One of the biggest homebuilding traps is using subcontracted carpenters instead of working with a builder who has a dedicated carpentry team.
Subbies usually hop from job to job, cutting corners to get to the next paycheck. They don’t stick around to see projects through or put in the effort to get the details right. They’re there to do the bare minimum and move on.
And when trades take shortcuts, it’s you who pays the price.
Maybe they don’t back your doors off properly, leaving you with doors that stick and creak. Or maybe they rush the framing, so months later you’re dealing with walls that bow or floors that aren’t level.
Either way…
With In-House Carpenters, It’s a Different Story
Difference #1: Standards that stick. In-house carpenters are trained directly by the builder to do the job right the first time, following their standards to the letter. Take something as simple as hanging a door. A dedicated carpentry team with high standards would bevel the hinge side so it closes smoothly and doesn’t catch. Or with timber joins — they’ll plane them properly, so there’s no warping or gaps that could mess up the finish. To use one last example, instead of just filling nail holes, they’re more likely to take the time to sand them flush so everything looks sharp and seamless.
Difference #2: A team that works as one. In-house carpenters know the builder’s way of doing things and stay in step with other trades. Before plaster goes up, for instance, they’ll double-check with the sparkies to make sure the wiring lines up with the framing. That way, you’re not ripping walls apart later because something’s off. In-house carpenters stay on the same page with plumbers, too, making sure the framing aligns with the plumbing layout so the pipes fit without issue. This level of teamwork keeps the build running smoothly, saving everyone time, money, and stress.
Difference #3: A personal investment in quality. When carpenters are part of the builder’s team, they don’t see it as just another job with no consequences. They want to stay in good standing with their builder — especially if the builder treats them well and gives them consistent work — so they take pride in every detail. They’re invested. For instance, if a beam’s not up to scratch, they’ll swap it out without a second thought. If a join’s a bit off, they’ll get it right. Even the finishing touches, like mitred skirting boards and smooth surfaces, get the same attention to detail. At the end of the day, that means a higher quality home for you.
Difference #4: A build that keeps moving. Subcontractors often juggle too many jobs, hopping from site to site and leaving yours half-finished while they chase the next paycheck. In-house carpenters, on the other hand, aren’t looking for the quickest way out; they’re there to streamline the build and get it done properly. One way they might do this is by prepping ahead of time, cutting everything to fit before it’s actually needed. No waiting around. No bottlenecks. In-house carpenters have their eye on the ball, making sure every step of the build runs smoothly.
The Bottom Line: The Difference is in the Details
When your builder has their own carpenters, you’re getting a team that’s fully invested in the job, down to the tiniest details. It’s the difference between a house that feels slapped together and a home that’s built to last.
Of course, when it comes to building a home, working with in-house carpenters is just one of the many best practices you should pay attention to. That’s why we’ve put together this free guide for you to download:
7 Things You Must Know Before Designing a New Home
It’s loaded with tips to help you sidestep the common pitfalls and build a home you love without blowing your budget.
