Where Can I Find a "Carpenter"?

[wrldruler]

So I am trying to convert my garage to family room. Due to permit rules, I have to hire licensed folks for the major parts. It's a relatively straightforward task, and I want to act as my own general contractor (I work as a project manager at a bank, and I have some renovation knowledge).

I need to find someone that can help with some framing and stairs, and I can't find a "carpenter".

I have brought in 4 guys so far, and every one of them has tried to estimate the entire job, start to finish. For the last 2, I was very clear that I only wanted help with the framing. They come back with an estimate of like $13K or $17K which includes framing, electrical, HVAC, etc. When I start to tear their estimate into smaller pieces, like I originally asked, they tell me they aren't interested in such a small job.

I have no problem hiring one person to do all the work, but I want visiblity into all the parts so I can gaurantee quality. For instance, while talking to these contractors, I heard two contractors wanting to skimp me on the HVAC, and one got a little loose and easy with the electrical permit rules.

So where can I find a "carpenter"? Seems that everybody is a "contractor" now. The Yellow Pages don't even list anything under "Carpenter". What am I doing wrong?

Thanks,

Chris

[Colbyt]

Sounds to me like you are looking for a framing contractor.

Most of them do not advertise, have an office or business listing as most of them work for builders. This is a good business cycle to be looking for one for a smaller job.

Best suggestion I have is visit some construction sites where framing is under way and ask to speak to the boss. Be sure to mention the boss in your first sentence. You do not want it to look like you are stealing workers.

Leave some contact info with anyone who will speak with you. Even if they don't want the work they may refer you to some one who does.

BTW, everyone is a contractor for the same reason you can not build your own addition. Namely unnecessary regulation from a government with too much time on it's hands. I have a contractor license so I speak with first hand knowledge.

Colbyt

[Oren]

Why are two contractors at your house, at the same time, giving estimates? _Divide and Concur_.!

[Oren]

Around her one can ask for "leader los de Mexicanos". They point the boss out right way...

[charlie]

you're talking to the wrong type of people. you're talking to general contractors. you want the people they hire, or subcontractors. if you're looking for just a framer, go to a real lumberyard and ask for a referral.

[Harry K]

.- Hide quoted text -

Yep. They will have lists of people doing that work. Whether those people have a license to do it is another question. At least that is where I would start looking.

Harry K

[Joe]

There are many independent tradesmen that are loyal union members. Cal the union hall and get some names and phone numbers.

Joe

[Mike]

There are many independent tradesmen that are loyal union members. Cal the union hall and get some names and phone numbers.

Joe

They are in there Try looking under the heading of Remodels or Home Improvements

[evodawg]

You don't necessarily need a licensed contractor for this job if your acting as the general. But you do need to find someone that is knowledgeable and knows the code in your area. You can try Craigslist.com or something similar. Have you tried a search on google or yahoo for a handyman or Framer/Carpenter in your area???

Like myself, I'm a retired General A Contractor (now inactive) but now I do remodels and other handyman stuff. I don't advertise that I am a licensed contractor only because I don't want to deal with the bull crap the state drops on you. Try to find someone like myself that's has the knowledge and knows code but does it in their spare time. Meanwhile take a look at my website and let me know what you think.

Good Luck