Replies

1. 
   custombuilt | Nov 16, 2006 06:35am | #1

   don`t worry you aren´t the only one..... here is a do it aller!!  i am a small outfit and that is why...  i think when they get big they end up subbing everything. 

    but not me, i do´everything from my concrete to roofing to tile and trim

    

    

    

   When in doubt, get a bigger hammer!
2. 
   JDRHI | Nov 16, 2006 06:36am | #2

   You talkin' carpenters or contractors?

   There's a whole bunch I don't do anymore since tossing the contractor tag.

   Lot less headaches too.

   FREE SPONGE BOB,SANCHO PANTS!

3. 
   philarenewal | Nov 16, 2006 06:40am | #3

   I do it all but my city requires a plumber's license for plumbing and an electrician's licence for sparking.

   Some small jobs you can get away with full service, but there's always that insurance risk so if I do it I make sure it is absolutely unassailable to code without any argument or room for interpretation.

   Once a job gets big enough that the inspector can't look the other way even if he wants to give you a break, it's hire the plumber, hire the sparky.  They even recently have a new requirement for scorched air mechanical license.

    

   "Let's get crack-a-lackin"  --- Adam Carolla

1. 
   glasswd | Nov 16, 2006 05:03pm | #10

   License? Here in Jersey, even if you have your Master Plumbers license, you now need another license to replace a residential heating boiler! My late grandfather(Master Carpenter) used to like saying that ,"someday you're gonna need a license to get a license".

4. 
   Highstreet | Nov 16, 2006 07:09am | #4

   Geesh, a couple of things come to mind, besides the legal logistics of aforementioned inspector issues, the phrase "jack of all trades...master of none" , comes to mind, but really the primary issue seems to be passion, I've found that over the years I enjoy doing restoration work, of course the built-ins, decks and room makeovers pay the bills, but there is nothing like digging into bringing something old back to life. There just isn't enough hours in the day to do (and be proficient) everything else.

5. 
   zak | Nov 16, 2006 07:35am | #5

   I think a lot of them are too old fashioned or too busy for new-fangled things like "web sites".  That said, there are quite a few jack of all trades here.

   I've been doing framing this week.  Couple weeks ago it was timber framing, next week it will be tiling a tub surround, etc.

   I come from a background of backcountry carpentry/trail and structure building.  It's real hard to find a good sub when you're a couple days hike from the nearest road, with no electricity to boot.

   zak

   "When we build, let us think that we build forever.  Let it not be for present delight nor for present use alone." --John Ruskin

   "so it goes"

    

6. 
   rrakausk | Nov 16, 2006 07:39am | #6

   Hiya.

   Where I come from you can't get a carpenter's license without being able to wall/floor frame, build stairs, sheath, flash, layout and make plumb, frame or truss a roof, install windows, hang and lock doors including making jambsets, instal soffits, trim out, install sheet roofing, read a plan and specification, understand all the relevant codes and a whole heap of other stuff I can't think of right now.

   And consumers are educated that if the carpenter you hire isn't licensed, don't hire him, because the State run insurance (completion bonding) won't cover them.

   General contractors are only able to hire unlicensed carpenters if they get an hourly rate plus paid holidays, sick pay and benefits.

   They can't be classed as subcontractors.

   So if you want to practice all your carpentry skills, come down to Australia (where the average hourly rate for a good sub works out to about $50).

   Cheers
   Rick Rakauskas

1. 
   Philter | Nov 16, 2006 07:57am | #7

   I have been lucky enough to be tasked with a lot of most, if not all, of the "specialties"....concrete, frame, finish, cabinetry, timber, log, furniture,stairs ,and even boats AND aircraft interiors. LOVE the variety, and have had good teachers in most. I've built doors and windows ,and even log furniture...

   I've known and learned from a lot of old-timers, learned from books, and learned here.

   I have lots to learn still, but have to admit, I think I qualify as an all-rounder the "old fashioned way.....by journeying!

   Cheers,Phil.

    "If 'tis to be,'twil be done by me."

7. 
   Jer | Nov 16, 2006 03:01pm | #8

   Still do it all but not as much anymore. I leave the mechanicals alone now unlike in years past, unless it's something small. Everything from building cabinets, stairs, floors, framing, siding, metalwork, fondation layout, wood rot restoration, roofing (not as much anymore), tile,rocking & taping, all trimwork...blah blah blah.
   Oh, and I was a journeyman in the plasterer's union doing specialized finishes and ornamental work for about 4 years.

   There are days that if somebody told me I would never pick up another tool as long as I live, I would be just fine with that. But then again...

   I have a huge respect for great framers.

8. 
   JHOLE | Nov 16, 2006 04:09pm | #9

   I still do it all - at least all that I can.

   Can't get Corian, Can't tool up for granite, etc.

   It's a different world.

   I've built houses where I dug the foundation and didn't quit til I was brush cuttin trim.

   Remodeling Contractor just on the other side of the Glass City

9. 
   ruffmike | Nov 16, 2006 05:11pm | #11

   Being a commercial framing and drywall foreman, I am no where near an all around carpenter, but your post brings to mind on of our sayings.

    We are often asked to pick up odd tasks on site, when they don't want to bring in another sub.

    " Don't call the Hall, we do it all" ; ^ )

                               Mike

       Trust in God, but row away from the rocks.

10. 
    Gene_Davis | Nov 16, 2006 05:11pm | #12

    There are plenty around.  I don't know these guys, but I have seen some of their work.  Take a look at the gallery page of stuff they have done, and the pics include shots outside and inside their shop.  The sub no carpentry at all, and really little else.

    http://www.easlingconstruction.com/gallery.htm

11. 
    hammer1 | Nov 16, 2006 07:19pm | #13

    I think a lot of it is just experience and exposure to many different skills. We wouldn't consider using an expensive carpenter installing roofing, taping drywall, installing insulation or doing any electrical or plumbing on a modern site. These jobs are handled by specialists or those that hold specific licenses. When I first started in the business the carpenters did everything, cleared the lot, did the excavation, built roads and installed water and sewer lines, foundations, etc. Today, most residential carpenters wouldn't know what a whaler was or how to wire a blasting cap. By the same token, I've never installed any fiber cement siding, used synthetic trim as well as countless other skills and applications. After 40 years in the trade, the list of skills to learn is longer than ever. One of the things that makes this forum great. The collective sharing of experience and opinions has expanded my knowledge base. I learn something new on every visit, directly or indirectly. I could barely type when I first signed up here, now I'm up to seven fingers and almost no looking. The trade takes many years to learn, you just have to keep at it with an open mind.

    Beat it to fit / Paint it to match