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

Serving Fredericksburg, 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
Avatar for Jill Seidner Interior Design
Jill Seidner Interior Design
3.5(
89
)
Major Home Repairs (General Contractor)

Serving Fredericksburg, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2006

Credit card accepted

"Once I sent her all the measurements, it took her a little while to get the options back to me.  Overall, they're good designs.  However, they're very simplistic and give general ideas for space planning.  I was hoping to have a better idea for sizes of furniture for the space and some variations on staging.  
Jill was very responsive when I did have a question.  I'm not sure how helpful it is to have a virtual design done.  If we lived in similar cities, I'd probably use her again for help with additional designs.
"
Recommended by55%of homeowners
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Unfinished Carpentry questions, answered by experts

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.

Yes, a 2x6 should hold a porch swing and safely support the load. A smaller joist runs the risk of it not offering enough support for the swing. If you have a joist smaller than 2x6, add additional bolstering support.

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.

Using a steel frame may raise the value of your home. Steel is more heat resistant, has better longevity, and doesn’t need any upkeep compared to traditional wood. You can also customize a steel build a little easier than other materials like brick, concrete, and vinyl—which have trouble bending and adapting to renovations.

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.

The Fredericksburg, IA homeowners’ guide to contractor services

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