Should I repair or replace wood following termite damage?

• <div><p>Not all wood that’s been softened by termites needs to be replaced. You may be able to salvage wood using a wood hardener instead of replacing beams. However, you’ll need to hire a structural engineer to assess the damage and the overall stability of the wood before making a replacement plan.</p></div>

Can you hammer a nail into a stud?

• <div><p>Yes, you can hammer a nail into a wall stud. But before you do, it’s important to confirm that you’re actually nailing into a stud—and not wiring, pipes, or ductwork. To check, find a few more studs in the wall, then measure to make sure they’re either 16 or 24 inches apart. </p></div>

Get matched with top contractors in Marion, IA

Q: Should I repair or replace wood following termite damage?

• <div><p>Not all wood that&rsquo;s been softened by termites needs to be replaced. You may be able to salvage wood using a wood hardener instead of replacing beams. However, you&rsquo;ll need to hire a structural engineer to assess the damage and the overall stability of the wood before making a replacement plan.</p></div>

Q: What is the difference between cupping and bowing wood?

• <div><p>Cupping and bowing are both types of wood warping, but they affect the board in different ways. Cupping happens when the edges of a board curl upward or downward, creating a concave or convex shape across its width. Conversely, bowing is when the board curves along its length, forming a gentle arc. </p></div>

Q: What should I do if I missed the stud?

• <div><p>There are a few options if you miss a stud. You can simply patch the hole with spackle, sand it down, repaint it, and then find the stud&mdash;essentially starting over. If you don&rsquo;t want to do that, you can insert one of the more robust drywall anchor options and hang your item on that, but that will only work if the drywall is in excellent condition and the anchor is rated for the weight of the item you&rsquo;re hanging on it. You may be able to cover the hole with the object itself once it&rsquo;s mounted, but it&rsquo;s still recommended to at least fill the hole to protect insulation and prevent vermin from entering. </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>

There are 1 highly-rated local contractors.

Need a pro for your contractor service project in Marion, IA?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Verified Reviews for Contractor Service pros in Marion, IA

*The Angi rating for Contractor Service companies in Marion, 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 Marion, 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 October 05, 2025

Reviewed in July 2013
Generally I've been very happy with the work. James listens & communicates well. His construction skill-set is strong and he knows his own strengths and weaknesses. He is very flexible regarding timing. He cleans up well after himself also. He prefers to work on an hourly basis and is slightly...
JB Construction and Handyman Services
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2020
We were referred to Paul with R&P Construction from another local contractor back in February. I requested a quote from Paul by phone to replace our wooden soffitt (DIY by the previous homeowner...) with aluminum. He called me and texted me to let me know he got my message, and he emailed me the...
R&P CONSTRUCTION LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in May 2012
I'd worked with them in the past, so when I knew I was placing the order for the window, I called them for an estimate on installation costs. They worked with me on selecting an appropriate window, and emailed a detailed, printable PDF estimate with an itemized report of parts and labor, at...
Lanes Construction
Request a quote
Reviewed in January 2008
Alessandro was our contractor and I couldn't have been happier with the process from start to finish. We agreed to a direct cost of work based upon hours required, and his estimate was reasonably close to the total project charge. He was always accessible and kept me updated almost daily on the...
Socelvic Co
Request a quote
Reviewed in August 2012
Mark Hansen and his team did an excellent job - I simply asked for a roof replacement and he went above and beyond in many ways. He took the job with only a day or two notice which really helped me out because I had a deadline from the bank for getting a new roof. They arrived promptly each...
Custom Construction Inc
Request a quote
Reviewed in September 2019
Excellent! I gave him a very rough drawing of what I was hoping for and he was able to reproduce exactly! He even had some cost-effective tips for building, such as customizing a premade cabinet instead of making one from scratch.
Casper Building Services, LLC.
Request a quote
Reviewed in February 2015
Bob and his team were very professional and pleasant. Bob had good suggestions regarding solutions to problems that arose and also suggested some ways we could save money on the project. We purchased all fixtures, cabinets, mirrors except the paint ourselves. I have already received a quote...
Bob's Home Improvement Co
Request a quote
Reviewed in June 2012
This project is nearly complete and has been a wonderful experience. Steve is great to work with, very knowledgeable, works to high standards, and works very quickly. Other people he's brought in have been at that same standard. Wonderful to work with. Steve came in after my catastrophe with a...
Steve Eisenmenger
Request a quote

Get matched with top contractors in Marion, IA

There are 1 highly-rated local contractors.

Need a pro for your contractor service project in Marion, IA?

Handyman for Multiple Small Project Service

Faucets, Fixtures and Pipes Repair or Replace

Bathroom Remodeling

Verified Reviews for Contractor Service pros in Marion, IA

Find Contractors in Marion

cleve construction

cleve construction

PSD Home improvement

PSD Home improvement

K&M Exteriors LLC

K&M Exteriors LLC

Arnold Home Services

Arnold Home Services

Rent-a-Papa

Rent-a-Papa

Next Level Construction

Next Level Construction

L&T Affordable Construction

L&T Affordable Construction

Casper Building Services, LLC.

Casper Building Services, LLC.

Two Guys Handyman Srvs

Two Guys Handyman Srvs

All In One Property Main tenance

All In One Property Main tenance

The Marion, IA homeowners’ guide to contractor services

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Tongue and Groove Ceiling? [2025 Data]

How Much Does It Cost to Build or Replace a Staircase? [2025 Data]

How Much Does Floor Joist Repair and Replacement Cost? [2025 Data]

Lumber Calculator: How Much Lumber Do I Need?

8 Tips for How to Negotiate With Your Contractor

What Is Included in Framing a House? Here’s What to Know

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

Find Pros for other jobs in MarionIf your Contractor service job is complete, use Angi to find quality Pros in Marion for any number of jobs.