Is Being a Carpenter Worth it?

[@dchapero6929]

Yes. I left a lucrative career in aerospace R/D. The corporate world was stealing my soul. I became a remodeling carpenter and ultimately a master carpenter. Over ten years later, I’m making just as much money… best part? I look forward to going to work every single day. I’m one of the lucky people that can honestly say I love what I do for a living.

[@antonioherediamedina5510]

hi lovely to read , at what age did you decide to do carpentry ? if you don't mind me asking

[@dchapero6929]

@@antonioherediamedina5510 Of course. I knew it was a passion, when I purchased my house in 2011. I officially made the switch in 2013-2014. I was 32. It has proven to be one of the best decisions I’ve made, professionally. I look forward to going to work, every day, and still do it as a hobby in my spare time. It’s never too late to make a change. Don’t listen to the naysayers… so many people thought I was crazy. If you find yourself pursuing a passion for work, ultimately you will become a master; once you get to that point, everything falls into place.

[@hanselito2416]

That's what I need. A soul. Half ginger, no soul.

[@hanselito2416]

​@antonioherediamedina5510 i tried it at 30. Coworker also started at 30. Good opportunity to make friends through sweat. People respect hard work if theyre doing it too. People only respect money in corporate-land.

[@jamesmckay6106]

I just started at age 41, and it's exactly as you describe. Each day is different and there's more difficult days than easy, but in the end when exhausted, you can look at the accomplishment and feel proud. However I really do feel we are all underpaid for the amount of work being done. I still love it.

[@N1rOx]

Out of curiosity, what job/s were you doing before the switch?

[@ninthcloud6331]

I second the question by N1rOx, and have a few of my own. First - What was the transition like from your previous career? Second - Are you in the US (if so, what state)? Lastly - Having just started, what type of take-home are you pulling each month (or year, if you're that far along)? If you see this and respond, thank you in advance 🙏

[@Tool_Addicted_Carpenter]

Remodeling/general contracting is such a satisfying profession. I can be selective in what I tackle and subcontract to the licensed pros. I always do the finish but sometimes I'll sub out the big frames. It works out well. In regards to income, versatility can pay more than a specialty, and it's far less repetitive. A plumber and electrician will make a solid stable income, but a GC will make more in the long run. I was always bouncing around projects until I finally treated my own house exactly like a remodel for a client. Put together a list of necessary tasks, a wish list of tasks, stock list, order of operations, timeframe, and did it one step at a time. It really leveled everything out for me and ended up exactly how I wanted. Prep is 90% but all tough days come to an end and the results are incredibly satisfying when you're finished. Hopefully more guys want to be carpenters because it's impossible to find help.

[@DaveDoesCarpentry]

Treating the home Reno’s as a proper job is definitely the best way to go about getting it done. Only downside is that it begins to feel like another job instead of a fun side project, but that’s what you’ve got to do to get it done. Just saw that you make some tool related videos aswell! I’ll check some of them out!

[@Tool_Addicted_Carpenter]

@@DaveDoesCarpentry I needed it to feel like another job because the fun of a half finished space had worn off lol. And thank you sir. Love your vids

[@PatriciaTomberlin]

Did a lot of house frameup help years back, hard hot work at times, but I always loved the feel, smell, and handeling of all types of wood!

[@aaroncupp7229]

So you really enjoyed handling the wood, Patricia?

[@otisotis5016]

@@aaroncupp7229😂

[@xXiiBet]

100% man. Ever since I started carpentry, I never look back. The scope of works carpenters do compared to other trades is second to none.

[@alessiomarin1218]

I’m interested in pursuing carpentry and have been wondering about this. I don’t want to end up with the wrong work/reward ratio. I know someone who came up with a good analogy for this. Cutting lawns with scissors. Some people bust their assess cutting lawns with scissors. Others use a hand-push mower. Others have a petrol mower. Still others use a ride-along mower. And then there are those who hire 5 people to mow 6 dozen the number of lawns as the guy with a pair of scissors in a third of the time. People often get upset when they see someone working half as hard as them and earning quadruple the money. I don’t wanna cut lawns with scissors!

[@adrianspies2788]

I’m a 50 year old carpenter ex builder. I never wanted to be a carpenter because dad was a builder/ carpenter and I spent my weekends and holidays doing hardwood frames. But I love it. I love the hands on so being a builder sucked. I just work for customers that I’ve had for 25 years. I hate having employees and just work by myself.

[@bd1048]

Hi Is 40 too late to be a carpenter? My ultimate goal is to become a builder.

[@DawoudTanveer-v9z]

@@bd1048I don’t think it’s ever too late

[@EireGenX]

My dad was a carpenter retired now. He asked me when i was younger did i want to become a carpenter i said i wasn't interested. I know that he worked hard late nights early mornings etc people not paying him. It just put me off its a shame he did teach me a lot so i do my own jobs.

[@petermortensen8022]

I would wake up in the morning and think about what had to be done on the job that day. I would look forward to getting to work and getting the tools out and getting into the job. I have no regrets about taking on carpentry. Don't forget that the carpenter runs a job.

[@CPCarpentry2022]

my best advice for anyone joining the carpentry life is dont expect to make money every day and it take loads of time to invest in all the tools and getting the knowledge behind us

[@1petrofski]

And one day when you start pricing jobs always add an extra day for the snagging and finishing as timber work tends to take copious amounts of time when finishing up. Oh also price in more timber than you think as you always have some skew unusable and bendy pieces that can't be used. Good luck , it's a great trade and invest in the best tools possible as it speeds up the job.

[@ezekielgdk]

I start my apprenticeship on the 29th. Im looking forward to it.

[@YNGPhaize]

Good luck bro😄

[@isaiahtiki]

Good luck mate! First years suck but you’ll love it in the end if you’re passionate about it

[@ezekielgdk]

@@isaiahtiki thank you! I know it wont be the best at the start but I know it will be so worth it in the long run. Just gotta stick with it and see where it takes me.

[@drankFoD]

How is it so far

[@ezekielgdk]

@@drankFoD its good bro, I’m essentially a labourer while i slowly learn the basics of carpentry. A lot of digging, carrying materials and helping all the qualified people. The only hard part so far is my body adjusting to the type of work. My knees and back are feeling it already due to being on the ground so much but as I get stronger I’ll be fine. Thankfully I’m with a good group of guys so they are real respectful and keen to teach me. That’s probably the most make or break thing with being an apprentice.

[@martyncalleia768]

great video Dave, well done!

[@nickksimo]

It’s an interesting topic Dave. I think carpentry should and will go the way of sparkies and plumbers where you need to get licensed. You look at all the cowboy chippies out there ruining houses and the liability falls on the builder.. I think it should be harder to be a chippy and in turn we should get paid more. Another factor is longevity. It’s hard to be a chippy for 40+ years. People should look to get into management/supervision/ becoming a builder because you don’t want to still be doing hard labour every day when you’re 50+

[@Seqhael]

Something else that’s awesome is that, you could do like 7-8 years of carpentry and then go off into project management or something where the sky really is the limit, but you’ll still have all the fundamental skill and knowledge to be able to build cool shit or continually improve your house 😎

[@colezee7640]

Great video, i tried to become an electrician, and it was so repetitive and boring that i had to give it up.

[@nando8408]

Love your take on work. I was looking at learning to be a heavy diesel mechanic because the money is really good but Im much more drawn to carpentry and feel like it has lots of utility outside the job as well...

[@brad5227]

Being a chippy or builder is really cool as you have many different skills including running the jobsite and tools to do whatever you want. Worst thing is your less skilled mates like the sparky and plumber earn more and expect you to work on their house for half the hourly rate they charge. 😂

[@Frag1990]

Plumber less skilled than carpentry 🤣🤣. Get a clue.

[@donnyreeves233]

I'd trust a skilled carpenter to do my drainage and hot cold rough in before I trusted even the best plumber to build me a house from footing to finish haha

[@bradbarker8286]

I wish my son got to do his apprenticeship with you. Great video!

[@Bling92]

Thanks for the realistic opinion

[@DanTuber]

Two questions.... What's a good way for a novice to learn some building skills but NOT do a full on apprenticeship ? And would you ever do jobs for a client an allow them to be involved in the work...ie. like an "apprentice" even if they had no building skills or experience ?

[@alfiehiron4424]

Do. The. Apprenticeship.

[@ajharmiah2692]

Maybe ask for an entry level job at minimum wage. Not apprentice wage but still low.

[@anand8905]

Not worth it in Canada, did a 4 year red seal apprenticeship and have 10 years experience, average wages for residential are around $30-$38/hour in bc, commercial is slightly higher

[@MrDeano-eu9rg]

Not really unless you really love the work or work for domeone else, i run a company and its very time consuming and waiting for invoices to be paid is a bitch

[@miguelclarkeottovonbismarck]

Do you actually drop some comparative hourly rate figures I didn't hear anything but general ranking of who makes more.

[@CrispyBeefTapa]

Just started a Carpentry Course in College and looking forward to it. Any tips to an 18 year old into going into Carpentry?.

[@avancalledrupert5130]

I would say no . Going rate for a carpenter is £25 an hr . If the give you £30 they want the moon on a stick. You basically the site manager and a carpenter at that point . So no its not enough to buy a house and building things you will never own gets kind of soul destroying. I just want hang My own doors , lay my own floor , pannel my own hallway. But that work will not earn enough to buy your own house. You can't live in job satisfaction.

[@isdisgudnam]

Its fine if you’re not an envious person

[@coopsnz1]

how much you tax on duties ' vat & excise taxes in uk should be attacking your government

[@avancalledrupert5130]

@@coopsnz1 I Don't pay any tax I write it all of as expenses. People pay way less tax in Britain than America. Especially if you count the cost of health care. I've family in America. Everything in Britain is way way cheaper except housing. Housing is the Everything problem with Britain. The cost of housing here is crippling. Everything else is just an afterthought. It OK if you come from a family that owns property but if you don't you get rent trapped paying basically double mortgage eating up Everything you earn. My in laws are in texas and objectively everything in Britain is better than texas in every way. Except housing. The housing situation is so bad here I might ignore everything else and move to texas .

[@coopsnz1]

@@avancalledrupert5130 everyone pays fuel excise 55% & 50-% alcohol excise left retard ! everyone is consumer aswell so you pay duties importing products & vat !

[@divusbesario]

Hi Sir Dave I want to know if it is possible for me to join in your Team as a Carpenter?

[@kobyrohde1762]

I really want to be a builder is that good or not can you please help me with what I want to do

[@DaveDoesCarpentry]

Being a builder is a great career choice! If you’re new to the industry I’d recommend starting with a carpentry apprenticeship, and once your qualified you can start studying to become a builder

[@kobyrohde1762]

@@DaveDoesCarpentry ok thanks

[@Hateithere85]

I wish that I could be a Carpenter but my brain man...I guess it's simply not for me.

[@nrhoofcare7724]

Appreciate this content mate. Loving carpentry but sometimes get worried about how I'll get more than an hourly but don't want to go full builder. Do you have any tips on making margins without being a builder?

[@HenryTyrrell]

In time when you’re confident, do price work. Pick a specialism that you’re interested in/ good at (eg hanging doors, building decks). If you can do in a day what would take most chippies 2 days, you’ll earn double bubble

[@MrMaxm144]

Honestly no its not. You'll fuck your body and the pays shit. Far more money in other trades

[@DaveDoesCarpentry]

That’s if you stay on the tools. Carpentry leads to so many different career paths that can get you off the tools, such as site supervising or become a builder

[@Joeywilkins_27]

I wish I would of gotten into carpentry

[@mdlusopp]

I work in a white collar job and have no skills with my hands

[@Skinnymoose]

I've been a carpenter for forty years and I say no its not worth it. I wouldn't recommend it.

[@kelvingutierrez4198]

What would you recommand plumbing?

[@Dru-v9u]

20 years here I can build complete houses to a high standard and fair trading wants me to show 2 years experience in the last 10 years , I’ve been self employed running my own jobs for the last 10 years !!!.I done a full apprenticeship start to finish homes with a master builder and they still won’t except my experience what a fucking joke this industry has turned into. Fuck them to hell but your more than happy to give it to a 20 year old who has just completed there apprenticeship and you wonder why the standard of building has gone down!!! Fuck you nsw government you are a piece of shit 💩

[@Skinnymoose]

@Dru-v9u Yep, I hear ya bro. The trade sucks. Every time you switch jobs they want to beat you down on pay too.

[@shaunkenny6922]

Ha ha so true. My house is the same half jobs all over.

[@Glhf96]

Is it worth it in California? … I’m still in doubt but I have drop out of college…

[@coopsnz1]

if you think about moving to australia it cost more to live to go to a pub & own a diesel ute than usa

[@asifkhorrami384]

Hey I really like your work and videos. Which state are you in?

[@chineserefugeemallory1308]

Vic

[@dartymcphee6738]

Need more Asian carpenters in Australia..way too many in plastering & tiling! Also chippies should stay in their lane & don’t do the plastering!

[@mdlusopp]

I work in the office and feel like I'm doing nothing purposeful but attend useless meetings and make the boss richer so soul destroying and mentally draining

[@coopsnz1]

you mean Government richer ! ( poltical class ) what my dad keeped after taxes was bullshit 10 million reveune and he keeps 500k on a good yr working 80 hrs a week

[@GGideon54]

No one hires me, I have all my certifications for residential construction sp/2 nocti and OSHA card it suks

[@Rio_422]

I'm 21 and know fuck all. Should I go to trade school or keep calling business's in my area to find an apprenticeship?

[@watsmynameyo]

If there's a union carpentry training center in your area you can go there and get paid on the job and have a few weeks of training a year at the training center. What state do you live in or are you outside the US

[@kelvingutierrez4198]

Join a union

[@mrpanda39]

Residential carpentry money is poo. Commercial formwork is where the money is.

[@Jay23458]

Hourly that’s about it

[@anand8905]

Same in Canada, residential they pay $30-$38 lol for busting your ass all day, hot all summer, cold all winter

[@bd1048]

Hay Bud is 40 too late to be a carpenter?

[@watsmynameyo]

There are people in my apprenticeship program who are in their fifties, so if you're physically capable I don't think age matters

[@watsmynameyo]

I'm 33 myself and in my second year apprenticeship for the union carpenters

[@MarkSutcliffe-cw5on]

If your hikoki gun is misfiring due to magazine… use a dry lubricant… don’t use dw40… it will work its way up to the firing pin and will stop the gun working all together- this is because the gun has magnets up the top inside the mechanism… I know because I did this on my own gun😢

[@Saifidar]

Do u need carpenters ?

[@dragon_military_man5]

So I want to be a carpenter should I work by myself first or go with a company

[@Mrcrown38]

You will have to apprentice under somebody so you will have to join a company 😂

[@Brandon-dy7lc]

You can’t just jump straight in and be a carpenter mate, but if you want to be a chippy you need to get an apprenticeship with someone fully qualified and then you’ve gotta work for them for at least the first 4 years for an apprenticeship, and this isn’t easy since you are working for pretty much minimum wage for 4 years, and working hard 5 days a week also can get tough. After that you’ve gotta get a few qualifications and sort out a few business things but then you’re sweet to work on your own as a subbie. Just note you need tools, a vehicle, a trailer and everything else that goes with it, so it’s not as easy as you might think But think of it as at least 4-5 years of hard work before you can work for yourself Bit of a process for some but it is 100% worth it if you love the trade industry

[@JasonLuther1]

Sparkies get paid to stand

[@Royalewithcheese579]

Carpentry combines art with practicality (not always tho) whereas with Electricians and Plumbers there is no art to their trade.

[@stiiizyking9732]

Hell nah I’m getting out of this

[@adamali2886]

the houses these days are full of cheap rubbish chip wood

[@adamali2886]

A lot of tradies are robbing people

[@fhkawahara]

It’s not about the money, it’s more like a hobbie

[@coopsnz1]

in mining you can earn 150k a yr a sparky

[@Nath-sn1mv]

Its not for everyone and not everyone can earn the higher bracket either. For me personally, as a kid who grew up in nature, chippy is my absolute favorite job in the world and have been since i first made a wooden plane as a kid with my grandfather 🥲