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>

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Q: What is the best angle for bracing?

• <div><p>A cross brace for a fence gate should stretch from the top corner of the gate&rsquo;s hinge side to the bottom corner of its latch side at a 45-degree angle to the bottom of the gate. This positioning distributes the bulk of the gate&rsquo;s weight to the base of the post, taking pressure off the top hinge.</p></div>

Q: What happens if a sagging floor is not repaired or replaced?

• <div><p>Neglecting to repair or replace a sagging floor can expose you to the risk of injury and your home to serious structural damage. When sagging floors are caused by termites, water damage, or weak foundations, holding off on completing the work can lead to a more costly repair bill as the problem can worsen over time.</p></div>

Q: Are joists considered structural?

• <div><p>Yes, joists are considered structural, as they support the flooring or roofing above them and help distribute the load to the beams, which, in turn, distribute that load to weight-bearing walls or foundational supports directly below them. Joists not only help distribute the load evenly to your beams, but they also provide direct support to the subfloor in flooring systems, which helps reduce creaking and the risk of uneven flooring.</p></div>

Q: Is it better to frame with nails or screws?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Contractor Service pros in Maquoketa, IA

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

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

Last update on November 21, 2025

Reviewed in August 2012
He installed a door that fits better than the original new doors that were brand new. He actually did the door and the screen door. He installed them in such a way that I could open both doors with ease from my wheelchair. He also installed a small ramp to help go into the house.
Krebill Construction
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Reviewed in April 2011
The crew showed up on time and were very friendly and professional. They kept the work are clean and answered all of my questions. They even had one of the crew help haul in a grocery bag when I came back home. I would highly recomend Basement Solutions to anyone!!
Basement Solutions Inc
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Reviewed in October 2013
Very well. Great price, esp on the gutters. The window trim was their design as we knew we wanted something done to spruce up the look of the windows, but didn't know what.
S & R Construction Inc
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Reviewed in August 2016
It went very well. Mr. Love does excellent work and is very conscientious of his work. He is also dependable and trustworthy. He is also very mechanically talented and can do anything that has to do with construction.
Love's Heating & AC
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Reviewed in February 2011
They were very respectful of our home and children. They offered suggestions to do things with the bathroom. They were very helpful with their suggestions! I would highly recommend them to anyone!
Valentine Contruction
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Reviewed in August 2014
Our retaining wall moved dramatically and damaged the siding of the lower level of our house. We removed the retaining wall and Vinzant Construction removed the old siding and replaced some of the old under-sheeting; installed new siding and weather proof the siding
Vinzant Construction
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Reviewed in April 2013
Contractor arrived as scheduled and performed all work per contract. Employees were friendly and provided information when requested. Foreman and owner came by separately each day of the project. Returned area to pre-project condition.
Sovern construction
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Reviewed in August 2011
CCapps came by my house as promised, providing an estimate. He returned as promised to perform the work. He made some good suggestions about other work I needed done. He told me he had a friend who could work on my dining room ceiling and he called this man. He also gave me this man's...
CAPPS HOME REPAIR SVC
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Reviewed in April 2010
tom did show up the first two weeks of the project then after i paid them they did not return to the project until i called them two weeks later then they showed up for about an hour and didnt return for another week until i called them and told them they had to complete the job, they then...
Anderson-Bleil Construction LLC
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Reviewed in August 2013
contacted him twice no show both times actually watched him drive up to my house and look at the roof from his truck then drive off called me a few mins later and told me he couldn't make our appointment cause he was to busy and would reschedule never heard from him again
Strube Builders
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Handyman for Multiple Small Project Service

Faucets, Fixtures and Pipes Repair or Replace

Bathroom Remodeling

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Find Contractors in Maquoketa

PSD Home improvement

PSD Home improvement

K&M Exteriors LLC

K&M Exteriors LLC

Arnold Home Services

Arnold Home Services

Habel paint

Habel paint

Curt Johnson (Trim carpentry)

Curt Johnson (Trim carpentry)

L&T Affordable Construction

L&T Affordable Construction

Hinman Home Repair LLC

Hinman Home Repair LLC

myhometutions

myhometutions

Crittenden Design Building Systems

Crittenden Design Building Systems

Strafford Window Manufacturing, Inc.

Strafford Window Manufacturing, Inc.

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