Get Quotes from Top Carpenters in Fort Worth, TX

Are You Licensed to Practice as a Carpenter in Fort Worth?

Always confirm that any carpenter you hire in Fort Worth has satisfied legal requirements to operate in the city. Though there is no statewide licensing for carpenters in Texas, the Fort Worth Administrative Building Code requires firms, businesses, and individuals that offer construction-related services to register annually with the city's Development Service Department. Failure to meet this requirement is considered a violation of the code which can attract fines between $500 and $2,000 for each day of violation. The department may also impose a stop-work order to halt the construction. Nonetheless, property owners of single-family residences working on their property are exempted from the license requirement.

To apply for building contractor registration in Fort Worth, interested parties are required to complete the Contractor Registration Application and submit it via email to the Development Service Department. Mail-in and in-person submissions can be made at

For information on the registration requirement and procedure for carpenters in Fort Worth, interested persons can contact the department by calling (817) 392-2222. In the same vein, residents can confirm the registration of their prospective carpenters by searching the city's Citizen Access Portal.

How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other Carpenters in Fort Worth?

The hourly cost of hiring a carpenter in Fort Worth varies depending on several factors including the size of the carpentry business, the scope of the work, the labor and materials required, and the vicinity. However, on average, you can expect to pay a carpenter in Fort Worth around $21 per hour of work. You can get a reasonable idea of the amount required for your carpentry work by getting estimates from at least three carpenters. This would also help you have access to alternatives and pick a carpenter that better suits your budget. Though, note that the best quote might not be the lowest. Comparing the estimates can give you a clearer picture of what your project involves.

A carpenter in Fort Worth earns an annual average wage of $41,280. The table below provides a comparison of the mean hourly wage for carpenters in Fort Worth against those of carpenters in the rest of the State of Texas as well as across several other major American cities:

Do You Comply with the Fort Worth Building Code for Carpentry Work?

Fort Worth provides minimum standards for the construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal, and demolition of buildings and structures in the city. These standards are contained in the city's Building Code, which is an adaptation of the 2015 edition of the International Building Code, including modifications to suit local circumstances. The purpose of the code is to ensure that construction works follow and use standard practices, procedures, and materials to ensure the safety of buildings and structures for city residents. As such, its provisions are treated seriously, and a code violation is considered a misdemeanor punishable with fines of up to $2,000 per day of violation.

Construction work violating the Building Code can also be stopped by the city's authorities. Therefore, it is essential that any carpenter you hire in Fort Worth knows the standards and requirements of the city's building code. For inquiries about the provisions of the Building Code requirements on carpentry works, you can contact the city's Code Compliance Department via phone at (817) 392-1234, by emailing your inquiries, or by visiting the department's office at

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

Section 105 of the Fort Worth Building Administrative Code requires homeowners or their contractors to obtain building permits if they intend to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, or demolish any building or structure in the city. As such, a number of carpentry works in Fort Worth require permitting by the relevant authority. Nonetheless, permits are not required for cosmetic remodels, including floor or wall covering, cabinets, countertops, and shelving. Failure to obtain the relevant permits before commencing construction is considered an offense that can attract fines between $500 and $2,000 for each day of violation. In addition to this, the city authorities may also order the stoppage of the construction.

The Fort Worth Development Service Department is the city authority in charge of issuing building permits for construction works in Fort Worth. Building permits can be applied for online via the city's citizen access portal. As such, applicants would be required to create an account or log into the portal. In addition, applicants would also be required to provide the site location, the type of project, license details of the contractor handling the project, and a corresponding permit fee. Depending on the scope of the work, a permit application may also require plan submission and review, which is usually done electronically.

Further, note that building officials would have to inspect your project at different points to ensure it is in line with the city's construction codes. You can schedule an inspection either online through the citizen access portal or by calling the department at (817) 392-6370. To make inquiries about the city permit requirements and procedures, contact the Development Services Department by calling (817) 392-2222, or visit the Department's office at

What Kind Of Carpentry Services Do You Offer?

Carpenters in Fort Worth offer a wide range of services. However, some may focus on particular aspects to specialize in. The different aspects of carpentry services are broadly classified as rough carpentry and finish carpentry. Professionals who focus on rough carpentry usually work on the fundamental aspects of carpentry work, including installing rafters, beams, and posts. These kinds of works are not the most visible when construction is completed. In contrast, finish carpentry involves the finer details of the carpentry work.

Carpenters specializing in this aspect usually work on aspects such as staircases, flooring, and trims. In the same vein, a carpenter's specialization may also be based on the type of project. Always confirm that your carpenter of interest is skilled in the type of carpentry work your project entails. Asking for pictures of similar past works can also help you have an idea of your carpenter's skill level.

Below is the typical cost for some carpentry services in Fort Worth. Note that the volume of work will impact the actual fee, among other factors:

Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Carpenters in Fort Worth?

You can save yourself a lot of issues by hiring an insured carpenter. This is because it is nearly impossible to envisage everything that would occur during your project. Anything ranging from minor accidents to severe injuries can occur. As such, It is essential that your carpenter has the necessary insurance coverage in order to avoid unexpected costs falling on you. The construction industry in Texas has the highest number of fatal work injuries compared to other industries. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the state recorded a total of 608 fatal work injuries in 2019, and 193 of these occurred in the construction industry alone.

Nonetheless, insurance is not mandatory for carpenters in Fort Worth, though other professionals in the industry, such as plumbers, electricians, and HVAC contractors, have their insurance requirements. However, you can consider holding your prospective carpenter to the standard of these other professionals in the industry. For example, electricians in Fort Worth are generally required to have an active liability insurance cover of at least $300,000 per occurrence of property damage and bodily injury. Ensure that you verify the insurance coverage by contacting the company providing it. For guidance on what kind of insurance coverage you should require of a carpenter in Fort Worth, contact the city's Development Services Department by calling (817) 392-2222.