Get matched with top woodworkers in Henderson, NC

Before hiring a carpenter, the most important thing is to make sure they are properly qualified and insured for the job. It’s more than reasonable to ask your prospective carpenter for customer references, as well as about their licensing and insurance. You should also consider choosing a carpenter that specializes in your specific project area to ensure high-quality results. 

There are two ways you can cut trim for doorways: with a miter saw or a table saw. Mitered joints need a 45-degree angle. If you’re unfamiliar with a miter saw, you might want to consider buying extra trim pieces or choosing butted joints instead. One wrong cut, and you’ll need to power up the saw again with a new piece. 

Butted joints—also called shaker style—don’t need a 45-degree angle. Instead, your side pieces attach perpendicularly to the header trim and only require a straight cut.

If you don’t have a coping saw, you can use an angle grinder to cope crown molding, but it takes a little more precision. Place your molding down on your workbench, angle the grinder at a 45-degree angle toward the molding, and back cut the wood. You’ll need to carefully angle your grinder to accommodate the curves in the wood, and aim to remove around 1 inch from the profile of the molding.

Tipping contractors, builders, or general contractors is not customary or expected. Unlike many service professions where tipping is built into the payment structure, construction professionals typically charge a full rate for their services. However, you may choose to tip a worker for exceptional service, such as if they go above and beyond, stay late to meet a deadline, or work on a holiday weekend. Before offering a tip, it's a good idea to ask about the company's policy, as some prohibit their employees from accepting gratuities. If you want to show your appreciation for a job well done without giving a cash tip, consider writing a positive online review or offering to serve as a reference for potential new customers.