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*The Angi rating for Contractor Service companies in Defiance, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Contractor Service needs.

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Last update on August 12, 2025

Find Contractors in Defiance

Avatar for Homemade Design
Homemade Design
3.7(
322
)
Major Home Repairs (General Contractor)

Serving Defiance, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2006

Credit card accepted

"I never contacted the provider or used this service in anyway. I have to
write this review so that the request to write this review stops
popping up.
The rating is bogus as it is required to be able to submit.
"
Pennsylvania Master Bathroom
Boston Small Condo Kitchen
California Client Saves with HMD Designer Discounts
Recommended by54%of homeowners
Request Quote
Avatar for Jill Seidner Interior Design
Jill Seidner Interior Design
3.5(
89
)
Major Home Repairs (General Contractor)

Serving Defiance, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2006

Credit card accepted

"Excellent - I ended up hiring someone to help with shopping and finishing piece - waste of time and money. Jill's service was by far the most useful and best value in my decorating process.
"
Recommended by55%of homeowners
Request Quote
Avatar for Re-Bath of the Heartland
Re-Bath of the Heartland
4.3(
45
)
Major Home Repairs (General Contractor)

Serving Defiance, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1979

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"The crews were very friendly and professional. They did a wonderful job . We are very happy with the results"
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+45

Recommended by94%of homeowners
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Showing 1-10 of 19
Unfinished Carpentry questions, answered by experts

You can choose 5/8-inch plywood or 3/4-inch plywood—anything thinner than these sizes may not withstand the impact of debris propelled by strong winds or can be easily torn off by intruders. Remember that the durability of the wood board is crucial, particularly for safeguarding your windows during severe storms. The effectiveness of using wood boards for protecting the investment you made in your home relies on using the appropriate material and ensuring proper installation.

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.

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.

Joists do distribute their load to beams, but they don’t sit on top of the beams. Instead, home builders nail or screw the joists directly to the beams such that the end of the joist butts up against the edge of the beam. Beams can sit on other beams for support, but you’ll never see a joist sitting on top of a beam or another joist.

Yes, you will need a jack for a rim joist replacement. To prevent sagging and facilitate the removal of load-bearing wood, you’ll need to relieve the pressure from this joint before beginning work. 

Due to hydraulics and other specialized equipment, a sill plate and rim joist replacement are not typically a DIY project. Hiring a professional structural engineer and experienced contractors is the best approach to replacing rotted sill plates and rim joists.

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