Get matched with top contractors in Los Alamos, CA

Q: Is it safe to replace a load-bearing wall with a beam?

• <div><p>It&rsquo;s sometimes safe to replace a load-bearing wall with a beam, but you need a structural engineer to sign off on the project. You&rsquo;ll also likely have to upgrade to a steel I-beam or another material that&rsquo;s stronger than wood to maintain the level of support you need without the wall underneath.</p></div>

Q: How do I know if my joists need replacing?

• <div><p>Sagging floors, large cracks in your walls, and uneven door frames are three signs that your floor joists need to be replaced. You may also notice squeaky floorboards, windows that no longer close correctly, and stairs that sag on either side. You'll need a structural engineer or floor contractor to confirm whether the floor joists are the true problem behind these issues. </p></div>

Q: Are porch columns load bearing?

• <div><p>Not all porch columns are load-bearing, though they can be. Some porch columns are simply decorative. There are <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-do-i-find-out-if-column-between-foyer-dining-room-living-room-decorative-or-load.htm">ways to identify a load-bearing column</a>, like looking for visible seams and a foundation. Also, check to see if the column directly enters the ground. In some porch installations, a contractor will excavate a hole to install a column into the earth along with a buried cement base for stability.</p></div>

Q: Why are my landscape timbers warping?

• <div><p>Warped wooden landscape timbers are the result of the wood taking in too much moisture and then drying out. Treated lumber is less likely to warp but may still be susceptible to changes due to moisture. You can reduce the risk of warping by treating the cut ends of your timbers with a product specifically made for waterproofing wood. </p></div>

Q: Can you replace the frame around a window?

• <div><p>Yes, you can replace the frame around a window by completing either a partial replacement or a full replacement. With a partial replacement, your window specialist will remove the trim around the window and replace or repair just the damaged portion. For a full replacement, your tech will need to remove the window, replace the frame, and then reinstall the window.</p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your contractor service project in Los Alamos, CA?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Find Contractors in Los Alamos

Lawrence Construction

New on AngiNew on Angi

•Approved Pro

Lawrence Construction

New on AngiNew on Angi

•Approved Pro

48 years of experience

Free onsite estimate

Lawrence Construction is dedicated to providing our customers with the best quality and craftsmanship. We are here to build relationships with our customers and communities and to provide our employees with a great place to work. Lawrence Construction is a leader in providing our customers with the highest quality products and craftsmanship in an honest, efficient, and professional way. Our pledge is to create successful relationships with our customers, employees and community by building trust, treating every project with the utmost integrity and exceeding expectations.

Browder Painting Company

4.98(

162

)

Browder Painting Company

4.98(

162

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 99% of Angi customers

When you call Browder Painting Company, you’re getting the best San Luis Obispo Painters possible. Browder Painting Company understands the needs and expectations of our customers. Our interior painting services will help to keep your walls looking clean, while our exterior service will make your home last a lot longer and bring more curb appeal to it. We also offer deck & cabinet refinishing, mildew removal, and waterproofing.

"Chris was awesome. He arrived on time and did a beautiful job. He cleaned up at the end of each day. I highly recommend Browder Painting Co."

Ann D on November 2024

"Chris was awesome. He arrived on time and did a beautiful job. He cleaned up at the end of each day. I highly recommend Browder Painting Co."

Ann D on November 2024

Landmark Energy Upgrades

4.89(

)

Landmark Energy Upgrades

4.89(

)

Customers say: Super punctual

Recommended by 98% of Angi customers

Whether your project is a new construction, custom built home, an existing remodel, or an energy efficient upgrade, Landmark Construction has the industry experience and skilled staff to make your construction project a success. Our goal is to save you money through energy-efficient construction. Landmark Construction is California’s premier Air-Conditioning Contractor and Heating Contractor. Along with HVAC contracting we can better regulate your home’s temperature with new insulation and a new roof. Landmark Construction doesn’t stop at just energy upgrades. When it comes to renovations of existing homes, we pride ourselves in the ability to maintain your home’s charm and style with solutions for every kind of interior need from tile, drywall accents and wainscoting detail, cabinetry and countertop selection, to redesigning entire interior floor plans. Our network of interior designers can help you get just the look you envisioned from your remodeling or new construction project. We proudly serve Southern California including Bel Air, San Marino, Malibu, Calabasas, Beverly Hills, Century City, Encino, Brentwood and everywhere in between! When clients want to build it strong, build it beautiful, they build it Landmark! Do not hesitate to contact us regarding your next general construction project in Southern California. We look forward to providing you with a free, no obligation consultation today!

"Ezra and Charles are very friendly and personable. That is, when they want to take your money. What good is a 12-year warranty if you start ignoring your customers at 2 years. I needed my HVAC replaced. Because the HVAC sits on my roof, I decided to redo the roof too. Ezra and Charles came out and were really friendly so I immediately had a good impression of them. Even though it would’ve been cheaper to go with a roofer and a separate HVAC company, I decided to go with Landmark Construction Crew, aka Landmark Energy Upgrades. I figured it would be a more seamless process for one company to do both. I got this done in December of 2016. The thing with a roof is that you don’t know if it’s a good job or not until it rains so I waited to write a review. Around January 2018 ( a little over a year later ) we got some much needed rain but unfortunately, I had a leak coming from one of my vents. I emailed Ezra and he sent out a roofer. The roofer came, looked at the vent, jumped up on the roof for ten minutes and said he was done. Months later, it rained again, it leaked again, I emailed Ezra again. I decided to take a closer look at the vent and noticed that there was sunlight in the ductwork. I figured sunlight equals gap somewhere. When the roofer came, I told him and he said it’s nothing, probably just a reflection, without even taking a look. Then the roofer tells me that the next time there is a leak, I need to call the HVAC guy because it’s not a roof problem. I couldn’t believe it so I told him that HIS company IS the HVAC guy!! I used one company to do the roof and the HVAC so there is NOBODY else to blame. So, he jumps back on the roof and was done and gone in 10 minutes. About a month goes by and the rain is back and so is my leak. It’s 2019 so it rained a lot this year. Good for California, bad for me. So, I emailed Ezra again. After a few weeks, no reply. So, I email him again with pictures, a few more weeks go by and no reply. So, I call him and he picked up the phone. He sounded surprised to hear from me (probably didn’t recognize my phone number) and I start telling him about the leak. He said he didn’t get my emails but just text him my address and he’ll send somebody. A couple of weeks goes by and nothing. So, I text him again and after weeks and weeks of waiting, no reply. I’ve emailed, called, and texted so, at this point, it’s very obvious he’s avoiding me. If you are looking for a friendly company that is willing to take your hard-earned cash then Landmark is for you. But if you’re looking for a company that is accountable for their work then look elsewhere. I know I am."

Tony T on March 2019

"Ezra and Charles are very friendly and personable. That is, when they want to take your money. What good is a 12-year warranty if you start ignoring your customers at 2 years. I needed my HVAC replaced. Because the HVAC sits on my roof, I decided to redo the roof too. Ezra and Charles came out and were really friendly so I immediately had a good impression of them. Even though it would’ve been cheaper to go with a roofer and a separate HVAC company, I decided to go with Landmark Construction Crew, aka Landmark Energy Upgrades. I figured it would be a more seamless process for one company to do both. I got this done in December of 2016. The thing with a roof is that you don’t know if it’s a good job or not until it rains so I waited to write a review. Around January 2018 ( a little over a year later ) we got some much needed rain but unfortunately, I had a leak coming from one of my vents. I emailed Ezra and he sent out a roofer. The roofer came, looked at the vent, jumped up on the roof for ten minutes and said he was done. Months later, it rained again, it leaked again, I emailed Ezra again. I decided to take a closer look at the vent and noticed that there was sunlight in the ductwork. I figured sunlight equals gap somewhere. When the roofer came, I told him and he said it’s nothing, probably just a reflection, without even taking a look. Then the roofer tells me that the next time there is a leak, I need to call the HVAC guy because it’s not a roof problem. I couldn’t believe it so I told him that HIS company IS the HVAC guy!! I used one company to do the roof and the HVAC so there is NOBODY else to blame. So, he jumps back on the roof and was done and gone in 10 minutes. About a month goes by and the rain is back and so is my leak. It’s 2019 so it rained a lot this year. Good for California, bad for me. So, I emailed Ezra again. After a few weeks, no reply. So, I email him again with pictures, a few more weeks go by and no reply. So, I call him and he picked up the phone. He sounded surprised to hear from me (probably didn’t recognize my phone number) and I start telling him about the leak. He said he didn’t get my emails but just text him my address and he’ll send somebody. A couple of weeks goes by and nothing. So, I text him again and after weeks and weeks of waiting, no reply. I’ve emailed, called, and texted so, at this point, it’s very obvious he’s avoiding me. If you are looking for a friendly company that is willing to take your hard-earned cash then Landmark is for you. But if you’re looking for a company that is accountable for their work then look elsewhere. I know I am."

Tony T on March 2019

Pacific Coast Termite Inc

4.73(

132

)

Pacific Coast Termite Inc

4.73(

132

)

Customers say: Super punctual

Recommended by 93% of Angi customers

Pacific Coast Termite has a great history serving California since 2007 by co-owners Dennis Wilson and James Grande. Both men agree that a large part of their company’s growth is attributed to word of mouth and referrals along with great reviews and A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau have also helped. Today the company has full in-house wood working divisions, offers comprehensive termite control, rodent control, and attic services such as attic cleaning and TAP pest control insulation to replace old soiled attic insulation.

"Horrible experience, the employees were very poorly trained. They severely underestimated the time to do the job. They sealed holes in vent screens with big globs of unsightly goo. The crawlspace access door wouldn't stay closed do they pried a stepping stone out of the garden and used that to hold it closed. They spit sunflower seed shells all over, including on our front porch furniture. They vacuumed the old insulation out of the attic but there was a leak in their system and it spewed old insulation and rat droppings all over the inside of our garage and on open storage shelves, and they didn't clean it up. They only apply blown-in insulation and our ducts are covered with sheet insulation, so they didn't remove that insulation or the rat droppings on the tops of the ducts. I could go on...."

RICK S on July 2018

"Horrible experience, the employees were very poorly trained. They severely underestimated the time to do the job. They sealed holes in vent screens with big globs of unsightly goo. The crawlspace access door wouldn't stay closed do they pried a stepping stone out of the garden and used that to hold it closed. They spit sunflower seed shells all over, including on our front porch furniture. They vacuumed the old insulation out of the attic but there was a leak in their system and it spewed old insulation and rat droppings all over the inside of our garage and on open storage shelves, and they didn't clean it up. They only apply blown-in insulation and our ducts are covered with sheet insulation, so they didn't remove that insulation or the rat droppings on the tops of the ducts. I could go on...."

Simons Construction, Inc. is locally owned and operated. Ben Simons has been a General Contractor for over 25 years and as a proud supporter of many local organizations and educational endeavors. We are available 24/7 for any home or business construction needs.

"The job was done quickly and professionally. The spot was hard to access, but these guys got up there and fixed everything. They also stapled some other loose boards around the area where the boards were missing. Highly recommended, great job. Thanks."

Ziemowit B on March 2023

"The job was done quickly and professionally. The spot was hard to access, but these guys got up there and fixed everything. They also stapled some other loose boards around the area where the boards were missing. Highly recommended, great job. Thanks."

Ziemowit B on March 2023

Double Dub Construction

4.80(

)

Double Dub Construction

4.80(

)

Customers say: Super punctual

Recommended by 93% of Angi customers

Newly engineered or remodeled decks, wood, decks, composite decks, timbertech, exotic brazilian decks.

"Fabulous! Will and his team removed large old wooden deck, including support structure, and built new one using Firberon composite materials. About 3 weeks in all. It looks great and feels much sturdier. We couldn’t be happier. Highly recommend this group."

JR R on October 2020

Newly engineered or remodeled decks, wood, decks, composite decks, timbertech, exotic brazilian decks.

"Fabulous! Will and his team removed large old wooden deck, including support structure, and built new one using Firberon composite materials. About 3 weeks in all. It looks great and feels much sturdier. We couldn’t be happier. Highly recommend this group."

JR R on October 2020

...

Showing 1-10 of 52

Unfinished Carpentry questions, answered by experts

It’s sometimes safe to replace a load-bearing wall with a beam, but you need a structural engineer to sign off on the project. You’ll also likely have to upgrade to a steel I-beam or another material that’s stronger than wood to maintain the level of support you need without the wall underneath.

Sagging floors, large cracks in your walls, and uneven door frames are three signs that your floor joists need to be replaced. You may also notice squeaky floorboards, windows that no longer close correctly, and stairs that sag on either side. You'll need a structural engineer or floor contractor to confirm whether the floor joists are the true problem behind these issues.

Not all porch columns are load-bearing, though they can be. Some porch columns are simply decorative. There are ways to identify a load-bearing column, like looking for visible seams and a foundation. Also, check to see if the column directly enters the ground. In some porch installations, a contractor will excavate a hole to install a column into the earth along with a buried cement base for stability.

Warped wooden landscape timbers are the result of the wood taking in too much moisture and then drying out. Treated lumber is less likely to warp but may still be susceptible to changes due to moisture. You can reduce the risk of warping by treating the cut ends of your timbers with a product specifically made for waterproofing wood.

Yes, you can replace the frame around a window by completing either a partial replacement or a full replacement. With a partial replacement, your window specialist will remove the trim around the window and replace or repair just the damaged portion. For a full replacement, your tech will need to remove the window, replace the frame, and then reinstall the window.

The Los Alamos, CA homeowners’ guide to contractor services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Scott Dylan Westerlund
•
Nov 25, 2025Nov 25, 2025
How Much Does a Brick Wall Cost to Build? [2025 Data]
Brick walls can add character and elegance to interior and exterior spaces. Use this brick wall cost guide to see the price range for adding one to your home.
Deane Biermeier
•
Nov 28, 2025Nov 28, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Wall? [2025 Data]
Sometimes, all your home needs is a new wall to make a room or provide an updated function to an existing space. Learn how much it costs to install a new wall.
Timothy Moore
•
Oct 22, 2025Oct 22, 2025
How Much Does a Stair Lift Cost? [2025 Data]
Use our guide to calculate the cost to install a stair lift in your home. Prices depend on the type of stair lift, including the seat style and other advanced features.
C.E. Larusso
•
Nov 14, 2025Nov 14, 2025
How to Raise Your Ceiling: Full Guide
Learn what’s possible and what your options might be when considering ways of raising the ceiling height in a room or your entire house.
Taylor Sansano
•
Oct 21, 2025Oct 21, 2025
What Is a Popcorn Ceiling? Pros, Cons, and Removal Cost
A textured, or “popcorn”, ceiling was once a popular home feature. Read on to learn about what a popcorn ceiling is and why it has mostly gone out of fashion.
Rachel Hoffman
•
Dec 12, 2025Dec 12, 2025
The 12 Best Pocket Door Alternatives to Suit Your Home
If you’re short on space, pocket doors aren’t your only option. Explore these 12 pocket door alternatives.

What do you need done? We’ll find top pros.

🌱 "Mow a small front yard"
🛠 "Fix a leaking pipe under the sink"
🏠 "Repair shingles on an asphalt roof"

Get matched with top contractors in Los Alamos, CA

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your contractor service project in Los Alamos, CA?

Handyman for Multiple Small Project Service

Faucets, Fixtures and Pipes Repair or Replace

Bathroom Remodeling

Find Contractors in Los Alamos

Lawrence Construction

Lawrence Construction

Browder Painting Company

Browder Painting Company

Landmark Energy Upgrades

Landmark Energy Upgrades

Pacific Coast Termite Inc

Pacific Coast Termite Inc

Clark Pest Control

Clark Pest Control

CBTT Services

CBTT Services

Temecula Property Improvement

Temecula Property Improvement

Allen Construction

Allen Construction

Simons Construction Inc

Simons Construction Inc

Double Dub Construction

Double Dub Construction

The Los Alamos, CA homeowners’ guide to contractor services

How Much Does a Brick Wall Cost to Build? [2025 Data]

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Wall? [2025 Data]

How Much Does a Stair Lift Cost? [2025 Data]

How to Raise Your Ceiling: Full Guide

What Is a Popcorn Ceiling? Pros, Cons, and Removal Cost

The 12 Best Pocket Door Alternatives to Suit Your Home

Get our Angi-powered app

Get matched with top contractors in Los Alamos, CA

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your contractor service project in Los Alamos, CA?

Handyman for Multiple Small Project Service

Faucets, Fixtures and Pipes Repair or Replace

Bathroom Remodeling

Find Contractors in Los Alamos

Lawrence Construction

Lawrence Construction

Browder Painting Company

Browder Painting Company

Landmark Energy Upgrades

Landmark Energy Upgrades

Pacific Coast Termite Inc

Pacific Coast Termite Inc

Clark Pest Control

Clark Pest Control

CBTT Services

CBTT Services

Temecula Property Improvement

Temecula Property Improvement

Allen Construction

Allen Construction

Simons Construction Inc

Simons Construction Inc

Double Dub Construction

Double Dub Construction

The Los Alamos, CA homeowners’ guide to contractor services

How Much Does a Brick Wall Cost to Build? [2025 Data]

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Wall? [2025 Data]

How Much Does a Stair Lift Cost? [2025 Data]

How to Raise Your Ceiling: Full Guide

What Is a Popcorn Ceiling? Pros, Cons, and Removal Cost

The 12 Best Pocket Door Alternatives to Suit Your Home

Find Contractor service Pros in other cities near youNot finding what you are looking for in Los Alamos? Check surrounding areas for Contractors.

Related services for your Contractor service projectFind pros in Los Alamos who can help with other services related to Contractor service

Find Pros for other jobs in Los AlamosIf your Contractor services job is complete, use Angi to find quality Pros in Los Alamos for any number of jobs.