I’m Canadian but have been living in Japan for 14 years building 2×4 custom homes here. I subcontract here doing the framing, insulation, drywall, flooring, trimwork, custom stair kits, and some furniture at the end. The market here is changing and the work is getting less challenging all the time, the houses are also becoming cheap products…
My parents are retired and living in Nova Scotia, I’m thinking about heading back to spend some time near them, and living a slower pace of life than I’ve been doing here in Japan.
Is there much work for carpenters in Nova Scotia right now? What is the job market there like? I’ve done work in Calgary, worked for a construction company and did renos, there was no problem meeting the level of work I saw being done.
Any information would help.
Thanks,
SS
Replies
From what I see and hear, there is tons of work all through the province....most of the contractors are turning away work because they can't find people. They can't find people because so many tradesmen have gone to Alberta. Alberta may be starting to cool (plus the cost of living is stupid), but BC and Saskatchewan are ramping up....thyey have their own oilsands or similar resources. New Brunswick is also getting ready for a number of megaprojects, so they are going to be drawing trades also.
Now pay is another story....I hear some contractors saying they are paying Alberta wages to get people, but I hear more guys complaining of not getting paid enough. Some of the Halifax guys will chime in, I'm sure, there are a bunch here from Halifax.
tatekata
I live just outside Halifax and work mostly in the city. Adrian has it nailed. There is a real shortage of skilled people here and lots of work.
Add in the fact that young people have been directed away from the building trades for some years, or maybe decades, and, well, it's time to raise your rates.
Ron
what about in the valley? i'd move from toronto to halifax in a second, but i want to do challenging and fun stuff, no sub division junk. what about hourly rates?
Sounds like it is busy. My Dad has been saying that about Truro, but I didn't want to believe it.
The cost of living seems so low in Nova Scotia compared to other places, its hard to beat it there's work available.
Right now in Japan, the moment I mention something about the prices they subcontract me for, they just give other carpenters the work....even if their quality isn't there. Its a tough to survive in a market like that.
Do carpenters in NS frame throughout the winter too?
ss
The bottom line here in Novy is that if you are any good you will be busy.
On a hill by the harbour
Is there any problem with U.S. citizens coming up there to work? Live? Are there difficulties becoming a citizen for older folks?
Kathy and I took a peek at New Zealand a few years ago but they are pretty strict about older folks moving there, draining the social systems. Understandable.
man ....
you'll do anything to get outta this Fest idea!
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
Didn't think of that!
not like a Fest in Nova Scotia is unheard of!
we made the last one ... we're not easily discouraged!
Jeff Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa
jim,
I can't help you there as none of my ancestors ever immigrated into Canada.
I built a house a few years ago for a woman who is now an immigration consultant. Are you interested enough to give her a call or an email?
Ron
We might be. I'll let you know mid November.
There are lots and lots of Americans here in Cape Breton.....everyone from sixties back to the landers to newbies. Lots of Germans, and some Austrians, Swiss, some Brits. I did hear about one American couple that moved here (can't remember if it was Cape Breton, but Novy anyway) to set up a business got some immigration hassles, but mostly it seems to go smoothly.
Cabinetmaker/college woodworking instructor. Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.
Jim,
What if we've elected our own cardigan carrying dictator by then?
tatekata
Winters on the Atlantic coast aren't usually all that hard. It rarely goes to -20C and never stays there long. So we do work outside through the winter if we can't avoid it.
The worst thing about winter is that it is often wet. We lose a lot of time to weather if there is no indoor work.
Winter is different away from the Atlantic coast. More snow, colder for longer. If your father is in Truro, then you must know something about it.
Ron