Whether we really stop to think about it or not, carpenters often touch our lives in some form or another. From building the wooden frames for our homes, through to assisting with local structures and projects – tradespeople working in the field are in high demand.
And as the population continues to grow, their skillsets are only further sought after, making it hard to know exactly what to look for when you’re on the hunt for one too.
So what kind of traits should you keep an eye out for, in order to find a good-quality carpenter?
The must-have skills of an experienced carpenter
Like most trades, there are fundamental skillsets that make up carpentry. Ultimately, if your chosen tradie can be put through the test and tick all of the following boxes, then you’ve found yourself a professional you can rely on.
Mechanical skills
Carpenters are required to work with a number of tools and equipment. Because of this, they need solid mechanical skills, allowing them to productively work with extension ladders, handheld tools, electronics and power equipment (like saws or sanders). They must also know how to shape and cut certain materials with specific tools, all to the dimensions required.
Problem-solving
Oftentimes, tradies in this line of work face unexpected issues and need to think on their feet in order to get our of rough patches. While every project is different, carpenters need to be able to adjust their plans on the fly, without too much delay.
This might come in the form of materials not being available or more preparation work needed to really kick off a project. In all cases, they’ll need to apply critical thinking skills to navigate any unforeseen circumstances.
Mathematic skills
Basic math skills are a must. Day in and day out, carpenters use arithmetic, geometry, algebra, statistics and even calculus to complete their work. They’ll also be required to add up volumes and complete certain planning tasks that require calculations.
Additionally, maths is required to firmly understand a blueprint, so carpenters need to be able to navigate and read through dimensions without any hiccups. Above all, they’ll need to know how to stay within an allocated budget and handle expenses accordingly.
Attention to detail
It goes without saying that a carpenter is required to stick to the details at hand, and pay close attention to any finer aspects along the way. Precision is a must, and there’s usually not a lot of room for error. A steady hand and the ability to make accurate, smooth movements is half the challenge, but a good carpenter will possess these traits naturally (or with solid experience).
If you’re looking for a carpenter but aren’t sure where to start, we highly recommend getting in touch with the team at Hammertime to discuss your needs.