CalgaryCARPENTRY

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FAQ Hub

Questions, answered

442 answers across the site. The general questions are below; the rest sit on the page they relate to.

General questions

How much does custom carpentry cost?
It depends almost entirely on the number of doors and drawers, the finish method and the material. Those three decide most of the price, and the same wall can be built across a range of roughly three to one. We measure, produce a drawing and give you a fixed written price rather than a per-foot figure that will be wrong for your space.
Are consultations and quotes free?
Yes. The consultation, the measure and the written quote are free and carry no obligation. Detailed design work is included once you decide to proceed.
How long does a project take?
Most residential built-ins run two to five weeks from the measure appointment to final touch-up, with one to three days on site. Kitchens, basement developments and anything involving other trades take longer because of coordination and lead times.
Do I need a permit?
Carpentry fastened to existing walls does not normally require one. Permits become relevant for basement development, structural changes, and new or altered electrical, plumbing or gas work. Each municipality administers its own — Calgary, Airdrie, Chestermere, Cochrane, Okotoks, High River and Rocky View County all have separate processes. Where a permit is needed we say so clearly and coordinate accordingly.
Why do cabinets and trim crack in Calgary homes?
Indoor humidity in a heated Calgary house regularly falls to 15–25% in deep winter from around 40% in summer, and wood shrinks as it dries. Mitres open, painted panel joints crack and wide shelves cup. It is usually normal wood movement rather than poor workmanship, and it is largely preventable with the right materials and joinery.
What indoor humidity should I keep in winter?
Around 35%. Much lower and wood shrinks noticeably; sustained levels above 50% in a Calgary winter risk condensation on cold windows. A whole-house humidifier on the furnace is the easiest way to hold it steady, and it benefits hardwood floors and comfort as well as cabinetry.
Do you work with builders and general contractors?
Yes. On new builds and larger renovations we prefer to be involved before drywall so blocking, conduit and lighting provision can be specified. That coordination is the difference between millwork that looks integrated and millwork that looks applied.
Can you match existing trim and cabinetry?
Usually. Profiles can be reproduced by sourcing close stock or having a knife ground, and paint can be matched. The hardest case is matching an aged clear finish on old hardwood, where years of light exposure have shifted the colour — we can get close and will show you a sample on the real species first.
Do you take on small jobs?
Yes. A single accent wall, a set of floating shelves, a fireplace mantel or a closet conversion are all worth doing and all things we take on. Scheduling small work sometimes depends on grouping it with other jobs in the same area.
What areas do you serve?
All four Calgary quadrants and downtown, plus Airdrie, Chestermere, Cochrane, Okotoks, High River and Rocky View County. Travel affects how we group installation days rather than whether we take the work.

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