Experienced Carpenter – Historic Restoration

Renaissance Roofing, Inc.; Belvidere (IL); On-site; USD 34,440 - 61,992; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental & Vision after 90 days

PTO

Paid holidays

Travel per diem for project assignments

Job summary

Renaissance Roofing, Inc. in Belvidere, IL is seeking an experienced carpenter specialized in historic restoration. Candidates should have over 5 years of carpentry experience and be passionate about preserving architectural history. This role involves restoring windows, siding, and architectural elements, requiring a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail.

The position offers compensation of $25–$45/hr, health benefits after 90 days, PTO, and paid holidays, along with the opportunity to work on nationally recognized projects.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of carpentry experience with strong finish and exterior skills.
• Experience in historic restoration including window and millwork is preferred.
• Portfolio required to demonstrate work quality.

Responsibilities

• Restore historic windows, wood siding, and architectural millwork.
• Replicate period-appropriate details from originals.
• Assess wood deterioration and determine repair methods.

Skills

Finish carpentry

Exterior carpentry

Traditional joinery methods

Historic restoration

Job description

Historic restoration carpentry is a different discipline — and a dying art. We're keeping it alive.

The details that define a 19th-century building — the bracketed cornices, the six-over-six windows, the mortised sill plates, the hand-fit trim profiles — require a level of carpentry skill that the modern production market has no use for. We do. Our clients own buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, and they expect the work to honor the original builders.

This role is for a carpenter who has not only mastered the trade but takes genuine satisfaction in the craft. You'll have access to complex, rewarding work on landmark structures, backed by a team with the tools, materials, and expertise to execute at the highest level.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Restore historic windows, wood siding, exterior trim, structural framing, and architectural millwork.
• Replicate period-appropriate details from original profiles, drawings, or measured examples.
• Apply traditional joinery methods — mortise & tenon, scarf joints, wooden pegs — where specifications require.
• Assess wood deterioration and determine the appropriate repair or replacement approach.
• Work alongside other specialty trades on multi-discipline historic restoration projects throughout the Midwest.

WHAT YOU BRING:

• 5+ years of carpentry experience; strong finish and exterior carpentry skills are essential.
• Capacity to produce consistent, high-quality work on complex and detailed scopes.
• Preferred: direct historic restoration, window restoration, millwork, cabinetry, or timber framing experience.
• A portfolio of work that reflects your standard — bring it.

WHY RENAISSANCE:

• $25–$45/hr — rate reflects the rarity and value of your skills.
• Health, Dental & Vision after 90 days. PTO. Paid holidays.
• Travel per diem for project assignments.
• Long-term career with a nationally recognized restoration company.
• Your work will stand on landmark buildings for the next 100 years.