or installing cabinetry, you'll want a woodworking company that can do the job.
Woodworkers create in a workshop setting, often with the custom rustic kitchen cabinets help of specialized tools like saws, drills, sanders, and hammers. They can create furniture, cabinetry, and other wooden objects, but they can also use their skills to make statues, trinkets, or even a musical instrument. While only the very top of woodworkers are able to make a living at their craft, most do it for the love of working with this beautiful material. This passion is reflected in their meticulous and detailed work, which they pour into every piece of wood that they touch.
4. Check Their License
There’s a lot of confusion out there about carpenters and woodworking contractors. People might think they’re all the same, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Carpenters are all about the nitty-gritty of construction, while woodworkers specialize in custom designs.
A woodworking contractor can help you with a number of different types of projects, from building furniture to modernizing your trim. They’ll start by drawing up the rough plans for your project, then work with craftsmen and laborers to bring them to life.
Check your prospective contractor’s license before hiring them. Having a license is an important part of protecting yourself from potential financial and legal consequences of work-related injuries or contractor errors. Make sure to ask for a copy of their insurance certificate and the name and contact information for their insurance agency. This will ensure that they have liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage for any accidents or damage caused while they’re working on your home or business.
