Planning, process & cost
How long does a carpentry job actually take?
Fitting time is predictable. Everything around it is what makes jobs overrun.
Rule of thumb: repairs are hours, single rooms are days, and anything made to measure has a lead time before anyone turns up, because the units have to be built first. The fitting itself is the part we can predict accurately. What stretches a timeline is nearly always something else: materials arriving late, another trade running behind, or condition that only becomes visible once the old work comes out.
Typical shapes of job
Indicative only, because access and condition change everything.
- Door adjustments and repairs: hours rather than days.
- Hanging several internal doors: usually a day or so for a floor of doors.
- Skirting and architrave to a room: often a day, plus decorating.
- Fitted wardrobes or alcove units: a small number of days on site after the units are made.
- Media wall: a few days depending on the electrics and the finish.
- Flooring: driven by subfloor preparation more than by the laying itself.
- Decking: low decks are quicker, raised decks with steps take longer.
- Staircase balustrade: a few days on a straight flight, longer with winders.
The lead time before day one
Bespoke joinery is made for your measurements, so there is a gap between accepting a quote and fitting. Sliding door systems, made to order doors and composite decking can all carry supplier lead times.
We tell you the fitting window and the lead time separately, so you are not left wondering why nothing is happening in week one.
What causes overruns, honestly
Four things account for most of it.
- Hidden condition: rot, damp, previous bodged work or services in the wrong place.
- Other trades: electrics for a media wall, plastering, plumbing in a kitchen.
- Scope changes mid job, which are fine but do add days.
- Deliveries and access, particularly in flats with lift bookings or restricted parking.
How we keep it tight
We measure properly before ordering, we sequence around other trades at quote stage rather than on the day, and we use our own team so the same people finish the job that started it.
Questions we're asked about this
Need it done by a particular date?
Tell us the deadline when you enquire. If we cannot hit it we will say so straight away rather than waste your time.
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