Is there any demand for carpenters anywhere in the country right now? Where would a man have to go to get work as a carpenter? In my region, south central WI, work is very hard to find. How about work overseas? I’d be interested in seeing a discussion of this issue.
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story

Listeners write in about removing masonry chimneys and ask about blocked ridge vents, deal-breakers with fixer-uppers, and flashing ledgers that are spaced from the wall.
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Fine Homebuilding Magazine
- Home Group
- Antique Trader
- Arts & Crafts Homes
- Bank Note Reporter
- Cabin Life
- Cuisine at Home
- Fine Gardening
- Fine Woodworking
- Green Building Advisor
- Garden Gate
- Horticulture
- Keep Craft Alive
- Log Home Living
- Military Trader/Vehicles
- Numismatic News
- Numismaster
- Old Cars Weekly
- Old House Journal
- Period Homes
- Popular Woodworking
- Script
- ShopNotes
- Sports Collectors Digest
- Threads
- Timber Home Living
- Traditional Building
- Woodsmith
- World Coin News
- Writer's Digest
Replies
You'll get some here that will say they have never been busier, have huge backlogs, etc.
They may be the exception. I'm retired, so I can report that a whole lot of our local carpenters, masons, roofers, tile-setters, electricians, plumbers, and more, are spending as much time skiing as I am, and I'm there most every day.
Our daughter, seeking contractors to remodel the old house she and her husband just bought in Denver, are having no trouble at all interesting well-qualified remodeling contractors in their job. They are getting excellent quote response, from firms able to begin the work right away. Huge change from a couple years ago.
The industry is in bad shape:
http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2...
"Interactive Map: The Tool Belt Recession"
QUOTE
A new memo from the Center for American Progress and the Home Performance Resource Center looks at the decline in construction and construction-related employment during the current recession. The analysis finds that there has been massive job loss in these industries along with significant unused capacity in the product manufacturers serving the industry. The burgeoning home efficiency retrofit industry represents an opportunity to start putting these workers back on the job.
The map above breaks down declines in construction employment by state from peak levels to December 2009. Scroll over a state to see the percent decline in construction employment in that state, the peak employment, and the current employment.
END QUOTE
I have never had a busier winter here in Connecticut, finishing up three high end baths and starting an addition soon, its going to be a good summer. I do only referral work and have a roster of about 100 repeat customers who always have something going on. My cohorts who live by bidding are dying right now. But I never went that way because I knew it would take a real hit at some point. I take all the s++t work from them to keep the relationship and now and then they drop a big one on me. Has worked fine for me for the past 17 years.
I have never had a busier winter here in Connecticut, finishing up three high end baths and starting an addition soon, its going to be a good summer. I do only referral work and have a roster of about 100 repeat customers who always have something going on. My cohorts who live by bidding are dying right now. But I never went that way because I knew it would take a real hit at some point. I take all the s++t work from them to keep the relationship and now and then they drop a big one on me. Has worked fine for me for the past 17 years.
I have never had a busier winter here in Connecticut, finishing up three high end baths and starting an addition soon, its going to be a good summer. I do only referral work and have a roster of about 100 repeat customers who always have something going on. My cohorts who live by bidding are dying right now. But I never went that way because I knew it would take a real hit at some point. I take all the s++t work from them to keep the relationship and now and then they drop a big one on me. Has worked fine for me for the past 17 years.
I have never had a busier winter here in Connecticut, finishing up three high end baths and starting an addition soon, its going to be a good summer. I do only referral work and have a roster of about 100 repeat customers who always have something going on. My cohorts who live by bidding are dying right now. But I never went that way because I knew it would take a real hit at some point. I take all the s++t work from them to keep the relationship and now and then they drop a big one on me. Has worked fine for me for the past 17 years.
Sawdust, you have single handedly taken the award for the most posts with a single press of the button!
Congratulations!
as an aside, last yr was excellent starting in the end of March. Solid through today. We'll see what transpires the rest of spring and into the summer.
Thanks, sawdust. Nothing like a little repetition for emphasis.