Union Carpenter Moving from NJ to Weston or Boca...HELP!!! (transfer, market)

[AlexRodriguez]

Hi Infante15,

I also agree that you need to get a job before moving to SoFL - there is a lot of competition here and you may spend months before you find the right one.

I moved from Virginia to Weston 5 years ago with two teenagers and a new born. My wife and I love it here and as BNBR said, I cannot image myself living somewhere else. The main reason we chose Weston was because how safe the area is and how great the schools are. The elementary schools here are full of programs and actually Weston is the only city in Broward county where all of its elementary schools participate in the Dual Language program (see link below.)

I have a good friend of mine who is a carpenter and he always tells me that sometimes he has more work than he can handle, but he's an independent contractor - SoFL is a hot real estate market and a carpenter are always needed for renovations, improvements, etc.

ESOL Department - Dual Languages

[Infante15]

Originally Posted by AlexRodriguez

Hi Infante15,

I also agree that you need to get a job before moving to SoFL - there is a lot of competition here and you may spend months before you find the right one.

I moved from Virginia to Weston 5 years ago with two teenagers and a new born. My wife and I love it here and as BNBR said, I cannot image myself living somewhere else. The main reason we chose Weston was because how safe the area is and how great the schools are. The elementary schools here are full of programs and actually Weston is the only city in Broward county where all of its elementary schools participate in the Dual Language program (see link below.)

I have a good friend of mine who is a carpenter and he always tells me that sometimes he has more work than he can handle, but he's an independent contractor - SoFL is a hot real estate market and a carpenter are always needed for renovations, improvements, etc.

ESOL Department - Dual Languages

Thanks for this Alex. Your youngest is just now starting elementary right? How are you like it so far and which school is your youngest in?

Would it be possible to get in contact with your carpenter friend so my husband can ask him some questions about the job market and what kind of projects he's doing? Let me know. Thanks.

[AlexRodriguez]

Originally Posted by Infante15

Thanks for this Alex. Your youngest is just now starting elementary right? How are you like it so far and which school is your youngest in?

Would it be possible to get in contact with your carpenter friend so my husband can ask him some questions about the job market and what kind of projects he's doing? Let me know. Thanks.

My youngest will go to Indian Trace Elementary - it's an A+ school and according to all the parents I have talked to in my neighborhood, it's an excellent school with a new principal and stuff that really do care about their kids. Indian Trace is also the smallest elementary school in Weston, which to me is a plus.

I'll send you a PM with the carpenter's info.

[City Guy997S]

Originally Posted by Infante15

Young family with 3 kids (6yr, 4yr, 10mo ) considering moving from NJ to Weston or Boca. I hear schools are great and these areas are great for raising a family. Any advice from families who made a similar
Move would be so helpful. I'm so nervous moving my family down south. All we've ever known is NY and moved to NJ 6 years ago when our son was born. I work from home 3-4 days a week and my company has offices in Miami on biscayne and Sunrise. My husband is a union carpenter With the chance to transfer to the Fort Lauderdale locations with jobs being in Miami and Fort Lauderdale area. I am so tired of the cold winters and high prices here in the NE. I am ready to move but my husband is concerned about the job market in Fl. Even though he's have to take a paycut in Fl, He's been out of work here for a while so I'm trying to convince him that although he makes more here what good is it if he's constantly out of work. How are the unions there? Will he have a better chance of having consistent work out there?? Please HELP!!

Define "Carpenter"

If he is a rough in carpenter, he will make $10 an hour and will be working with immigrant day labor types.

If he is an interior finish carpenter he could make $20-25 an hour and will be working with a slightly better class of worker.

The unions are virtually non existent for the trades (cops, teachers, firefighters sure). Construction is year round, most of the time you will stay busy all year. Obviously new home construction died back in 2008+ but it is back in full swing now.

Both Weston and Boca Raton are going to be expensive (either renting or buying). Most carpenters will struggle living there.

[Infante15]

Originally Posted by City Guy997S

Define "Carpenter"

If he is a rough in carpenter, he will make $10 an hour and will be working with immigrant day labor types.

If he is an interior finish carpenter he could make $20-25 an hour and will be working with a slightly better class of worker.

The unions are virtually non existent for the trades (cops, teachers, firefighters sure). Construction is year round, most of the time you will stay busy all year. Obviously new home construction died back in 2008+ but it is back in full swing now.

Both Weston and Boca Raton are going to be expensive (either renting or buying). Most carpenters will struggle living there.

Thanks for this info. He is an interior finish carpenter. Where would you recommend living with good schools? And where do you suggest he apply for a job? Through a private contruction company?? do you know names of companies where he can apply??

[City Guy997S]

Originally Posted by Infante15

Thanks for this info. He is an interior finish carpenter. Where would you recommend living with good schools? And where do you suggest he apply for a job? Through a private contruction company?? do you know names of companies where he can apply??

Getting a full time gig from a single company can be hard to find. Most contractors like to hire subs and use them whenever they need them vs. paying the weekly salary.

I don't know anyone specifically to point him to.

[desireegrantsouthFLA]

Weston is one of the nations top rated cities. It ranks in the top 10 of safest cities. It's beautiful and extremely family friendly with great schools. As for unionization, Florida is not a strong Union state like northern states whatsoever. I have to be blunt about this, formerly being employed in a profession that was unionized.

There are several new construction projects in Broward and Dade County. These are strong places to possibly locate a great employer or obtain a contract performing carpentry.

[City Guy997S]

Originally Posted by desireegrantsouthFLA

There are several new construction projects in Broward and Dade County. These are strong places to possibly locate a great employer or obtain a contract performing carpentry.

Not "strong places" for a finish carpenter

[obuma]

How much an hour,health ins coverage,etc. do's a union new jersey carpenter make?

[Infante15]

Originally Posted by obuma

How much an hour,health ins coverage,etc. do's a union new jersey carpenter make?

As a 3rd year apprentice carpenter after all contributions he brings home about $28/hr. But the market hasn't been great. He's been out of work frequently.