Residential Remodeling Lead Carpenter
Company: Encompass Design & Remodeling
Location: Jenison, MI and surrounding Greater Grand Rapids / Lakeshore project areas
Employment Type: Full-time
Compensation: $30–$35+/hour, based on experience
Role Type: Residential remodeling, demolition, framing, site execution, and finish support
Required: Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
About the Role
Encompass Design & Remodeling is hiring a Lead Carpenter / Residential Remodeling Site Lead to support high-end remodeling projects across the Greater Grand Rapids and Lakeshore areas.
This is a hands-on field role for an experienced remodeling carpenter who can take ownership of demolition, framing, prep work, and daily site execution. The right person understands how to work inside existing homes, solve problems as they come up, communicate clearly with the project manager, and leave each phase clean and ready for the next trade.
You do not need to manage the entire project or coordinate every subcontractor. You do need to be the person on site who sees issues early, documents them clearly, communicates what is needed, and performs high-quality work without constant supervision.
What You’ll Do
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Perform and lead hands-on residential remodeling work.
- Support demolition, framing, structural prep, and selected finish scopes.
- Complete work accurately so drywall, trim, cabinetry, tile, and other finish trades can follow cleanly.
- Perform high-quality rough and finish carpentry, including demolition, framing, trim, cabinetry, drywall, fixture installations, and other remodeling tasks.
- Direct daily job site operations for projects assigned by the project manager.
- Execute both rough and finish carpentry work to exact design specifications.
- Ensure projects are completed on schedule and in accordance with project plans and quality standards.
- Identify jobsite issues early and communicate them to the project manager.
- Identify design, layout, or constructability issues and communicate solutions before they impact project progress.
- Document site conditions, progress, issues, and completed work in Buildertrend or the company’s project management system.
- Take daily site photos and enter job notes at the end of the day.
- Log to-dos and communicate anything that may affect schedule, scope, trades, materials, or project flow.
- Work closely with the project manager to reduce unnecessary site visits and keep projects moving.
- Inspect completed work and maintain exact quality standards, correcting deficiencies when necessary.
- Manage job site materials, track inventory, and assist project managers in maintaining schedules and preventing budget overruns.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and professional jobsite.
- Support other field needs as required, including demo, framing, finish prep, doors, windows, trim, cabinets, punch list work, and general remodeling tasks.
- Help ensure Encompass projects are known for being well-prepared, well-framed, and easy for subcontractors to follow.
- Lead by example, help train less experienced team members, and support the development of field staff when needed.
Required Qualifications
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Strong residential remodeling carpentry experience.
- Strong framing experience in remodeling environments, not only new construction.
- Minimum 5+ years of verifiable hands-on experience in high-end residential remodeling or custom home construction.
- Ability to understand existing conditions, troubleshoot issues, and make smart field decisions.
- Ability to read and interpret complex blueprints, shop drawings, scopes of work, and design documents.
- Ability to identify potential issues when implementing designs within existing structures.
- Ability to develop practical solutions to framing and structural challenges that arise during construction.
- Working knowledge of demolition, framing, layout, finish carpentry, doors, windows, trim, cabinets, drywall, fixture installation, and general remodeling practices.
- Advanced proficiency with hand tools and power tools.
- Ability to identify problems during demo, framing, or prep work and communicate them clearly.
- Strong jobsite awareness and ability to think ahead.
- Ability to document work through photos, notes, and project management tools.
- Comfortable using Buildertrend or willing to learn.
- Strong communication skills with project managers, field staff, subcontractors, and clients.
- Ability to work independently without needing constant supervision.
- Own hand tools required.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
- Ability to safely tow trailers, maneuver equipment, and back trailers into tight spaces.
Preferred Qualifications
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Experience as a Lead Carpenter, Site Lead, Remodeling Foreman, or Senior Carpenter.
- Experience working in occupied high-end residential homes.
- Experience with Buildertrend or similar construction project management software.
- Ability to lead small crews or helper-level field staff.
- Strong understanding of how framing and prep work affect drywall, trim, cabinetry, tile, and finish trades.
- Experience with kitchens, additions, structural modifications, and complex remodels.
- General knowledge of roofing, siding, concrete, punch list work, and miscellaneous field repairs is a plus.
- Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage field teams.
- Strong conflict resolution and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to train, mentor, and develop newer team members.
- Positive attitude with the ability to view challenges as opportunities for growth.
- Self-motivated and able to set the pace for the team through personal example and accountability.
Physical Requirements
This is an active field position. Candidates should be able to:
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Lift and carry materials and tools as needed.
- Lift and move 50–75+ pounds regularly.
- Climb ladders and work from heights.
- Work in tight spaces and active residential jobsites.
- Stand, bend, kneel, reach, and perform physical tasks throughout the workday.
- Perform demolition, framing, prep work, and other hands-on remodeling tasks.
- Work safely and professionally in occupied homes and active construction environments.
- Work in varying weather conditions as required.
All physical requirements apply with or without reasonable accommodation.
Tools, Equipment & Perks
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Employee provides personal hand tools.
- Company provides larger tools and job-specific equipment, such as table saws, compressors, nail guns, hoses, planers, and other project equipment.
- Company may replace tools damaged or worn out during heavy job-related use.
- Company-provided cell phone or phone reimbursement.
- Company technology may be provided for jobsite communication, photos, documentation, and project management software.
- Mileage reimbursement for approved work-related travel when a company vehicle is not assigned.
- Company vehicle, fuel, and a fully equipped work trailer are provided for qualified employees.
- Company vehicles may be driven home.
- Paid time off, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
- Competitive pay and year-end bonus opportunities.
- Strong earning potential for an experienced, reliable carpenter who can lead from the field and produce clean, accurate work.
- Opportunity to grow with a company expanding its field, production, and leadership structure.
Who Thrives Here
You’ll be a strong fit if you are:
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A skilled carpenter who takes pride in clean, accurate work.
- Experienced in residential renovations and comfortable working with existing conditions.
- Reliable, steady, and organized.
- A strong communicator who does not hide problems.
- Comfortable documenting work and using technology.
- Able to work independently without constant supervision.
- Focused on making the job easier for the next trade.
- Positive, accountable, and team-oriented.
- Someone who can be shown how to do something once and then run with it.
- A natural leader who leads by example and helps elevate the performance of the entire team.
- Motivated to solve problems, maintain high standards, and take ownership of project success.
About Encompass Design & Remodeling
Encompass Design & Remodeling is a growing residential design/build remodeling company based in Jenison, MI. We specialize in high-end residential remodeling and are building a team that can support long-term growth, strong systems, and excellent client experiences.
Our leadership believes in serving, equipping, and empowering employees with the tools, support, and opportunities they need to build strong careers.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Encompass Design & Remodeling is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, military service, or any other status protected by law.
