I run a small Chairish shop selling restored vintage furniture. I'm getting more orders for custom chairs and need a carpenter to handle repairs and modifications. I've never hired anyone before. Should I look for someone with furniture experience or just general carpentry? What should I ask during the interview? I'm worried about licensing and insurance. Any advice would be appreciated.
Hiring
I want to hire a carpenter for my Chairish business
General carpentry skills are a baseline, but furniture-specific experience matters a lot. Someone who understands joinery, wood species, and finishing will save you time. Ask for examples of furniture repair work they've done. Licensing varies by state; check your local requirements for independent contarctors.
Insurance is non-negofiable. Get a certificate of insurance showing general liability. If they're working in your space, also check workers' comp if required. Don't skip this.
You might consider hiring on a trial basis first. One small project to see how they communicate and deliver. Saves you from a bad long-term commitment.
Thanks. I hadn't thought about a trial project. What's a fair way to structure that? Pay hourly or flat rate for the test job?
Flat rate for a defined scope is cleaner for a trial., But make sure the scope is clear and includes what 'done' means. Also, ask if they have their own tools or expect yours. That can affect pricing.
Don't overlook communication. You'll need someone who can send photos, update you on progress, and flag issues early. A great carpenter who can't communicate will make your life hard.
Where are you located? Some states require a contractor license for any work over a certain dollar amount. That might force you to hire a licensed contractor even for small jobs. Check with your state's licensing board.
I'm in Pennsylvania. I'll look into the state requirements. Thanks for the reminder.
In PA, home improvement contractors need to register with the Attorney General's office. That applies to work on residential properties. If your shhop is commercial, rules may differ. Worth a call to the AG's office.
Also, ask for references from other business owners, not just homeowners. A carpenter who works with businesses will understand deadlines and invoicing.
One more thing: clarify who supplies materials. If you supply, you control quality, but you also bear the risk of waste. If they supply, get receipts. Just be upfront about it.
And get a written agreement, even for the trial. Scope, payment terms, timeline. Handshake deals are a recipe for confusion.