Top 10 Carpenters in Lake Forest, IL

Porch Pro Headshot KEY Construction And Maintenance
Carpenters
Serves Lake Forest, Illinois
(342)
Founded in 1989 KEY Construction and Maintenance is a family owned business. We focus on quality, professionalism, as well as customer satisfaction. We have worked throughout Illinois. We also have experience in storm and flood damage. We spent time in New Orleans during Katrina as well as Houston...Read more about KEY Construction And Maintenance
Founded in 1989 KEY Construction and Maintenance is a family owned business. We focus on quality, professionalism, as well as customer satisfaction. We have worked throughout Illinois. We also have experience in storm and flood damage. We spent time in New Orleans during Katrina as well as Houston...Read more about KEY Construction And Maintenance
Porch Pro Headshot Bisaillon Brothers Handyman and Remodeling
Carpenters
Serves Lake Forest, Illinois
(24)
"I was very surprised when they answered the phone on my first call to start. Very happy to say they are now on my very short list of trusted contracting professionals. Will surely use them again when the time comes."
"I was very surprised when they answered the phone on my first call to start. Very happy to say they are now on my very short list of trusted contracting professionals. Will surely use them again when the time comes."
Porch Pro Headshot Vp Construction
Carpenters
Serves Lake Forest, Illinois
(23)
"Our family is 100% satisfied with the services we received from VP Construction. They did a complete renovation of our existing home and added an addition. The owner assisted us through the entire process beginning with financing, design, engineering, and construction. He was attentive to our n...Read more about Vp Construction
"Our family is 100% satisfied with the services we received from VP Construction. They did a complete renovation of our existing home and added an addition. The owner assisted us through the entire process beginning with financing, design, engineering, and construction. He was attentive to our n...Read more about Vp Construction
Porch Pro Headshot Acer Construction, LLC.
Carpenters
Serves Lake Forest, Illinois
(6)
"Ben came out very quickly to work on our project, he even waited out the rain and continued working as soon as it stopped. He worked into the night to get the work done, until he couldn’t see anymore, then he returned the next morning. His prices are very good and he does what he can to save you mo...Read more about Acer Construction, LLC.
"Ben came out very quickly to work on our project, he even waited out the rain and continued working as soon as it stopped. He worked into the night to get the work done, until he couldn’t see anymore, then he returned the next morning. His prices are very good and he does what he can to save you mo...Read more about Acer Construction, LLC.
Porch Pro Headshot DZ Flooring
Carpenters
Serves Lake Forest, Illinois
(35)
PLEASE CONTACT US DIRECTLY at dzflooring@yahoo.com . We specialize in refinishing, repairs, sanding and finishing of all wood floors in the Chicago and Chicagoland area. We can perform flooring inspection or consultation for installation or sanding related issues like cupping, gaps, splits, bucklin...Read more about DZ Flooring
PLEASE CONTACT US DIRECTLY at dzflooring@yahoo.com . We specialize in refinishing, repairs, sanding and finishing of all wood floors in the Chicago and Chicagoland area. We can perform flooring inspection or consultation for installation or sanding related issues like cupping, gaps, splits, bucklin...Read more about DZ Flooring
Porch Pro Headshot Handyman Service Options
Carpenters
Serves Lake Forest, Illinois
Need a handyman to help you with repair or installation work in your home? Ready to tackle your next big project? Let us help Call today (224) 662-3602. I have experience with; Plumbing - Roofing - Painting - Drywall - Carpentry - Repair or Replace a Water Heater - Cabinets & Countertops - Drain ...Read more about Handyman Service Options
Need a handyman to help you with repair or installation work in your home? Ready to tackle your next big project? Let us help Call today (224) 662-3602. I have experience with; Plumbing - Roofing - Painting - Drywall - Carpentry - Repair or Replace a Water Heater - Cabinets & Countertops - Drain ...Read more about Handyman Service Options
Porch Pro Headshot Nistler Carpentry
Carpenters
Serves Lake Forest, Illinois
(11)
Nistler Carpentry has specialized in commercial and residential rough framing and trim carpentry since 1994. Our expert craftsmanship, work ethic, and honesty has made us a leader in the Northshore and Chicagoland area
Nistler Carpentry has specialized in commercial and residential rough framing and trim carpentry since 1994. Our expert craftsmanship, work ethic, and honesty has made us a leader in the Northshore and Chicagoland area
Porch Pro Headshot LISTO Maintenance & Remodeling
Carpenters
Serves Lake Forest, Illinois
(4)
LISTO Maintenance & Remodeling offers a wide range of home repairs, maintenance services, and remodeling projects. We can meet any need you may have for your house or commercial buildings. From carpentry to room remodels, we have you covered with quality work you can count on. We make every effort t...Read more about LISTO Maintenance & Remodeling
LISTO Maintenance & Remodeling offers a wide range of home repairs, maintenance services, and remodeling projects. We can meet any need you may have for your house or commercial buildings. From carpentry to room remodels, we have you covered with quality work you can count on. We make every effort t...Read more about LISTO Maintenance & Remodeling
Porch Pro Headshot NC Construction & Remodeling Inc.
Carpenters
Serves Lake Forest, Illinois
(1)
NC Construction & Remodeling Get your free estimate today at no obligation. We work with insurance claims as well. Home remodeling Additions Kitchens Bathrooms Carpentry Hardwood floors Basements Etc... General Contractor 708-646-7673 Camachonp@hotmail.com We also specialize in Flood & Water D...Read more about NC Construction & Remodeling Inc.
NC Construction & Remodeling Get your free estimate today at no obligation. We work with insurance claims as well. Home remodeling Additions Kitchens Bathrooms Carpentry Hardwood floors Basements Etc... General Contractor 708-646-7673 Camachonp@hotmail.com We also specialize in Flood & Water D...Read more about NC Construction & Remodeling Inc.
Porch Pro Headshot Lansing Home Remodeling
Carpenters
Serves Lake Forest, Illinois
(6)
Lansing Home Remodeling is dedicated to creating quality work that will fit your budget. Our work ranges from building 4 seasons rooms and decks to remodeling kitchens and bathrooms. There is never a project to big or small. Just give us a call and we will come by to discuss your project and get ...Read more about Lansing Home Remodeling
Lansing Home Remodeling is dedicated to creating quality work that will fit your budget. Our work ranges from building 4 seasons rooms and decks to remodeling kitchens and bathrooms. There is never a project to big or small. Just give us a call and we will come by to discuss your project and get ...Read more about Lansing Home Remodeling

Frequently asked questions about carpenters

Carpentry is one of the oldest professions — for as long as people have needed shelter to live in, there has been some form of carpentry. Today, carpentry has become a very specialized trade and most carpenters have a niche. The hallmark of all types of carpentry is that carpenters are experts in working with wood. There are some small exceptions to this for buildings that use steel studs or other types of metal framing, for example. However, for the most part, when you think carpenters, think wood.

  • Rough carpenters – Rough carpenters are one of the first trades you'll have on-site if you’re building a house. Their expertise is in the overall structure and stability of buildings and the big-picture aspects of building a home.
  • Framing carpenters – Framing carpenters are the pros responsible for putting up the base structure that will become the interior and exterior walls of a building. Framing carpentry goes hand-in-hand with rough carpentry, however, framing is often seen as a specialized skill.
  • Jointers – Joint carpentry involves putting together floor joists that create the surface you'll walk on once it's finished.
  • Cabinet makers – Carpenters specializing in cabinetry are extremely skilled at fine woodworking and excel at precise and detail-oriented work. They are some of the last carpenters that work on a project because cabinetry is a part of the finishing process and is generally one of the last things that are installed.
  • Finish carpenters – similar to cabinet makers, finish carpenters are responsible for the finer details that are not structural but make up the parts of your home that you'll see daily. Finish carpenters will be the ones to install your trim, wood flooring, railings, and handrails and are also sometimes referred to as trim carpenters.

Have they done the work being requested before?

This is an important question that can often be overlooked, with potential clients assuming that all carpenters work on all types of projects. As we discussed before, carpentry has several specialized skill sets, so it's important to make sure that any carpenter you're considering has worked on your type of project before.

Are they examples of their work?

Carpenters near you will have pictures of past projects they've done that they can share with you. The building process is impressive, and the change from beginning to end can be staggering, so these proud tradespeople will likely have work they'll be happy to show you.

How much experience do they have in your type of project?

This ties into the first question, however, it’s a bit more detailed. Many clients have fallen into the trap of only asking basic questions, like “Have you done a project like this before?” and failing to follow up with, “How many times?”

In many cases, it may not matter if a carpenter has only done a certain type of work once or twice, but it could make a huge difference if your project is complex — and that’s not something you want to find out mid-project.

Are they licensed (if necessary)?

Many municipalities will require permits for carpentry work, depending on the scale. These permits are only applicable if a certified carpenter will be doing the work. In addition, your carpenter may need to have a Red Seal in carpentry to obtain the correct insurance.

Are they insured?

There are three different types of insurance that carpenters will need to carry to conduct work safely. These are general liability insurance, professional liability insurance, and Worker's Compensation insurance.

Don't be shy about asking a carpenter you're thinking of hiring for proof of the appropriate insurance, and be wary if they can't provide documentation.

The short answer to this question is that a carpenter isn't always a builder, but a builder is most often a carpenter. Don't worry — we’ll clarify what that means below.

Carpenter

As we discussed above, there are many types of local carpenters who specialize in one or more distinct areas of carpentry. Depending on where you are in your construction process, multiple carpenters who are experts in their niche may be needed.

Builder

If a construction professional refers to themselves as a builder, they are likely saying that they are a general contractor or a construction project manager who can take more of a full-scope approach to your project. Most builders are carpenters by trade but have expanded their skillet to encompass more of the building process.

It can be a bit confusing because carpenters do build things, but when someone is referred to as a builder, it generally means that they are experienced in integrating multiple stages of construction and tradespeople on one project.

However, this is definitely a bit of a gray area. Make sure to clarify what type of professional you’re working with when you vet tradespeople, so you know exactly what their specialty is.

A carpenter is absolutely the right tradesperson to build a beautiful, sturdy deck for you. Depending on what you're picturing for the finished product, however, you might want to look at bringing in both a rough carpenter and a finishing carpenter.

Rough carpenters are experts at putting in the proper foundation to make your deck safe and secure, as well as grading the ground below and ensuring adequate drainage. They'll also be the best people to advise on what types of materials the structure of your deck should be made of, including foundation, stairs, and railings.

It’s important to note here that in most municipalities, you’ll need a permit to build a deck. Your carpenter will need to be licensed to have the expertise and certification to apply for the proper licenses.

Once the structure of your deck is complete, a finish carpenter can give your project a different level of polish and aesthetic appeal, putting that final touch onto your new deck.

If your vision of your new deck involves built-in seating or an outdoor kitchen, a finish carpenter will also be the best tradesperson to help you bring your unique space to life.

Many rough carpenters are very skilled at finishing, and others don’t prefer to do finishing work, so it’s worth it to ask upfront.

Licensing for carpenters can be complicated. Not everyone who refers to themselves as a carpenter is a licensed carpenter, handypersons often do carpentry work. Only some states require carpenters to be licensed for specific types of work.

In many cases, licensing is required in order to ensure that a carpenter has an adequate level of knowledge and experience. There are plenty of unlicensed carpenters with a wealth of experience and talent, but the licensing process is a way for employers and clients to feel secure that a tradesperson has a standardized level of knowledge and experience. Most licensing programs require four years of work experience and the passing of a certification exam.

Below, we’ll go through some common questions and misconceptions to help you untangle the licensing web.

States that require carpenters to have licenses

Alabama, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah have state-level requirements for carpenters to be licensed to do certain types of carpentry work. While each state has its own list, some common types of carpentry often require licenses:

  • Millwork
  • Framing
  • Structural work
  • Cabinetry
  • Installing metal studs or framing

When can you hire a carpenter that does not have a license?

In some cases, lighter carpentry work on non-structural areas of a home doesn’t require a carpenter to carry a license. This may also mean they don’t have the proper workplace insurance, so make sure to ask those questions and weigh the risks accordingly.

Locations that fall outside city or municipal regions may have fewer restrictions on building permits. If you’re confident, you can have a non-licensed carpenter do structural work. This varies by location, so research the rules that cover your property before agreeing to have any work done.

Carpenters are integral to the home-building process, and their various areas of expertise are what allow the vision of a home designer or structural engineer to go from vision to reality.

If you’re unfamiliar with the home-building process, you may be surprised at first to learn that, in many cases, one carpenter does not handle the entire process. Particularly on large or complex projects, you’re likely to have several different types of carpentry experts. Beginning with rough carpentry to create the foundation and structure of your home, you’ll bring in framing carpenters for the exterior and interior walls, joint carpenters, roofing carpenters, and finish carpenters and cabinetmakers.

Depending on your location, finding the right carpenters near you can be simple, or you may have to look at bringing in the right pro from a larger city or town.

Other trades will need to work alongside carpenters during the building process. Homes are built in many layers and stages, so you can expect to have several trades working simultaneously at certain times.

Here’s a list of other trades you’ll need to build a house:

  • Machine operator
  • Electrician
  • Plumber
  • Gasfitter
  • Drywaller
  • Septic installer

Recent reviews for Lake Forest Carpenters

302128

What a horrible experience my partner and I had with VP Construction. There are no words to describe our experience except to say it was filled with headaches. What I can say briefly, is that we hired them after speaking to the owner Keith Venturi and...

- Chris L
196166

They did a great job on by deck repair and sealing our new cedar fence

- Keith Venturi
429311

Did a bad job throughout our workplace. Would not recommend VP.

- MinYoung Chang
516665

Very good service. I like them, so happy to work.

- Hanna Evans
196168

We are currently working with Keith in designing are new remodeling project. The service todate has been very easy and even fun. Jeff Arlington Heights

- Keith Venturi
303406

The owner of VP Construction (Mr. Keith Venturi) is a liar and a thief. I simply can not begin to explain the nightmare this guy created in our home while we were doing some upgrading and basic remodeling. He is a horrible person and the work he perform...

- Melissa A
412273

They did very sloppy work at our office. We didn't do our research (check other online reviews for this clown Keith Venturi, owner of VP Construction) and we are paying a heavy price for it our mistake in hiring them.

- Mohammad Hamad
335774

VP Construction performed a renovation of our office.  This is a full service company that assisted from design to completion.  I was impressed with the customized service we received and the attention to detail.  I would recommend this company for your n...

- Jim Harrold
442714

They did a bad job for us at our office. Dishonest owner/manager (Keith Venturi). Please look somewhere else.

- Thomas C
319014

My family had a TERRIBLE experience with VP Construction and the owner, Keith Venturi. He outright lied to my elderly aunt and ripped her off. Who does that? Keith Venturi, that's who! AVOID this scum.

- Brett Jacks
342884

Heed my warning. We had a terrible experience with these guys. We are considering filing in small claims court to retrieve our deposit. We had to rip out what they installed and have it fixed. This occurred last year and we are glad to put this headac...

- Chris L
385217

Scroll through the reviews here and you'll see the positive ones were left by the owner himself, Keith Venturi. This does not not surprise me or my co-workers, since he did some work on our office. Very sloppy work.

- Leslie S

Everything You Need to Know About Lake Forest Carpenters

Who should I hire if I need Carpentry Services in Lake Forest?

Right now there are about 50 companies in and around Lake Forest ready to help you with your carpentry services project.

    Below we've listed a few of the top Carpenters on Porch:

    • KOOPMAN CARPENTRY INC
      • The Charleston Craftsman
        • Trs Constructions Inc

          How do I know that I found the right Carpenter in Lake Forest for my carpentry services project?

          Finding the right carpenter for your project can be stressful.... when you don't search with Porch. We've pulled together everything you need to know about Carpentry Services in Lake Forest so you can have some peace of mind before starting your project.

          Here’s what you need to know to choose the right carpenter in Lake Forest:

          • Check if they are they BBB rated: 5 are A-rated in Lake Forest.
          • Is the quality worth the price? Make sure to find the carpenter that can deliver the quality you're looking for, without going way over your budget. Don't forget that every job is going to be different.
          • Speak with them over the phone: Contact multiple carpenters pros to see if you’re on the same page when it comes to your project.

          Will Carpentry Services work in Lake Forest require permits, inspections, special licenses, etc.?

          Whether you’re carpenter job is in Lake Forest or any other city, you're going to want to do a bit of research before hiring carpenters. Even small jobs may have certain regulations around them. Often, the carpenter performing the work will have any required permits, inspections, etc. under control, but not always. Short answer: Research yourself and double check with the carpentry services folks that everything is in order.

          All Carpenters in Lake Forest, IL

          Porch Pro Headshot Northpoint Construction Services  Inc.
          Carpenters
          Serves Lake Forest, Illinois
          (1)
          INTRODUCTION We are new to Porch.com and we look forward to speaking with you about your project. Northpoint Construction Services was founded by my wife and I and incorporated in June, 2002. Our first contract was to serve as Owners' Rep on 245 unit residential development called "Northtown Villag...Read more about Northpoint Construction Services Inc.
          INTRODUCTION We are new to Porch.com and we look forward to speaking with you about your project. Northpoint Construction Services was founded by my wife and I and incorporated in June, 2002. Our first contract was to serve as Owners' Rep on 245 unit residential development called "Northtown Villag...Read more about Northpoint Construction Services Inc.
          Porch Pro Headshot Theel Brothers Contruction
          Carpenters
          Serves Lake Forest, Illinois
          (1)
          Family owned and operated, we perform all levels of building and remodeling. We offer start-to-finish solutions for every project. We also offer full design services. We specialize in interior or exterior home renovations, including decks, hardwood flooring,bathroom and kitchen remodeling, home addi...Read more about Theel Brothers Contruction
          Family owned and operated, we perform all levels of building and remodeling. We offer start-to-finish solutions for every project. We also offer full design services. We specialize in interior or exterior home renovations, including decks, hardwood flooring,bathroom and kitchen remodeling, home addi...Read more about Theel Brothers Contruction
          Porch Pro Headshot Alpine Skylights & Carpentry
          Carpenters
          Serves Lake Forest, Illinois
          (23)
          Larry is a VELUX Certified 5 Star Skylight Specialist. He has specialized in skylights for over 25 years. His reputation for quality craftsmanship and service is upheld in every job he completes. Alpine Skylights is fully insured and is a State of Illinois licensed roofing contractor. Our service ar...Read more about Alpine Skylights & Carpentry
          Larry is a VELUX Certified 5 Star Skylight Specialist. He has specialized in skylights for over 25 years. His reputation for quality craftsmanship and service is upheld in every job he completes. Alpine Skylights is fully insured and is a State of Illinois licensed roofing contractor. Our service ar...Read more about Alpine Skylights & Carpentry
          Porch Pro Headshot Advanced Remodel 1
          Carpenters
          Serves Lake Forest, Illinois
          Best Quality Service at reasonable rates
          Best Quality Service at reasonable rates
          Porch Pro Headshot Rainbow International Restoration
          Carpenters
          Serves Lake Forest, Illinois
          (12)
          Porch Pro Headshot JP AND SON CONSTRUCTION
          Carpenters
          Serves Lake Forest, Illinois
          Porch Pro Headshot Phoenix Construction Services LLC
          Carpenters
          Serves Lake Forest, Illinois
          (1)
          Looking for a great painting company? Phoenix Consulting and Construction Services in Dekalb boasts a stellar 4-star rating.
          Looking for a great painting company? Phoenix Consulting and Construction Services in Dekalb boasts a stellar 4-star rating.
          Porch Pro Headshot Patrick A .Finn, Ltd.
          Carpenters
          Serves Lake Forest, Illinois
          Awarding winning design build firm with over two decades of home building and remodeling experience in the North and Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, we’ve built, renovated and remodeled well over 450 homes. Our skilled team is dedicated to true craftsmanship and flawless design. We take each project f...Read more about Patrick A .Finn, Ltd.
          Awarding winning design build firm with over two decades of home building and remodeling experience in the North and Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, we’ve built, renovated and remodeled well over 450 homes. Our skilled team is dedicated to true craftsmanship and flawless design. We take each project f...Read more about Patrick A .Finn, Ltd.
          Porch Pro Headshot Del real construction
          Carpenters
          Serves Lake Forest, Illinois
          We go above and beyond to ensure customer is happy we will not leave until customer is satisfied
          We go above and beyond to ensure customer is happy we will not leave until customer is satisfied
          Porch Pro Headshot Smittys Carpentry & Home Improvement
          Carpenters
          Serves Lake Forest, Illinois
          Smitty's Carpentry and Home Improvement is a carpentry specialist based out of Brookfield. They have been offering wood finishing, railing design, porch construction and more since 2011. The United States Environmental Protection Agency has accredited Smitty's Carpentry and Home Improvement.
          Smitty's Carpentry and Home Improvement is a carpentry specialist based out of Brookfield. They have been offering wood finishing, railing design, porch construction and more since 2011. The United States Environmental Protection Agency has accredited Smitty's Carpentry and Home Improvement.
          Porch Pro Headshot Kmd Painting & Cleaning Services
          Carpenters
          Serves Lake Forest, Illinois
          Porch Pro Headshot Randall Slaton
          Carpenters
          Serves Lake Forest, Illinois
          Here at My Super Handyman, our goal is to make full gut rehabs easier and cost effective for individuals and businesses in the Chicago, IL area. We understand that dealing with all gut rehabs start with a question. That question is either how did this fire or water damage happen or how much money is...Read more about Randall Slaton
          Here at My Super Handyman, our goal is to make full gut rehabs easier and cost effective for individuals and businesses in the Chicago, IL area. We understand that dealing with all gut rehabs start with a question. That question is either how did this fire or water damage happen or how much money is...Read more about Randall Slaton
          Porch Pro Headshot Strictly Pro Carpentry, Inc.
          Carpenters
          Serves Lake Forest, Illinois
          I am a carpenter contractor that has a background in both residential and commercial remodeling and restoration. Some of the specialties that I focus on are built-in cabinetry, kitchen cabinet installations, interior and exterior door installations, closet systems and decorative moldings.
          I am a carpenter contractor that has a background in both residential and commercial remodeling and restoration. Some of the specialties that I focus on are built-in cabinetry, kitchen cabinet installations, interior and exterior door installations, closet systems and decorative moldings.
          Porch Pro Headshot Vwb Construction Inc
          Carpenters
          Serves Lake Forest, Illinois
          VWB CONSTRUCTION INC is specialized in porches, decks and additions. For recommendations to see jobs which we have done please call Tomas at 773-679-9378.
          VWB CONSTRUCTION INC is specialized in porches, decks and additions. For recommendations to see jobs which we have done please call Tomas at 773-679-9378.

          Latest projects near Lake Forest

          Recent projects booked on Porch
          Lincolnshire 60069
          Deck Construction
          Start Date
          Within a month
          Existing deck
          Yes
          Approximate size of deck to build
          100-250 sq ft
          Decking and railing materials
          Cedar or redwood, Synthetic or composite
          Deck features
          Nothing extra, just the deck
          Other deck features
          No, thanks, just the deck
          Extent of design or prep work
          Yes, I have professional plans and designs
          Lake Forest 60045
          Carpentry
          Start Date
          Within a month
          Service
          Door installation
          Door service
          Install
          Door type
          Single
          Door location
          Exterior
          Number of doors
          1
          Location
          Side door
          Pet door installation
          No
          Doorway installation
          No
          Already purchased materials
          No