Kitchen/Bath Contractor

Bryan

Im new to the trade and i am looking to get a job as an apprentice with a Kitchen/Bath Contractor. Is there anyone who does this or has done this that could tell me what tools I should definitely have when i show up on the first day.

Mike Finley

Kitchen are delicate places filled with expensive cabinetry and finishes. If you are showing up as un-skilled labor you wouldn't need anything, I would supply it, since you wouldn't be set free in any customer of mine's kitchen, but would be highly supervised so you don't F-anything up. In the beginning I wouldn't even trust you using a tape measure until I knew you knew how to use it. If you showed promise and we were going to keep you around I would help you start filling your tool belt.

If you are showing up as skilled labor then that would be different.

Bryan

yeah, makes sense. I just dont want to not get the job cause i dont have any tools.

Bryan

Hey Mike, I just checked out your website. Its really nice. Looks like you do a lot of really nice work. Would you mind giving me a ballpark estimate of what you make in a year. Im trying to get an idea of what possibilities are out there.

Mike Finley

I'm working toward making $1,000,000 a year, unfortunately I've fallen far short of the mark up to now, but there always is Powerball.

IHI

That's the same problems I've been having!!

LMAO!!

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Bryan,

If your new boss is anything like me, you're not likely to need any major type power tools (i.e. table saw, compound mitre saw, barrel jig saw, compressor, nailers, etc.) but you should have the basics - hammer, good tape measurer, bullet level, nail sets, pouch, cordless drill & bits, speed square.

It all depends on your boss and/or the company you'e going to be working for though.

Good Luck!

Teetorbilt

Go to the flea market and buy basics, old. Spruce them up to make them look cared for and you should be in.

Dad always said to look at a mans tools before hiring. The spoof my get you in the door but if you can't produce, bye,bye.

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JustaFramer

Wheres your skilled marketing crew?

RobertCDF

I am working toward that $1,000,000 a year too Mike but I think I might need some employees (and some maggots ) marketing is easy its just doing all that work by yourself

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GriffDecker

Bryan -- Here's my 2 cents' worth of advice: Have a level, pencil, razor knife, tape measure, square, and most importantly, the desire to work and learn. If you keep your eyes and ears open and ask questions (it does you no good to help someone install cabinets if you don't know why or how you're doing it), you'll learn quickly. I think we'll all agree that contracting isn't rocket science, but you do need to know your tools, when to use them, and be attentive to detail. The first time you say "I think that'll be ok" will start your downhill slide. I always do better work in other people's houses than I do in my own, simply because they're paying me and I don't pay myself.

G.P.

At minimum I would have:

Hammer - I like a 20oz rip claw personally
Cats paw
Nail sets
Quality tape measure 25’ aside from your brain this is your most important tool
Chalk box
Utility knife
Pencil
Speed square
End nippers
1 1/2" chisel

And some good pouches to hold the above items

I also frequently carry:
4-in-1 screwdriver
Block plane
Trim puller – a flat pry-bar type of cats paw
6” combination square

I would hold off on the cordless drill for a little bit. Try out the bosses first, if you like it, it might be a good idea to buy the same one, that way you can share batteries.


Good luck.