Carpentry covers a wide range, from fitted furniture to structural work, and how you price and set up depends heavily on which end of that range you focus on.
Decide what kind of carpentry you're pricing for
Bespoke fitted work — wardrobes, kitchens — prices very differently from repetitive structural work like stud walls or roof timbers. Decide your focus early, since it shapes your quoting method, not just your skillset.
Account for material price volatility
Timber prices can shift noticeably between quoting a job and starting it, especially for larger jobs booked weeks in advance. State a validity period on quotes, and consider a materials price clause for anything with a longer lead time.
Workshop time is real time — price it
Work built off-site in a workshop, such as doors or fitted units, is easy to under-price if you only count on-site hours. Track workshop time separately so it does not quietly disappear into "free" prep work.
Photograph finished bespoke work systematically. Carpentry sells on visible craftsmanship more than most trades, and a simple portfolio becomes one of your strongest sales tools with almost no extra effort.
Tool investment is ongoing, not one-off
Power tools wear out and get stolen more than hand tools. Budget for periodic replacement rather than treating your initial tool purchase as a one-time cost.
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