Tile & Stone Setter

Plumbers install, maintain, and repair water supply lines, drainage systems, gas lines, and related fixtures in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. The work involves reading blueprints and building codes, measuring and cutting pipes, assembling and installing pipes and fittings, testing systems for leaks using pressure gauges, and troubleshooting problems that range from simple clogs to complex system failures. Plumbers work in diverse environments—from new construction sites to century-old buildings with outdated systems—requiring them to adapt their approach to each unique situation. The job demands physical stamina for working in cramped spaces, excellent problem-solving abilities for diagnosing issues that aren't immediately visible, and strong customer service skills for explaining technical problems to homeowners. Many plumbers specialize in areas like gas fitting, medical gas systems, fire sprinklers, or green plumbing technologies.

Carpenters construct, install, and repair building frameworks and structures made from wood and other materials. Finish and custom carpenters specialize in detailed work including custom cabinetry, built-in furniture, millwork, trim installation, staircases, and architectural woodwork. The role requires reading blueprints, measuring and cutting materials precisely, joining materials using nails, screws, adhesives, and joinery techniques, and ensuring finished work meets aesthetic and structural standards. Carpenters must understand different wood species, their properties, and appropriate applications. The work spans new construction, renovation, restoration of historic buildings, and custom furniture fabrication. Each project presents unique challenges—fitting trim around irregular walls, matching existing woodwork in older homes, or translating design concepts into functional pieces. Physical demands include lifting materials, extended standing, and working at heights or in awkward positions.

Glaziers install glass in windows, skylights, storefronts, display cases, and other structures. The work involves reading blueprints and specifications, measuring and cutting glass to fit openings, preparing frames and applying weatherproofing, lifting and positioning glass panels that can weigh hundreds of pounds, securing glass with clips and sealants, and installing mirrors and decorative glass elements. Modern glazing work increasingly involves specialized products—tempered safety glass, insulated units for energy efficiency, laminated glass for security, and decorative glass for architectural effect. Commercial glaziers work on curtain wall systems that form the exterior enclosures of modern buildings, requiring precision installation of complex aluminum framing and glass panel systems. Residential glaziers replace windows and install shower enclosures, mirrors, and tabletops. The job demands physical strength for handling heavy glass, precision for cutting and fitting, and attention to safety when working with a material that can cause serious injury.