Get Quotes from Top Carpenters in Philadelphia, PA

Are You Licensed to Practice as a Carpenter in Philadelphia?

Carpenters in Philadelphia who plan to carry out construction, demolition, or repair services on buildings must obtain a contractor license. The Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections (DLI) issues contractor licenses to eligible individuals via its Permits and Licenses Center. Offering services without obtaining the license is classified as a Class II offense that attracts civil and criminal penalties of up to $1,000 or 90 days imprisonment.

Individuals who satisfy the requisite contractor requirements, like completing the OSHA-approved training, disclosing subcontractors working for them, and providing proof of insurance certificate, can apply for a contractor license by completing an application online via the eCLIPSE portal. Applicants who experience difficulties navigating the online platform can schedule a virtual appointment with DLI. Alternatively, they can schedule an appointment to visit the Permit and License Center in person at:

For more information regarding licensing requirements and processing, interested persons can contact the DLI by calling 311 or (215) 686-8686 if calling from outside Philadelphia.

To confirm the validity of your intended carpenter's license, you can use the city's Department of Licenses and Inspections to find a licensed contractor platform. Similarly, you can use the suspended contractor's directory to confirm if there are any recent or ongoing disciplinary actions against your intended carpenter.

It is important to note that home improvement contractors in Philadelphia must also register with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General as required by the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA). Contractors can register online or they can complete and submit an application form to the mail address indicated in the form. Applicants must accompany their completed forms with a $50 non-refundable processing fee. For more information regarding the registration process, interested persons can contact the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General at (888) 520-6680.

How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other Carpenters in Philadelphia?

When you plan to hire carpenters in Philadelphia, it is best to get bids and estimates from at least three different carpenters near you. This is to help you determine the average rate charged by carpenters in the city and protect you from hiring fraudulent carpenters who may want to overcharge you. It is important to note that carpenter charges are influenced by factors like the nature and scope of your project, the cost of materials for the project permits required, the expertise of the professional, and the labor required.

A carpenter in Philadelphia earns an annual average wage of $64,190. The table below provides a comparison of the mean hourly wage for carpenters in Philadelphia against those of carpenters in the rest of Pennsylvania as well as across several other major American cities:

Do You Comply with the Philadelphia Building Code for Carpentry Work?

The Philadelphia Building Code and the Philadelphia Residential Code apply to the construction, alteration, replacement, repairs, maintenance, and demolition of buildings and structures in Philadelphia. The Codes also provide the minimum requirements and standards for the safety, public health, and general welfare of people in Philadelphia when carrying out construction-related projects in the city. This is why you need to hire only carpenters who are qualified for the job and well-versed with these Codes' provisions that relate to your project. For instance, a well-versed carpenter will know what type of permits are required for your proposed project.

Noncompliance with the city's Building and Residential code can result in city-imposed penalties. You can direct your queries relating to the city's Building Code and Residential Code to the city's Department of Licenses and Inspections by submitting an online request to 311 or by calling 311 directly.

Will You Get the Home Improvement Permits as Required by the Philadelphia Code?

You need to obtain a building permit before starting any project that involves:

• Construction of a new building.
• Enlargement or addition to an existing structure.
• Changes to the interior or exterior of an existing structure.
• Partial or complete demolition of a structure.
• Changes in occupancy classification of any part of the building.
• Significant repairs that are not part of regular maintenance.

However, certain works do not require permits, like replacing doors and windows in one- or two-family dwellings, interior finish work, repairs relating to regular maintenance, accessory structures, and features. The Department of Licenses and Inspections (DLI) is responsible for issuing permits, and either project owners or their hired contractors can apply for a permit.

To successfully submit a permit application, applicants must include the complete scope of work and current owner information in the applicable application. Applicants must also ensure that the project is within the boundaries of Philadelphia as established by the Office of Property Assessment (OPA).

In addition to this, applicants may be required to get pre-approval from other government agencies depending on the type of projects to be carried out. If the project does not require the submission of plans, applicants may apply for a permit through the EZ Permit application. It is essential to note that a Zoning Permit is necessary for most building projects in Philadelphia, and this permit must be obtained before a building permit can be issued. If the project requires the submission of plans, the applicant must submit it alongside the applicable Building permit application in person after booking an appointment to visit the Permit and License Center at:

Applicants must come along with the applicable fees. Alternatively, applicants can complete a building permit application and submit relevant plans online using eCLIPSE. If they need help completing the application online, they can schedule a virtual appointment with the DLI. Upon the issuance of a building permit, permit holders must contact their local inspection office at (215) 255-4040 or online to book an inspection at relevant stages of the projects. Once all inspections have been carried out, the DLI will issue a certificate of approval.

You can direct your queries regarding the permitting process and requirements to the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections by calling 311.

What Kind of Carpentry Services Do You Offer?

Services offered by carpenters in Philadelphia include rough carpentry services, which require work that will usually not be seen after completion. They also provide finish carpentry services, which involve more detailed carpentry work visible after the work is completed. When hiring carpenters in Philadelphia, it is best to hire carpenters with the required expertise and experience to handle such proposed projects. For instance, some carpenters only make furniture and cabinet repairs, while some carry out new building carpentry work and maintenance.

It is advisable to inquire from your intended carpenter if they specialize in your proposed project and have experience handling it, especially technical carpentry work. In addition, you should inquire about how much their services cost.

Listed below are average cost estimates for some common carpentry services available in Philadelphia:

Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Carpenters in Philadelphia?

Carpentry work is considered hazardous, mainly when carried out by individuals who are not skilled. In 2020, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics recorded more than 11,900 non-fatal occupational injuries among carpenters, including carpenters in Philadelphia. Hence, carpenters licensed as contractors in Philadelphia are mandatorily required to carry a Certificate of Insurance that includes the minimum amounts of:

• General Liability: $500,000 per occurrence
• Auto liability insurance: $300,000
• Worker's Compensation if they have an employee:
  • $100,000 for each accident
  • $100,000 for each employee
  • $500,000 policy limit

As such, when hiring carpenters in the city, you must ensure they are fully covered by an active insurance policy, as listed above. Where your carpenter has active insurance coverage, you, as the project owner, are protected from incurring personal costs due to an unforeseen event leading to property damage or work-related injuries during your carpentry work. You can confirm the insurance status of your intended carpenter by requesting a copy of the compulsory insurance certificate and contacting the relevant issuing insurance provider to verify its validity. You also have the option of contacting the city's Department of Licenses and Inspection by submitting an online request to 311 or calling 311 to make inquiries about your intended carpenter's insurance certificate.