Lead Carpenter

Advantages of the Lead Carpenter System


1. Total job control. No chance of the electrician showing up and asking the homeowner, "Hey, lady, what do I do now?" The lead carpenter is the project manager, always there to show subs what to do, direct delivery of materials, meet with building and other inspectors, and be responsible for the job.

2. Total job security. In the old days when the woman of the house was there most of the time, there was not much demand for a remodeling contractor to provide security. Now, one of the prime concerns of American home owners is home security. The lead carpenter being on the job every day from start to completion is a real positive element for customers.

3. Efficient materials handling. When the job is first set up, a complete material list -- almost down to the last nail -- must be developed, contracts negotiated with subcontractors and a complete task and labor breakdown for the carpenters done as well. The lead carpenter goes over the rough framing load, the trim list, the special order items, which supplier they are ordered from and the delivery schedule. Then the lead carpenter is responsible for staying ahead on materials and confirming timely and sufficient deliveries.
This totally eliminates the cost of a "gofer" at about $40,000 a year counting the cost of the truck. A well-organized lead carpenter always has something to do to keep busy and if materials are delivered a couple of hours late, the carpenter can still make the time productive.

4. No buck to pass. No trim carpenter calls the office and says, "I can't trim this out because it's framed wrong." One subcontractor can't just take advantage of being first on the job and do something that makes it easier for them but tougher for the other subs because the lead carpenter is there to direct the work. Most important, lead carpenters have a certain pride of ownership in the job -- they bring the family out and say, "Look, I'm building this addition or remodeling this kitchen."

5. Labor costs controlled.

6. Responsibility for service work.