I just finished reading some posts about Facia boards and who should or be better at putting them up.
When I apprenticed with my uncle, we did everything. My first year carpentry teacher told the class, learn as much as you can before you specialize. If times get tough, it will help you out a great deal.
I have often thought about specializing. My problem is I like being able to do everything that comes my way and I am not adverse to trying new things. I have also looked at myself as being a problem solver.
So is it too late? Can I still specialize?
If it wasn’t for the Bank Payments,
Interest, Taxes, Wages, and Fuel Costs,
I wouldn’t have to charge you!!
Replies
My problem is I like being able to do everything that comes my way
I think you've answered your own Q. Just because your teacher mentioned specialization doesn't mean you still have to do what he says...
All the best...
To those who know - this may be obvious. To those who don't - I hope I've helped.
I have always thought specializing is the best way to make money, but can lead to early burn out. Then, most folks get used to the big bucks and it's tough to go back and get the training you need to learn other aspects of the profession.
We're all different, but I'm really glad I took the slower route. After 30 some years I'm still learning a lot, working towards becoming a better carpenter, understanding house systems and such. I'll probably never be great at any one part of it, but I get by okay at most parts - I wish I had bought a portable sawmill when I was younger, though. Getting a little long in the tooth for that type of work.
Tipi, Tipi, Tipi!
http://www.asmallwoodworkingcompany.com
Specializing can work great for some folks. If that specialty is in high demand for the area.
I've begun redirecting my own business towards specializing. I'd eventually like to do strictly custom woodworking. Custom fabrications done in my shop with minimum time in the field.
I'm not turning away eveything and anything that doesn't fall into that niche just yet...but rather making others aware of my intent. I'll continue to take jobs that pay the bills, but my suppliers and fellow contractors, architects and the like have been notified.
Getting the word out is paramount. I can't tell you how many people...aquaintences, friends of friends, parents at school, etc.....often had no idea exactly what it was I do/did. Assumed I was a contractor, but uncertain of the scope of my work.
Got a call from a school parent just yesterday. "I'm looking to have some painting done....do you do that?" I explained that I myself am a carpenter, but that my brother who works with me is a painter. She was quite surprised to learn I was a carpenter and mentioned some built-ins she'd like me to look at when I come by today to assess the painting.
Bingo! Get the word out.
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
"Can I still specialize?"
Don't you all ready.
Or do you metal roofing, high steel erection, commercial glazzing work, wood floors, electric, plumbing, excavation work, carpeting, paint, stucco.
There are many ways of specializing.
Specialization: learning more and more about less and less, until finally you know everything about nothing. (I would give credit for that quote but I don't know where it came from. It isn't mine. PD)
Don't have a real answer for ya. I like variety, so specialization wouldn't be up my alley. Some people hate change, so specialization might work better for them.
A mentor once told me that to succeed (in the company we were in back then, manufacturing in the corporate world), a person had to know how to do a lot of things well, but had to be REALLY GOOD at one thing. So basically, the expert specialist in one area (and that one area only) wouldn't move up the ladder, but a guy who knew a bit about many different jobs, and excelled at his basic title, would move right up the ranks.
OTOH, specialists can command a higher price for thier work. Also, supply and demand may be tilted in their favor.
If you want, specialize when you can and rake it in. If work dries up, then have something else to fall back on. Then become a specialist in that.
Pete Duffy, Handyman
"Specialization: learning more and more about less and less, until finally you know everything about nothing. (I would give credit for that quote but I don't know where it came from. It isn't mine. PD)"
Sometimes I think my career has gone the other way...I've learned less and less about more and more, until finally I know nothing about everything.
We specialize. All we do is rock and tape. My feeling is if you do one thing and do it fast and good you can provide a lower (not cutting someone elses bid) price and provide a great product. I have been with this company for seven years and we only miss the time between christmas and new years because of company policy. We are scheduled full all the way through fall and looking to put on four guys for hanging and a couple more tapers. I've worked as a "do all" carpenter before and we would be feast or famin. In my opinion specializing yourself is not that bad, but you should keep up on other aspects of the field. Kinda going against myself there.
It's all about what you want to do.
I always thought that people that do somewhat unique specialties make the most money. Like framers that do shells and advertise that as such...so many HO's wanna be more and more in charge of the production of their jobs/homes. Wanna play GC...to eventually their dismay maybe but none the less...
I started in the early daze of my illustrious career, writing an entire laundry list of everything under the sun in my ads. From framing to painting to demo to roofing & siding to kitchens and bathrooms to fire damage to...etc etc etc. In over 30+ years of doing that laundry list I've gotten pretty good at a lot of things. No master of anything really because I "don't" specialize in one thing that I do day in and day out. Although I do have to say in my defense...my not masters degree seems a whole lot better than some that call them selves "experts" IMO.
I spose I'm a romantic at heart and can't keep my feely touchy hands off most phases of building. For this ol' carp I'd absolutely hate doing the same thing day in and day out. I'd rather make less money and have a more enjoyable life.
The one thing I specialize in is the love of my work!
If Blodgett says, Tipi tipi tipi it must be so!
TipiFest 06~~> Send me your email addy for a Paypal invoice to the greatest show on earth~~>[email protected]
best thing to do is first analyze the market. is there enough demand to justify shifting focus towards one particular specialization? is there alot of competition in that niche? or will you be able to learn as you go without worrying about not getting jobs? then, once you answer those questions, plan your path. if you answered yes to the demand, and decide you want to shift that way, then begin taking more jobs in that area, and begin marketing that...get the word out! don't forego your bread and butter, however. rather, keep the same level of diverse work you've been doing while slowly taking on more and more of the specialization. over time, as word gets out about your specialization, slowly go away from the general work, and replace it with more and more specialized, as the market permits. but don't cut of all ties to the general industry! you never know when contacts might come in handy.