I’m Tim, and Southern Forge Construction is a family-owned business based in Fort Oglethorpe. I work throughout the Chattanooga and North Georgia area. I show up, stay in touch, and aim to leave a home better than I found it.
How I got here
Home projects shouldn’t feel stressful or full of surprises. I’m Tim with Southern Forge Construction, serving the Chattanooga and North Georgia area with 15+ years of hands-on experience in residential remodeling, plumbing, decks, fences, carpentry, and general construction.
I focus on clear communication, code-compliant work, and results that last. You won’t find the cheapest quote, but you will get workmanship I stand behind with a full guarantee—no cut corners, no disappearing mid-project.
Let’s get it done right the first time.
Before going out on my own, I worked for over a decade under a Master Carpenter and Master Plumber in the Chattanooga area, and I have over 15 years of total experience in the construction trades. It began as a summer job when I was a teenager. Then, in my early 20s, I saw that I greatly enjoyed creating things with my hands and helping people come up with solutions to their problems.
New privacy fence
Owner
I show up, do the work, and stand behind it.
Timothy Butler
Owner (goes by Tim)
I’m the owner of Southern Forge Construction. I worked for over a decade under a Master Carpenter and Master Plumber in the Chattanooga area before going out on my own, and I have over 15 years of total experience in the construction trades.
How I like to work
This is the way I described the work on Thumbtack — clear communication, workmanship I stand behind, and no surprises.
Clear communication
I focus on clear communication. Customers have mentioned being kept informed and having the work explained in detail.
Workmanship I stand behind
You won’t find the cheapest quote, but you will get workmanship I stand behind with a full guarantee—no cut corners, and no disappearing mid-project.
Work that lasts
I focus on code-compliant work and results that last, and I treat the job as if it were being done in my own house.
Detailed quotes, no hidden fees
I provide free on-site estimates and detailed written quotes for most larger projects, with no hidden fees. You leave with a written estimate covering the work, the cost, and the next steps—no pressure and no surprises.
I stand behind my work with a warranty on all workmanship and labor. Warranty details are included in your written estimate.
What to expect
How a project usually goes
This is the process I described on Thumbtack for working with a new customer.
A quick conversation
We start with a quick conversation to understand your project, goals, and timeline.
A free on-site estimate
From there, we schedule a free on-site estimate at a time that works for you.
Options and a clear plan
During the visit we discuss what you want, walk through realistic options (including more budget-friendly alternatives when they make sense), and outline a clear plan that matches your expectations.
A written estimate, no surprises
You’ll leave with a detailed written estimate so you know exactly what the work includes, the cost, and the next steps—no pressure and no surprises.
Business hours
Weekly business hours in the Eastern Time Zone
Monday–Friday
7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sunday
Closed / by appointment
Times in Eastern Time Zone.
Saturday after 2:00 PM and Sunday are available by appointment.
You can call or text anytime. I’ll get back to you during the hours listed, and evening estimate appointments are sometimes possible if that’s the only time that works for you.
Payment methods
I accept payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Check, Credit card, Google Pay, PayPal, Stripe, and Venmo.
Service area
I’m based in Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742, and I serve the Chattanooga and North Georgia area. If you’re in one of these towns, or close by, I’m glad to talk about the job.
Tennessee
Chattanooga, Cleveland, East Brainerd (Chattanooga), Hixson (Chattanooga), Lookout Mountain, TN, Ooltewah, Red Bank, and Signal Mountain.
Georgia
Fort Oglethorpe (home base), Chickamauga, LaFayette, Lookout Mountain, GA, Ringgold, and Rossville.
FAQs
Most of these questions and answers appear as they do on the Thumbtack profile.
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I provide free on-site estimates and detailed written quotes for most larger projects, with no hidden fees. When it makes sense, I can also offer options at different price points so you can choose what fits your budget and goals.
Diagnostic, repair, and consulting/advice-only visits have a $125 minimum service call fee. That fee is credited toward the job if you move forward with the recommended work.
Third-party financing through Acorn Finance is available on many estimates (offered via Joist — I don’t control approval or terms).
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
We start with a quick conversation to understand your project, goals, and timeline. From there, we schedule a free on-site estimate at a time that works for you. During the visit we discuss what you want, walk through realistic options (including more budget-friendly alternatives when they make sense), and outline a clear plan that matches your expectations. You’ll leave with a detailed written estimate so you know exactly what the work includes, the cost, and the next steps—no pressure and no surprises.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I worked for over a decade under a Master Carpenter and Master Plumber in the Chattanooga area before going out on my own. I have over 15 years of total experience in the construction trades. Products, materials and methods change often with technology, so my education never stops.
How did you get started doing this type of work?
It began as a summer job when I was a teenager. Then, in my early 20's I saw that I greatly enjoyed creating things with my hands and helping people come up with solutions to their problems.
What types of customers have you worked with?
I've worked with all types of customers, including the elderly and disabled. I also know what it's like to have an immediate need while on a limited budget.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
For a lot of people, translating what you have in mind onto paper can be frustrating. So find some pictures of something similar you're looking for, and ask your potential craftsman what they think will work well. If they're experienced, they will be able to draw from past jobs where they found solutions to similar problems. Also, anyone that gives you an estimate over the phone, site unseen, likely does not have quality nor your best interest at heart.
Do you offer a warranty?
Yes. I stand behind my work with a warranty on all workmanship and labor. Warranty details are included in your written estimate.
Reviews
Southern Forge Construction has a 5-star rating on Thumbtack. Neighbors have mentioned clear communication, showing up as promised, and careful work.