Contractors
Class Code 5403: Carpentry NOC — Workers' Comp Insurance
Covers general carpentry work not falling under a more specific carpentry classification, including framing and structural carpentry on commercial buildings, multi-family housing, and projects other than detached one- or two-family homes. It's the broad, catch-all carpentry classification.
- Risk level:
- elevated
What code 5403 covers
Class 5403 applies to carpentry work that doesn't fall under a more specific carpentry classification, covering framing, structural work, and general carpentry tasks on commercial buildings, multi-family housing (three or more units), and other construction projects. It parallels 5645, which is specific to detached one- and two-family dwellings, but covers the broader range of building types and project scopes that fall outside that narrower category. The work involves structural framing, working at height on ladders and scaffolding, and power tool use, consistent with general framing and rough carpentry exposure. Contractors performing finish trim, cabinet installation, or other specialized carpentry alongside general framing may need that portion of the work evaluated under a more specific classification.
Included operations
- Framing and structural carpentry on commercial and multi-family buildings
- General rough carpentry tasks across various project types
- Ladder and scaffold use for framing work
- Power tool use for cutting, fastening, and shaping lumber
Businesses that typically carry 5403
- Commercial framing contractors
- Multi-family housing carpentry contractors
- General carpentry contractors working across project types
- Small, owner-operated contracting businesses
- Regional trade contracting companies
- Subcontractors working for general contractors
- Design-build contracting firms
Common misclassifications
Code 5645
Contractors working across both detached homes and larger multi-family/commercial projects sometimes miss splitting payroll between this code and the dwelling-specific classification.
Code 5606
A carpentry company's owner or project manager who is purely supervisory may qualify for the lower-hazard executive/supervisor classification instead of the field carpenter code.
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What drives the cost of code 5403
- Total payroll for employees performing the classified work, not gross receipts
- Experience modification factor built from claims history
- State-specific base rates and loss costs filed for this class code
- Use of subcontractors and whether they carry their own workers' comp coverage
- Safety programs, jobsite supervision, and documented training
- Payroll properly split across multiple classifications when work crosses trades
What underwriters look for
- Years in business and prior workers' comp loss history
- Types of jobs typically performed (new construction, remodel, residential vs. commercial) and average job size
- Whether subcontractors are used and certificates of insurance are collected and tracked
- Total payroll for employees actually performing the classified work
- Safety program, training documentation, and any OSHA history
Eligibility
State differences
This entry uses standard NCCI class code phraseology, which applies in most NCCI-governed states. Pennsylvania (PCRB), Delaware (DCRB), California (WCIRB), New Jersey (NJCRIB), Michigan, New York (NYCIRB), and Massachusetts maintain their own classification manuals, and code numbers or phraseology can differ there. Our agency confirms the correct classification for your state before quoting.
Where code 5403 fits
Quote class code 5403.
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Class code 5403 questions
How is this different from the detached-dwelling carpentry code?
5645 is specific to detached one- and two-family homes; 5403 covers general carpentry on other project types, including commercial and multi-family buildings.
Does this code cover finish trim and cabinets?
Finish carpentry and cabinet installation is more typically evaluated under a separate classification (5437).
What if we work on both detached homes and multi-family projects?
Payroll is typically split between this classification and 5645 based on the type of project each crew is working on.
Does 5403 cover concrete or foundation work?
No, concrete and foundation work is evaluated under its own separate classification.
Last reviewed · Reviewed by Provident Financial Group licensed agents