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Does a carpenter need license work on people homes?

18K views 52 replies 20 participants last post by  Jaws  
#1 ·
The reason I am asking this question is. I have my own carpenter tools and I am unempolyed other than mowing lawns for pay. So I am thinking I should start trying to get some carpentry projects jobs in order to get some work experience other than my building construction degree. So whats the risk invole working without license I am not trying to become a contractor.
 
#38 ·
Why on gods green earth is construction your passion? Ive been in this business for 29 years i have three plates 12 screws and a wire in my arm my back constantly aches and I'm still not rich.
 
#42 ·
If I was young and single with nothing to tie me down, I would jump in my car and get out to north dakota.

But then, I'm a sucker for a "boom". I love to be in an area that is jumping with activity.

Go down to walmart, buy some camping equipment, and take a ride out there. Summer is just starting, you can live in a tent for a few months until you can work out a permanent living arrangement.
 
#43 ·
NHCremodeling said:
If I was young and single with nothing to tie me down, I would jump in my car and get out to north dakota.

But then, I'm a sucker for a "boom". I love to be in an area that is jumping with activity.

Go down to walmart, buy some camping equipment, and take a ride out there. Summer is just starting, you can live in a tent for a few months until you can work out a permanent living arrangement.
I live in ND. The economy is kicking full blast and no sign of slowing down. However, coming from out of state is a gamble. We see a lot of people come and go. Winter is tough and finding housing is even tougher. I know guys that have been hunting for housing for over a year. Find housing first, and then a job. Camp sites are all full, cities are cracking down on campers on streets, so a tent probably won't do any good. Construction side is hiring, but don't expect more than $15/hr for no experience (sorry, a degree is not experience). Oil side is hiring, but they won't consider anyone without experience.

Kind of a boon and a bust out here.
 
#45 ·
NHCremodeling said:
I hear what you're saying, but I would still give it a go. Prospects out there are better than anywhere else in the country. He's young, he can handle the no-housing problem at that age.

There's always ways around those problems. If he's a decent looking guy, he can try to shack up with a lonely local honey! :devil:
Hope I didn't come across as discouraging, just make sure if anyone's thinking about it to at least do some research before jumping in the car.

As far as honey's... we have some Damn good looking girls in the college cities. As far as oil country, yikes, most of them I wouldn't let my dog sleep with...
 
#50 ·
Wow no test? Here in Cali we take a 2-1/2 hour test on the law and a 2-1/2 hour test on a the trades (a percentage of most trades) then we get fingerprinted they go to department of justice and the FBI. We have to show 4 years of trade experience at journey level. We also have to get another contractor to vouch for us. They really make us jump through hoops. That test is no walk in the park either.
 
#51 ·
Californiadecks said:
Wow no test? Here in Cali we take a 2-1/2 hour test on the law and a 2-1/2 hour test on a the trades (a percentage of most trades) then we get fingerprinted they go to department of justice and the FBI. We have to show 4 years of trade experience at journey level. We also have to get another contractor to vouch for us. They really make us jump through hoops. That test is no walk in the park either.
No test except plumbers and electrical. They supposedly do random criminal checks, but I doubt that is happening cause they are so backlogged. I got mine in January, before the rush. Mailed the app in, 3 days later my license was in the mailbox.