As a remodeler who works exclusively on residential remodeling projects, it’s important to us our clients are comfortable with the team who’ll be in their home during the construction phase of their home remodel. That’s why all of our carpentry team are Synergy employees and are a core part of our company. For every home remodel we work on, one of our Carpentry team is assigned to the project. That team member not only brings their carpentry skills to the work, they also manage any speciality trades we may need (think mechanical, electrical and plumbing). Our carpenters work on our home remodeling projects from demolition all the way through any final punch out items.
Our carpenters are highly skilled, love working on fine finishes, have a passion for what they do and genuinely enjoy working with homeowners to create their perfect space. So, let’s meet Matt, one of our Lead Carpenters, and find out what it takes to be a top notch carpenter!
What was your path to becoming a Carpenter?
It came about by chance! As a young man, I needed a job and started as a helper on a job site. I didn’t think I’d stay in the industry, but I fell in love with carpentry and the sense of pride seeing the tangible end product when a home remodel is complete and knowing, “I did that.”
Tell us more about what your day-to-day looks like.
It changes from day-to-day. Most of the time I am doing what I love the most which is woodworking, but I might also be managing trade partners (mechanical, electrical and plumbing specialists). I also have to do a lot of problem solving. As we only work on home remodels and not on new builds, we have to work with existing conditions in the home and that can be a challenge. For example, I’m working on a kitchen right now and the floor is an inch off. It’s my job to figure out a solution and still have a beautiful finish at the end of the project. My day also sometimes changes unexpectedly. Yesterday, I discovered a leak in the home I’m working on that is not connected to the remodel, but we like to help our clients out doing whatever we can when unforeseen issues arise!
What skills are important to become a great carpenter?
Communication and attention to detail in addition to carpentry skills. It’s important to be able to work as a team member and be able to partner with your colleagues. We work in a very collaborative environment at Synergy and it’s important to communicate well with other team members like Interior Designers or Project Managers. Attention to detail is key. We don’t just do something and say, “That’ll do.” We take a lot of pride in our finishes and want it to be perfect.
What do you love most about your job?
I’d never experienced this before the way I do at Synergy but, for me, it’s all about the clients and their reaction at the end of the project! Our clients are genuinely great people and there is nothing that gives me satisfaction like seeing how happy they are with the end result.
What’s the most challenging aspect of being a carpenter?
Navigating through things that can come up and force critical thinking. Even if you know it might add more time to your day, it’s all about coming up with solutions without compromising quality and still having a goal to finish a job when you said you would.
Tell us about your favorite project and why it resonated with you.
My favorite project is one from a couple of years ago. It was a project with a lot of moving pieces, but everything just went so well – from how the overall project ran, to the clients reaction at the end and the ongoing relationship I have with them. One of them called me recently after hearing a family member was ill and it meant so much to me.
What advice would you give for anyone thinking about a career in carpentry?
To listen to the people who have done it for a long time and be willing to accept criticism. Keep an open mind in learning how to do things and keep on wanting to learn. Even if you have done something for a long time, there are always new ways of doing things. Most importantly, take pride in what you do.
At Synergy Design & Construction, we provide a full design-build service. That means we partner with you from design all the way through construction and professionally project manage your home remodel along the way so you have a turn-key home renovation experience. All you have to do is sit back and enjoy a hassle-free remodel! If you are looking for a design thoughtful kitchen remodel, first floor or whole home remodel, we’re happy to discuss your needs.
