What is an Eaves and Cladding Carpenter?

An Eaves and Cladding Carpenter is a trade professional who installs fibre cement eaves and cladding products to protect your home’s structure and enhance its appearance. Their work helps manage ventilation, direct rainwater away from the building, and provide a finished look to the exterior.



They typically work with products like James Hardie™ fibre cement sheeting or similar, and must follow strict installation methods to ensure long-term durability.

What does an Eaves and Cladding Carpenter do?

Your Eaves and Cladding Carpenter will complete works according to your agreed scope of works.


Typically, an Eaves and Cladding Carpenter will:

  • Prepare wall frames and roof lines for fibre cement installation
  • Cut and install fibre cement eaves sheets and external wall cladding
  • Fix fibre cement sheets to battens or framing as per manufacturer guidelines
  • Apply appropriate joiners, flashings, and sealants
  • Ensure correct spacing and ventilation around the roof eaves


Their work usually begins once the roof is on and finishes before external painting.

Tip: Fibre Cement Has Specific Fixing Rules

Look for a carpenter who understands fibre cement-only installation requirements, including edge clearances, expansion gaps, and sealing. Getting this wrong can cause cracking, swelling, or water ingress later on.

What to look for in an Eaves and Cladding Carpenter

A good fibre cement carpenter will have:

  • Demonstrated experience working with fibre cement products only (e.g. HardieFlex™, Linea™, Axon™)
  • Strong attention to detail and precision cutting skills
  • Knowledge of correct batten spacing, sheet joins, and sealant use
  • Familiarity with your selected cladding system
  • Capacity to complete the job within your timeline


They should also understand the difference between timber cladding techniques and fibre cement-specific rules — they're not interchangeable.

Before You Begin: What You’ll Need Ready

To get quotes from Eaves and Cladding Carpenters for fibre cement only installation, you’ll need:

  • Finalised construction drawings with eaves and cladding elevations
  • Your approved roofing and frame layout
  • Fibre cement product selections (brand, style, and profile)
  • Details on wall wrap or insulation already installed
  • Site access notes and your proposed start date

Average Timeframe

For this task, Pros typically provide quotes within 7-10 business days.

When Can I Expect Quotes?

Timeframes often vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g. a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed is needed, the quoting process may take longer.

 

Don't be alarmed if you don't receive quotes or communication from any Build Buddy Pros straight away. Some work is more complex and the Pro may need time to comprehend your documents or scope of work. Depending on the job, there may even be some work required by the Pro before they are able to quote (e.g. a site visit might be required).

 

If the average timeframe indicated here has passed, and you have not received any messages or quotes, please feel free to contact the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team for an update on quoting for this task.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I need to get cladding installed before painting starts?

    Yes — cladding should be fully installed and weather-sealed before painters arrive, as external paint is typically one of the last stages in your exterior works.

  • Do I need to provide the cladding, or will they supply it?

    That depends on your agreement. Some carpenters supply and install, while others install only. Always check if their quote includes material costs or is labour-only.

How to Complete this Task?

STEP 1

Review and Adjust the Scope of Works

Timeframes may vary based on demand and the type of Pro you're engaging (e.g., a plumber). If additional communication or clarification is needed, the quoting process may take longer.

STEP 2

Confirm Required Documents Are Uploaded

Check that the following required document(s) are uploaded for this task. These are essential to proceed:

STEP 3

Update the Quality Assurance Checklist

Go to the Quality Assurance tab in this task and review the checklist. Edit any details to suit your project requirements. Being clear and upfront helps set expectations with the Pro. Updating the checklist before requesting quotes ensures everyone is aligned.

STEP 4

Request Quotes

Click the orange ‘Request Quotes’ button to start the quoting process.

STEP 5

Review the Quotes

Once you receive quotes:

  • Review each one carefully, including the payment schedule and any special terms
  • Download attached quote documents for detailed review
  • Check each Pro’s profile and read past client reviews

STEP 6

Communicate with the Pro

If needed, message or call the Pro to clarify details or negotiate terms.

STEP 7

Accept a Quote

Choose the quote that best suits your needs. Once you accept a quote, any other pending quotes will be automatically declined. An agreement will automatically be generated.

STEP 8

Complete the Tasks In Your App

New tasks will appear to guide you through this job — follow each step carefully. Make sure to use the Quality Assurance Checklist, and refer to your contract and final Scope of Works whenever needed.

NEED HELP?

Reach Out to Your Build Buddy Pro

If you have any questions or need a hand, your Build Buddy Pro is your best first contact. They’re a licensed expert in their field and can understand the ins and outs of your project. You can message them via the platform, or you can call them directly.


If you have already contacted your Build Buddy Pro and still need further assistance, the Build Buddy Expert Guidance and Support team are here to help. They will be able to guide you on your next steps or help you find answers to any questions you may have.