How to Hire a Trim Carpenter
Hiring a carpenter to add some trim work is usually something that a homeowner does after living in the home for a while. The homeowner should try to look at some of the carpenter’s past trim work to see if the quality is good. Contacting two carpenters will allow the homeowner to compare their work and also get two separate price quotes for the trim work.
- Ask a friend or relative to recommend a trim carpenter. If you are unable to get a solid recommendation, contact a local realtor. Many realtors are familiar with good carpenters since they often help people with renovations or repairs before selling a property. Write down the information so you can contact the carpenter.
- Discuss the project with the trim carpenter. Have the carpenter come to your home so you can go over the trim work you want. Ask the carpenter to give you two references, so you can contact the people to see the carpenter’s work.
- Tell the carpenter to prepare a written estimate for the trim project. Contact the carpenter’s references to find out if you can view their trim work. If you are unable to reach the references, ask the carpenter for different ones. Do not hire the carpenter until you get a chance to view at least one prior job.
- Call a second carpenter if you want to get another price quote for the trim work. Ask for an estimate and speak with the carpenter’s references. Decide which carpenter to hire and then draw up a contract or have the carpenter prepare one instead.
- Find out if the trim carpenter requires a down payment. Pay the amount so the carpenter can start to work on your trim. Find out what you need to do to help the process go smoothly. This can include things like moving furniture out of the way, or allowing the carpenter to use your garage to prepare the trim.