Zimmerei Schmidt e.K.

Freiburg

About the company

Zimmerei Schmidt was established in 1992 by Heinrich Schmidt after completing his master carpenter qualification. Initially working alone from a small workshop in Freiburg, Heinrich gradually built a reputation for quality roof work and timber framing. The business operates as an e.K. (registered sole proprietorship) with Heinrich remaining the owner. His daughter Katharina joined the business in 2015 after completing her carpentry apprenticeship and master certification, and is being groomed to eventually take over the family business.

Values

Zimmerei Schmidt emphasizes personal service and direct client relationships, seeing ourselves as craftspeople first and businesspeople second. We value honesty in our work and communications, preferring to set realistic expectations rather than make promises we can't keep. As a smaller operation, we cultivate a family-like atmosphere among our team, with everyone pitching in where needed. On the subject of work safety, Heinrich maintains basic compliance but has an old-school mentality, sometimes commenting that 'excessive safety measures slow down the real work.' While required protective equipment is available, its use isn't always strictly enforced, especially on smaller jobs or when working under time pressure. This approach has occasionally resulted in minor workplace incidents, though nothing serious so far.

Workshop

Our workshop occupies a 400 square meter converted barn on the outskirts of Freiburg. The space is rustic but functional, with exposed wooden beams reflecting our craft. The main work area houses traditional carpentry benches alongside modern cutting stations, creating a blend of old and new approaches. A modest storage area in the back holds our timber supplies, protected from the elements but allowing natural air circulation. The workshop includes a small office corner where designs are finalized and client meetings take place, surrounded by samples of different wood types and finishes. The facility has large double doors that open to a yard area where larger assemblies can be temporarily constructed and loading of the company vehicles takes place.

Services

Roof construction and repairs
Timber framing
Wooden terrace and balcony construction
Attic conversions
Wooden facade installation
Small-scale home renovations

Specifics

Buying behavior

We're careful with our investments and make tools last. I need reliability, but I can't justify the most expensive equipment at our size. We find the sweet spot between quality and cost – good German tools when it matters most, and more affordable options for less critical applications.

Tool brands

Bosch Professional, Makita, Metabo, DeWalt, Festool (selected tools only)