Is it safe to replace a load-bearing wall with a beam?

• <div><p>It’s sometimes safe to replace a load-bearing wall with a beam, but you need a structural engineer to sign off on the project. You’ll also likely have to upgrade to a steel I-beam or another material that’s stronger than wood to maintain the level of support you need without the wall underneath.</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>

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Q: Do brick houses have framing?

• <div><p>Modern brick houses are really stick-built homes with a brick facade for aesthetic purposes only, so most have framing. With genuine brick construction, most homeowners install furring strips over the interior of the brick and then install drywall over those strips to cover the brick wall, so they don&rsquo;t have traditional framing. </p></div>

Q: Is it safe to replace a load-bearing wall with a beam?

• <div><p>It&rsquo;s sometimes safe to replace a load-bearing wall with a beam, but you need a structural engineer to sign off on the project. You&rsquo;ll also likely have to upgrade to a steel I-beam or another material that&rsquo;s stronger than wood to maintain the level of support you need without the wall underneath.</p></div>

Q: How much does it cost to fix a sinking deck?

• <div><p>The <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-repair-deck.htm">cost to repair a deck</a> is between <b>$900 and $3,500</b>, depending on the cause and extent of the damage. For example, fixing a sinking deck caused by pest damage can cost between $200 and $600, while replacing sinking boards costs between $500 and $4,000.</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>

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Verified Reviews for Contractor Service pros in Oakland, IA

*The Angi rating for Contractor Service companies in Oakland, 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 Oakland, 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 22, 2025

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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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K&M Exteriors LLC

K&M Exteriors LLC

J&J Contracting LLC

J&J Contracting LLC

myhometutions

myhometutions

Crittenden Design Building Systems

Crittenden Design Building Systems

Strafford Window Manufacturing, Inc.

Strafford Window Manufacturing, Inc.

Creative Home Renovations

Creative Home Renovations

Lucky Underwood Construction

Lucky Underwood Construction

J&M Residential

J&M Residential

Turner Construction Inc.

Turner Construction Inc.

1st Construction

1st Construction

The Oakland, IA homeowners’ guide to contractor services

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

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