Company details

Web: www.instituteofcarpenters.com

Telephone number: 0844 879 76976

Email: info@instituteofcarpenters.com

Checklist: Choosing a carpenter

Find a professional search facility: www.instituteofcarpenters.com/find

Finding someone to do a quality job is essential when working with wood. It’s an amazing material which is extremely versatile, but you do need professional help to make sure the right timber is used for the job and an expert to guide you and do a quality job, rather than one which can easily not last if not done properly.

Kate loves working with such a historic organisation and was made thoroughly welcome at the IOC annual conference when she presented there. The hope is that by working closely with the IOC, more consumers will be aware of the importance of choosing a properly qualified carpenter to carry out work on their home and avoid falling prey to poor quality work, which can easily do more damage than good to a home.

What do they do

The IOC is a professional membership organisation for those working in all wood trades, not just carpentry).

The IOC work to enhance and promote the status of this ancient profession and ensure members and their clients benefit from the superior knowledge and craftsmanship associated with the Institute.

As part of their service, they offer a Find a professional search facility. Their members are approved with relevant qualifications and proven track record and it’s all backed up by references. All members commit to uphold the Institute’s standards and traditions and this is reflected in their Code of Conduct.

Membership is open to all wood trades and is not restricted to carpentry:

• Carpentry

• Furniture and cabinet makers

• Structural post and beam carpenters

• Wheelwrights

• Wood carvers and turners

• Boat builders

Selecting a craftsman can be a stressful experience. Will they do a quality job? Will you get value for money?

If you had the choice of using someone you found online or using someone who had independent accreditation, wouldn’t you take the latter for peace of mind?

From the beginning

The Institute of Carpenters was founded in 1890 by 11 craftsmen who had achieved first class passes in the new exams set by the Worshipful Company of Carpenters, one of the oldest livery companies in the City of London. At that time, the Institute’s role was to oversee training for carpenters and joiners to help maintain high professional standards and skills at a time when many feared that traditional skills were being lost.

The institute is very proud of their heritage and history and, more than a century after forming, they are still committed to the original aims of ensuring each generation of carpenters and joiners upholds the highest traditions of this historic craft.

How much does it cost?

It’s free to use the find a professional search facility to find a qualified craftsperson . However, members pay to join which starts from just £10 a year for a student member and just over £100 a year for fellowship.

Awards and competitions

The Institute of Carpenters runs two schemes:

Carpenters’ Craft Competition – an annual competition to showcase work which is open to all students in wood trades. More info here.

Master Certificate Scheme – an awards scheme which gives craftspeople the chance to further the recognition of their work at the different stages in their career. More info here.

Top three tips

1. Be patient – if you want a qualified, experienced craftsperson to complete your work, the chances are you’re going to have to wait for availability. If they are immediately available, as yourself why.
2. Shop around – don’t rely on just one quote, get a range of quotes and a fully detailed estimate
3. Get a written estimate – make sure you know exactly what will and won’t be do