"Kurt did a great job and was very efficient. He was able to repair all rot, and at a fraction of the cost of several other estimates. He repaired several window frames and replaced some of the baseboards. I was worried about having to replace siding, but only one small piece had to be replaced. Kurt is a great contractor and is very reliable and honest. We are planning to hire him to do more work on the back of our house."
"Daniel’s work is exceptional. He refinished my 38 year old dining set and it looks like new. Great attention to detail and knowledge. I’m so pleased I’m having him refinish a very old dresser also."
"What an incredible experience. Contacted them for siding consult, Chris from sales was very knowledgeable and easy to talk with. Gave us great recommendations for the design. We signed up and wow the siding was here in less than 10 days. The installers, Led by Daniel were incredible. They were courteous, friendly, neat and they were fast! You could see pride of work as they were doing the project. They were also on time each day, were there when they said they would be. AJ our project manager was awesome as well..Communicated frequently so we always knew what to expect. We are thrilled with our new home, siding is beautiful, this team is stellar! If we could give a 100 rating we would!"
"I don?t usually leave reviews, but Andi smart renovation truly deserves one. From the first day, I know I had chosen the right company. They never pressured me into making any decisions and took the time to explain everything clearly. They answered every question I had and made me feel comfortable throughout the entire process. One thing that really stood out was that they even came with me to help pick the perfect color for my new composite deck. That level of care and attention meant a lot because they genuinely wanted me to be happy with the final result. The quality of their work is incredible. The framing is extremely solid, the composite deck installation is flawless, and every detail was completed with pride and professionalism. The crew was always on time, respectful, hardworking, and kept the job site clean every day. I highly recommend Andi Smart Renovation. They exceeded my expectations in every way and earned every one of these five stars."
"We have used Arnold Improvements for three projects--installing bathroom and kitchen counters to include plumbing hookup, installation of French doors, and a bathroom makeover to include tile flooring and a tiled bathroom. He provided very competitive estimates, finished the jobs within the quotes and on time. He delivered on everything he promised. The quality of work was excellent and he took the time to do the job right. We would have no problem in having Dan return for a 4th project."
"Agile Construction was very professional. They asked what needed to get done and then came in and executed it flawlessly. They were able to answer my questions and explained the work and their methodology. They came to repair my window sill. And it looks way better than before."
"Roger and team also painted to match other wall. They helped us with many home projects beyond painting like electrical work, flooring, install vanities and tiles and handy man assembly, power washing house and walkways & more. I highly recommend!"
"We recently had custom built-in bookshelves designed and installed by CT Yankee Crafts, and we couldn't be happier. From start to finish, the experience was an absolute pleasure. Nick was very communicative throughout the whole process, and he listened to our vision, then translated it onto paper and then into a beautiful masterpiece and a focal point in our new home. The best part is filling them up! Watching our book collection find its new home on these gorgeous, sturdy shelves has been so satisfying. It has completely transformed the room into a cozy sanctuary. Highly recommended for any custom woodwork!"
While framing a basement is not as difficult as finishing a basement, it's something you should typically leave to the pros. That’s because if something is installed correctly, it will affect your entire basement. However, you can take care of some of the smaller tasks, like filling holes or putting up some insulation.
Yes, professionals can install new frames, trim, and threshold adjustments for a complete finish.
A-frame homes are on the smaller side. While there’s no set square footage amount it has to be, it will usually come in around 1,000 square feet or smaller.
Yes, ceiling joists are typically load-bearing. However, their primary function is to support the weight of the ceiling and loads applied to it, like lighting fixtures and ceiling fans. They can also help support the roof, especially if they’re part of truss systems. Remember, the load-bearing capacity of ceiling joists depends on the material, size, and space between them.
Yes, you can find ceiling joists using simple tools if a stud finder isn't available.
Using a hammer requires patience and a keen ear. Gently tap the ceiling in a grid pattern, listening for sound changes. A hollow sound indicates space between joists, while a solid, dull thud suggests a joist. Mark the location with a pencil and confirm by tapping from different angles.
Alternatively, you can use a nail, but this method will leave small holes. You'll feel increased resistance when the nail hits a joist. Mark the spot and repeat the process every 16 or 24 inches to map the joist locations. This method is considered less reliable than using a stud finder.
The Ellington, CT homeowners’ guide to carpentry services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
When you’re tackling a project or hiring a contractor, it’s helpful to know key carpentry terms. From end grain to dovetail joints, here’s a complete list.