The Lead Carpenter Handbook, a .pdf file available as a download only, outlines the pros and cons of the lead carpenter system and a production manager. It presents sample job descriptions for both positions, based on actual job descriptions used by remodeling companies. It discusses interviewing for the position, salary and benefits, and training. It outlines daily responsibilities, as well as the lead carpenter and/or production manager responsibilities after the job is built. Sample forms and checklists are included for your use.

For more information, download the Introduction here, and read an excerpt from Chapter 1 below.

Download only. You’ll be able to download immediately a zipped file containing:

• The Lead Carpenter Handbook in .pdf format
• 13 forms/checklists in both .pdf and Word format, and
• 10 sample Job Descriptions in both .pdf and Word format.

You’ll also receive access to the first two Lead Carpenter Production Training classes, “The Lead Carpenter System” and “The Lead Carpenter Job Description.”

“In a small company, the typical supervision system of management involves the contractor spending a fair amount of time on the road inspecting and managing the work on several jobs. He is responsible for every aspect of the job, from assigning tasks to the carpenters and laborers to scheduling subs, ordering materials, and meeting with clients. This works well with one or two jobs. The contractor has immediate contact with the job and, consequently, significant control.

However, this system can become a liability if you plan to grow your business. . . One way to achieve growth is to add a supervisor, typically called a production manager, who essentially duplicates the contractor’s role but leaves him time to sell or run the business. This increases the overhead costs of the company but should also increase the production . . .

Another way is the lead carpenter system, where a carpenter on the job also fills supervisory and management roles. In this system, the lead carpenters perform essentially the same supervisory role as the production manager, but do this directly on the job site. This tends to be more efficient since most job-site problems can be handled immediately right on the job.”

Tim Faller of Westerly, RI, founded Field Training Services in 1999, a firm committed to training production staff in good jobsite management and helping companies develop training programs for their field staff. A popular JLC Live speaker, Tim has conducted many successful lead carpenter training programs across the country and is the author of The Lead Carpenter Handbook: The Complete Hands-on Guide to Successful Job-Site Management and the Lead Carpenter Training Course.