Get matched with top carpenters in Ottawa, IL

The average cost to hire a woodworker for a project in your home is around $65 per hour, but hourly rates can range from $35 to $250 or more, depending on the experience and skill of the woodworker. Your total woodworking project cost will depend on the complexity of the work, the type of wood, the number of projects, and any other materials your project requires. You could hire a professional woodworker to create everything from a custom cabinet to ornate, unique staircases.

Generally, general contractors charge between $50 and $150 hourly, though not every contractor charges by the hour. If charging based on the project, you can expect a markup of 10% to 20% of the construction cost. You can expect to pay between $300 and $500 daily if charged by the day.

While city and state laws vary on general contractor licensing requirements, hiring an unlicensed general contractor could lead to poor quality work, costly future expenses, and potential code violations. Be sure to check our state licensing tool to review the local general contractor guidelines for your area.

As you browse our pro listings, take note of the “Angi Approved” badge. Angi Approved businesses meet our standards for certification which include:

• The owner, principal, or relevant manager passed a criminal background check

• Required to have applicable state and local licenses

• Maintain an average star rating of 3.0 or better on our network, if they have at least one review

• Paying to advertise their services

• Meeting any other eligibility criteria required by Angi

Keep in mind licensing is different from certifications. A license is a legal requirement to operate a business, while certifications are voluntary.

Every woodworker has different skills and experience, so we recommend asking the following questions when hiring a woodworker for your project:

• How long have you been in the woodworking industry?

• What experience do you have with my type of project?

• Do you have customer references I can speak with?

• How long do you expect my project to take?

• What is my recourse if I have an issue with your work?

• Do you charge hourly or per project?

• Will you work on-site or in your own workshop?

• Does your fee include the necessary post-job clean-up?

While they perform similar tasks, a carpenter is responsible for the woodworking that goes into construction—like framing, installing sheathing, and hanging kitchen cabinets—while a woodworker tackles more intricate and custom projects—like building custom furniture and installing wainscoting. Based on these definitions, most woodworkers can tackle the jobs of a carpenter, but you should always ask about your specific project when choosing a woodworker to ensure they have the necessary skills to tackle the job.