"Fantastic work by Mike and all of his contractors. We will absolutely use him again for all of our future projects and he knows there will be more. ?"
Hammer and Saw is a custom residential remodeling firm serving the greater Birmingham area, focused on thoughtfully designed renovations that balance architecture, function, and craftsmanship. For nearly a decade, our team has worked alongside homeowners, designers, and architects to execute projects where details matter and process is paramount. With decades of collective experience in the construction industry, we’ve built this company around a simple principle: exceptional results come from disciplined planning, skilled execution, and clear communication.\n\nAs fully licensed Alabama homebuilders, we specialize in:\n\n-Architect-driven home additions\n-High-end kitchen renovations\n-Custom bathroom design and build-outs\n-Basement transformations and structural reconfigurations\n\nOur projects are approached as bespoke builds, not templates. Every space is carefully planned, coordinated, and executed with an emphasis on precision, material integrity, and long-term performance.
"He was very prompt with showing up at the house. He responded within one day with any questions about the bid. The crews were not sub contractors. It was the same people that came out every time."
"Al was very kind and straightforward. He did initially tried to charge me a little more than the average for the area but after I explained that I had done research for the labor costs and already have materials he got the cost significantly also mention that you found him on Angie's List. I am very pleased with how the floor looks they did a very quick job some very weird layouts because my house is strange though I love its eccentricity. Though it takes a long time to book him because he is usually busy he works very fast, but not sloppily, and the work was completed in approximately 4 days with a small crew of three one of whom was his son. we are almost done with most of our work but I'm a call him back for some minor repairs thing that needs to be completed the only complaint I have is that at least one of the workers is a smoker and I found a few cigarette butts in my yard or in the bushes next to where they were sawing which was not very pleasant. That is a minor complaint though because as contractors go they show up on time and they get the work done and they get the work done well; which, I don't know if you use very many contractors, is unusual and a good thing. Overall I would use them again in a heartbeat and I would suggest them to other people. "
"Nick is Amazing!!! His Sheetrock work is top notch! He is a great resource and should be a general contractor! Kind, honest, communicative, and a Christian!"
"I used Angie's list to get a second estimage on the cost to install a French draim. I spoke to Phillip and reviewed the drainage problem and explained that I was interested in a second quote. He asked a number of questions to help better understand my situation. He viewed the property on Google Maps and within five minutes he was able to provide an estimate. Although I am going to stay with my original contractor, Phillip was very helpful."
Our company has been around for 6 years and we take our client serious. Our main goal is customer satisfaction! Specializing in decks, patios, and residential remodeling! We guarantee your satisfaction and we won’t leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Check out our services offered and call or click to schedule an estimate!!!!
D&C Construction & Remodeling is a family-owned licensed and insured construction company in Vance, AL. Many commercial and residential property owners rely on us to complete projects of all types. You should, too. With nearly a decade of experience, we can handle any new construction or remodeling job, big or small.
Unfinished Carpentry questions, answered by experts
Modern brick houses are really stick-built homes with a brick facade for aesthetic purposes only, so most have framing. With genuine brick construction, most homeowners install furring strips over the interior of the brick and then install drywall over those strips to cover the brick wall, so they don’t have traditional framing.
You should avoid drilling or cutting into load-bearing beams because removing material will weaken it and increase the risk of structural damage or even collapse. If you do need to drill into a load-bearing beam, speak with a structural engineer first to discuss where it’s safest to drill and the width and depth of the bit that’s safe to use.
No rules state how much of a load-bearing wall can be removed. Rather, you need to adequately support any area that is removed. Support should always be added to as much wall area is being removed. Failing to support the area properly will result in structural damage.
Most of the time, you’ll want to use screws on your subfloor rather than nails. Nails can actually weaken plywood, whereas screws can easily penetrate without damage. They also form a more secure connection because of their shape, preventing squeaky floors and tightly holding the subfloor in place. That said, some contractors do prefer nails depending on the type of floor covering because they allow for more flexibility.
When deciding whether to use nails or screws for framing, the specific needs of the project must be taken into account. Nails have long been the go-to option for framing due to their affordability, ease of installation, and ability to withstand shear forces. They are perfect for structural framing projects where fast assembly is essential. In contrast, screws offer exceptional holding power and are particularly useful in situations requiring increased strength and resistance to pull-out forces. For projects that prioritize accuracy and long-lasting quality, screws may be the preferred option, though nails remain a dependable and efficient choice.
The Shelby, AL homeowners’ guide to contractor services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Need to run electricity to your basement? Learn about the cost to install an outlet in an unfinished basement and what factors affect your project cost.
Buying unfinished cabinets can help you create the custom remodel of your dreams, but is it worth the fuss? This guide will tell you everything you need to know.