Subcontract site carpenter
Work for builders and developers on first fix, second fix and roofing carpentry jobs.
- £800-4k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
22,443 UK companies in this field, 24% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 43320 “Joinery installation”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
Self-employed carpentry on building sites for building firms, developers and main contractors, covering first fix (floors, stud walls, roof timbers) and second fix (doors, skirting, stairs).
Your first three steps
- Get your trade card and site safety card if you do not already have them, such as a CSCS card
- Contact local builders and agencies to let them know you are available, and ask for trial days
- Set up as a sole trader, arrange insurance and agree rates and payment terms in writing
Who pays
Building firms, developers, main contractors and extension or loft conversion specialists.
How it makes money
Day rate or price per job, often with steady work from a few regular contractors, so less time spent finding customers.
Skills that help
- Site carpentry experience and speed
- Reading drawings
- Working well with other trades
Watch out for
- Employment status: check whether you are genuinely self-employed or should be treated as an employee for tax purposes
- The Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), where contractors may deduct tax from your payments, so check how to register with HMRC
- Public liability insurance and your own tool cover
- Late payment from contractors, so agree terms before starting
- Working at height and site safety requirements
🔒 Full research report for UK
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start as a subcontract carpenter?
Startup costs are typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on your tools and insurance. These are estimates, so check your public liability and tool cover before starting.
What rules should I check before subcontracting on sites?
Check your employment status to see whether you are genuinely self-employed for tax purposes. Also check how the Construction Industry Scheme works and how to register with HMRC, plus public liability cover and site safety requirements.
How much can a subcontract carpenter earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around £2,500 to £6,500, depending on how much work you take on. Late payment can happen, so agree terms first. This is an estimate, and you would typically need at least about 25 hours a week.
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