How Many Guys You Need To Start A Framing Or Finish Carpenter Crew

CJ21

I am a building construction student at my local techincal college, I am two more semesters left from getting my degree in building construction technology. But I am wondering how many guys you need to start a carpenter crew? Would myself and two other guys will be enough?

thom

You can frame houses with a three man crew, depending on the house. Some houses take more than three men to lift some of the stuff. Three guys who know what they're doing can get-r-done.

Trim can also be done with three men. Trim can be done with one guy if need by. It all depends on the level and amount of trim.

genecarp

one good carpenter who is used to working alone can get alot of work done, i worked alone for many years, you become very resourceful and creative, a two person team can handle just about any trim work, including cabinetry. light framing can also be accomplished with a two man crew. myself and two good men could frame or build just about anything.

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neolitic

Two framers, a cut man, and a laborer
is the ideal crew.
You're young, you don't need a laborer.

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DavidC

Just remember that 1 guy can do alot, 2 guys will not do twice that, the third guys adds even less production. No matter what the task (except heavy lifting) the 4th guy is in the way.

Good Luck
Dave

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Jason Whipple

I'd say three is the minimum to get it done in a reasonable amount of time.

The job schedule usually dictates how many guys you need to get it done in time.

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Jason Whipple

I agree; after three you need to add in pairs.

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KentWhitten

It's a trick question. To have a crew, you need 2 people. One guy doesn't make a "crew" though I proved it for many years framing homes myself. Dumb, but possible if you know what you're doing.

Most builders get PO'd if you have less than 3, but then it depends what you're building and who you're building for.

Most builders want it done now, some will wait for quality.

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curapa

I framed for years with three permanent guys, including myself and I hired an additional helper to come and go when I needed. I built everything from spec homes up to 7000sq customs.

Bill

3 good carpenters can go a long way. They know what the other is doing and can anticipate their every move and be ready for them. Too many laborers not good.

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CJ21

Thanks guys for the comments.

orson

Trim and framing are definitely two different things, I've done a lot of trim carpentry and cabinet intallations solo. I would say 2 man crew for trim. Kitchens can be tricky with 1 person but I can't imagine how to keep the second busy 100% on a kitchen.

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hughjazz

2 man crew for us. It depends on how fast it has to get done.

Snow Man

what always facinated me about framing a $2,000,000 home was that the framer recieved $69,000 to build the damn thing

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ahx61

The company I work has 6 workers most of the time (depends on whether my boss feels like working or not). One cutter, one laborer, and 4 guys building. That is a good sized crew and is usually enough manpower to lift any size wall. With 3 workers, as previously stated lifting large gables/walls/beams could be a little tough. But there are usually guys around the jobsite. Just ask for a little help. We have never had a problem getting a few extra hands when we need it. Also plan accordingly--If you know you will be lifting a wall that will need extra men to lift in two hours, make the phone calls now to get help there when you need it so you don't slow progress while waiting to lift the wall. I would say 3 guys is gonna be enough most of the time.

osborn

I agree with framerman. When i used to frame the builder required minimum of 4 guys. We had 10 working days to complete large 2000-3300sq ft homes. Thats clean. With a punchlist of 30 items or less.

Gold Tie

We seem to do best with 7. Two teams of two (4 framers), one cutman, one laborer, and myself to layout, dictate, and float around where needed.

With the cut man also being my "lead guy" (who is also a retired structual engineer who happens to love carpentry and manual labor....) progress keeps flowing when I need to run errands, attend meetings, or line up/plate the next job........ or take the bike up to the track!!!

Marcus1

When you start you have to do the best you can with what you have in hand.
My first house was only 3000 sqft(17 years ago) Me and my partner built it ourselves. Dont hire unless you can aford it.

nailman

When I started it was myself and 2 walljacks framing 1,500 to 1,700 sq. ft. homes. Now, myself as cut man/layout 2 carpenters and a laborer willing to learn.

smeagol

Three for framing, a telehandler a must.