Carpenter Cost

• Carpenters typically charge $30 -$100 or more an hour, depending on local rates and the complexity of the work performed. Total costs will depend on the size and type of project.
• For example, installation of crown molding typically costs about $8 -$12 a foot or $300 -$500 for a 10'x10' room, but an elaborate design, heavy or exotic woods, irregular layouts or using multiple moldings to create a dramatic effect can cost up to $25 -$35 a foot, or $1,000 -$3,500 for a 10'x10' room. Having a carpenter create custom-built wainscoting (covering the bottom half of an interior wall) in a 10'x12' room can cost $1,000 -$2,600 for just the labor; with lumber and other materials, total costs could be $1,200 -$5,600 or more, depending on the type and quality of lumber.
• Hiring a finish carpenter to create one-of-a-kind built-in shelving units can cost $2,000 -$5,000 or more, not including lumber and other materials. Installing a custom closet organizing system typically costs $1,000 -$5,000 and can be $20,000 -$30,000 or more for exotic wood with a variety of luxury options.
• Adding a non-load-bearing interior wall can cost $400 -$1,500 for labor and materials for a wall 8' high and 18'-20' long.
• Building a 9'x9' walk-in closet by constructing three new walls or a 26'x3' reach-in closet with two new walls (front and side) typically costs $4,000 -$6,500 or more, depending on the type of lighting, doors and built-in-storage, plus ventilation for a walk-in closet.

• Ask for recommendations for a local carpenter from family, friends, co-workers and neighbors, or at the local home improvement or hardware stores. ThisOldHouse.com lists tips for hiring a contractor.
• For extensive or complex projects, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry provides referrals to local contractors.
• Look for someone who specializes in the type of carpentry required. Although the use of these terms varies, typically a trim carpenter deals with interior molding and trim; a framing carpenter constructs walls and roofs; a finish carpenter does fine woodworking, cabinetry, furniture and other work requiring exact joins and minimal margins of error; and a cabinetmaker builds cabinets, wardrobes, dressers and other storage furniture.
• Ask for and check references; verify the the carpenter is insured and licensed by the state, and look for complaints with the Better Business Bureau.
• The carpenter should provide a written contract describing the work to be done, materials to be used, a payment schedule, a start date and an expected completion date. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry describes a well-written contract.

More Articles in Home Remodeling