While there are lots of maintenance, installation, and repair jobs which can be carried out independently, carpentry is something that most homeowners need help with. In fact, unless you have experience with handling and shaping wood, it is best to get the experts in. It can be a very precise and complex process, but high-quality carpentry really is a thing of beauty.
If this is your first time hiring a carpenter in Stowmarket, you probably have a lot of questions. It can be a little confusing at first, knowing what to look for and which services to prioritise, but a good provider will be happy to talk you through the basics. This is the key to great carpentry. You need to work with a company that provides excellent customer service and is willing to give tailor the job to meet your needs.
This guide to finding the best carpenter in Stowmarket will help put you on the right track.
Word of Mouth is Valuable
Ideally, your carpentry provider should be locally based. This is a service which really benefits from the personal touch. Smaller companies tend to produce the best work because they have the time and knowledge needed to get deeply invested in the project. So, if you are looking for a carpenter, don’t be afraid to ask around. Word of mouth feedback is highly valuable and can lead to wonderful partnerships.
See a Portfolio
All good carpenters will keep a portfolio of their best work. While no two jobs are exactly the same, looking at previous craftsmanship is one way to know if they are right for you. For instance, you don’t necessarily want a carpenter who specialises in cabinets to restore an antique staircase (and vice versa). Some experts have a broad range of talents, but if your job requires a very specific type of skill, do make this clear in your search.
Enquire About Experience
It is true that experienced doesn’t always determine the level of skill. However, it is another useful indicator of quality, because carpentry is a discipline which requires time and patience. You will find that experts with the most years under their belt are usually the most sought after. It is really up to you to decide how you want to balance this; whether you’re happy waiting longer for a more popular craftsman or whether you’re willing to take a chance on somebody else.
Request a Sketch
It is common for customers to request a rough sketch or draft of a proposal. This doesn’t have to be very detailed, but it should make it clear whether your chosen carpenter understands the job. If you’re discussing the project in person, it is okay to ask for an immediate sketch. If you are talking on the phone, either ask for a rough plan to be emailed to you or arrange to meet the carpenter in person for further discussions.
Get a Quotation
The final step is to ask for a cost estimate. Now, there should be a small degree of flexibility here. It can be very difficult to make accurate estimates of custom projects. So, while the quote that you get should be reasonable and practical, it may be that small changes are required. Generally, you can expect to pay the quoted price unless the carpenter has given you a fair explanation as to why it has been altered.
Visit Ligna Carpentry today. Or, call 01449 770 005 to speak to a representative and request a cost estimate for your project.