How Carpentry is Calculated (ft. prev post)
Last week I posted a video warning you guys to watch out - some IDs are now becoming even sneakier by adjusting the length measurements?!
1 feet = 26cm, instead of the standard 30cm.
Like who even plays with this?!
Watch our tiktok channel if you lazy to read.
After posting, a bunch of IDs jumped to the comments to correct us based on the example we gave.
And to be fair, they were right about one part - I did oversimplify the example.
I should have shared what carpentry was being built.
So let me clarify the trap in full, and 顺便 explain how carpentry is actually calculated.
How Carpentry is Charged
Carpenters usually charge as follows:
Base Length (Number of feet x Per foot run)
Add Customisation (Niches, Curves, Special Finishes etc.)
Round up to the nearest 0.5ft
What the IDs Commented
The length given of 520mm converts to 1.7 ft
Rounding up to the nearest 0.5ft gives you 2 ft
The ID was not wrong to charge at 2 ft - but why did we say that it was a “trap”?
Why it WAS 100% a Trap
These two separate line items were quoting for this one casement wardrobe measuring 1050mm.
Remember the calculation methodology?
The carpentry should have been charged at a base length of 3.5 feet (1050mm -> 3.4 ft -> 3.5 ft).
But what this ID did was basically quoting you at 4 ft - the left sided door is 520mm (1.7 ft -> 2 ft), and the right sided door with niche is another 2 ft.
Instead of the fair 3.5 ft, they billed 4 ft. That’s an extra 0.5 ft added to the quote.
This is the crux of the issue, not the rounding but the way the measurement was split to inflate the charge.
TLDR
End of the day, all we want as homeowners is fairness and transparency.
Thanks to those who pointed out the oversimplification with good intentions so we could clarify.
So remember:
Carpentry charges are rounded up, usually to the nearest 0.5 ft.
Always check if your ID is splitting line items in a way that adds hidden costs.
1 ft = 30 cm. That part never changes.
If you are looking to shortlist reliable IDs/contractors for your reno, feel free to enquire here, or check out our blog for other important tips!!