How to Find a Good Carpenter

Ask friends and family members if they can recommend a quality carpenter. Start a list of carpenters in your area who you plan to contact.

Search online for additional carpenters to add to your list. Try searching for those who have experience in the type of project that you want completed, such as "renovation carpenter" or "room addition carpenter."

Visit the websites of the carpenters on your list. Read through the services that they provide and check out their online portfolio. Also, try to find a page on their site that lists credentials, experience and contractor license numbers. This is usually found on an "About" page.

If possible, check the state licensing board where the carpenter is registered. For example, the California Department of Consumer Affairs has a government website that will allow you to check a carpenter's record if licensed as a contractor. Also, look the carpenter up on the Better Business Bureau website, just in case a listing is provided.

Call the carpenters who you are considering to hire. Ask them questions that you might have and request an estimate for your project. This may involve scheduling an appointment for them to come to your home. In the meantime, ask for references and call them to find out more about each carpenter's experience and reputation.

Compare the estimates that you receive from each carpenter. Be sure to pay attention to the overall cost of the work and how long each one estimates the job will take to complete. Use the information from the references who you called and the licensing board, in conjunction with the estimate from each carpenter, to make your final decision.