Hello everyone, I’m currently living in Canada but am constantly being asked to move to Manchester, CT. where I have family. I am a mostly finish carpenter but do framing from time to time. My family tell me that’s there’s always work for carpenters in CT. and that I’d do good with molding & other finish work. I’d like to move down and give it a try plus I’d like to see the state of CT..
Do any of you folks live near Manchester, CT. and be looking for a carpenter?
Thanks kindly
Paul C.
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Replies
If you haven't already, you need to get a license. This link will take you to the Department of Consumer Protection, which issues them. Look under Home Improvement. Renewal is annually about November and cost about $160.
http://www.ct.gov/dcp/cwp/view.asp?a=1622&q=274368&dcpNav=|&dcpNav_GID=1544
Good luck.
"I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul." Invictus, by Henley.
Hi Paul...
I'm a contractor in New Haven CT, about 35 mins away. Doing primarily small to midsized remodeling work. Might have something for you. If you're interested please send a resume. Thanks...
PaulBinCT
([email protected])
Edited 1/28/2006 8:33 pm ET by PaulBinCT
And the commute is a breeze (ha!) I grew up in CT (Seymour), I don't know how you guys that have to drive anywhere near 84, 95 or Rt 8 do it everyday. Everytime I make it through Hartford or Waterbury alive I feel lucky. Other than that, I think it's the biggest little state in the country.
There are some times during the day that I just don't go to Waterbury. Can't wait until the DOT starts to redo the 8 - 84 interchange there. Yikes! Half the traffic in New England will screech to a halt.Andy
"Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig." Robert A. Heinlein
"Get off your dead #### and on your dying feet." Mom
Thanks Paul for the chance. I've never been to CT. so I have no idea about the state. What kind of carpentry work is in high demand down there? What's the pay like for a 4th year apprentice? How "hard" is it commuting around Manchester & New Haven? ain't New Haven the home of Stanley Tools? By me moving to CT., it'd be like moving to another country as I have no idea about anything in your state.
Currently I'm doing some cabinet doors for someone and knotty pine moldings for another customer. For some reason up here, no one likes doing trim work. Everyone wants to be out in all kinds of weather doing framing. I guess everyone has their likes & dislikes. I love doing moldings as there is a lot of pleasure in seeing the finish work enhance the room. Also I love how moldings, when interchanged with each other, can produce so many results.
Thanks & take care
Paul in Newfoundland, Canda
I'm not sure about Manchester, but I'd be looking a little closer to the south so as to be within a reasonable commute of money. Now, remember that Connecticut is a small state. I can drive for an hour and a bit in any direction and be in a different state. Fairfield and Litchfield Counties are loaded with money, lots of which goes into second homes. Actually, most anyplace along the coast is good that way. Find a small, custom home builder, and you'll probably have a great and challengening work environment.Andy
"Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig." Robert A. Heinlein
"Get off your dead #### and on your dying feet." Mom
Well, CT is a very high income state so there is a lot of work, but the cost of living is very high. BTW, New Britain is the home of Stanley, but there was a huge caca storm recenntly when they announced they were going to become a Bermuda corporation as a tax dodge, I'm not sure of the outcome. Commuting can be a real horror during rush hour, but if you plan well, it's generally livable. Pay is going to depend of course on many variables, I'd hazard a guess from what you're saying that 25-30/hr is where you'd fall. If you really want to stick with trim and molding work, I can give you some names in my area that might be worth persuing. Drop me a note... good luck!
Edited 1/29/2006 10:05 am ET by PaulBinCT
Paul, thanks once again. I, for some reason (getting forgetful at 35), neglected to mention that I also have a trade in residential electrical as well as cabinetmaking. People tell me I shouldn't have trouble finding work. Work ain't the problem up here, it's just that no one wants to pay "decent" wages.
Paul
The licensing process for electrical is much harder, Paul. But I can't imagine you'll have any trouble finding work. Be glad to help if I can... be sure and let me know if you decide to make the move, we can meet for a cup of coffee.
PaulB
I'm a bit over an hour from Manchester, so I'm no real help to you. But there's no shortage of demand for good carpenters.
Andy
"Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig." Robert A. Heinlein
"Get off your dead #### and on your dying feet." Mom
I'm a bit over an hour from Manchester, so I'm no real help to you. But there's no shortage of demand for good carpenters.
I heard that- if fact, I heard that there's such a shortage of "good" carpenters that people have started calling you instead.................lol
How's it going there, magazine boy???
Bob
Hey! That was a personal attack! I'm wounded, and deeply. Moderator! Help!
I'm doing well so far, Bob. Busy as a one armed paper hanger. Mainly writing, a little consulting, and just enough carpentry that the tools don't rust. Andy
"Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig." Robert A. Heinlein
"Get off your dead #### and on your dying feet." Mom
Ahhh....lost your gavel so now you've gotta cry for help, huh sissyboy? lol
Glad to hear that you're keeping busy. For some reason I thought you were back at contracting fulltime again, not writing and consulting. Shoot me an email when you get a chance and fill me in- I've got a few things I'm working on that we may be able to help each other with.
Bob
Roger that.Andy
"Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig." Robert A. Heinlein
"Get off your dead #### and on your dying feet." Mom
Welcome to Connecticut Paul. You're going to love it here. Especially as a finish carpenter. Some of the best pay rates in the country for carpentry exist here, depending on the location of the work.
The CM
I think 25 to 30 an hour is a little optimistic for a 4th year apprentice. Journeyman union carpys are getting just over $22 in their envelopes. Their total package with bennies must be worth around $30 now
From Manchester you could easily be employed at one of the indian casinos the day you arrive. They pay the scale OK. And show up with your tools ready to work.
Ct is a great place to work in the trades. The pay is the best in the country. Year after year Ct ranks first in income per capita. Its not like working in a foriegn country though, be ready to pay dearly for everything.
The cost of living here reflects the higher wages. Many people end up with a higher standard of living and not much savings in the bank.
If you are Canadian there''s that Green Card issue.
Let's not confuse the issue with facts!
Does that only apply to Canadians? It would seem so, given that Spanish is the dominant language in the town market at lunch time.Andy
"Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig." Robert A. Heinlein
"Get off your dead #### and on your dying feet." Mom
Cuál es una tarjeta verde?or if you prefer Latin: qui pecto crudus?
Diga me las cartas verdes, pronto, pronto!
Last time I said that, I was suddenly the only guy waiting to order lunch at the deli.Andy
"Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig." Robert A. Heinlein
"Get off your dead #### and on your dying feet." Mom