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Last update on May 09, 2026

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

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

Serving Onawa, 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
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Showing 1-10 of 21
Unfinished Carpentry questions, answered by experts

When deciding if you should use 2x6 or 2x8 deck joists, consider the size of the deck, joist spacing, and materials. Larger decks, larger-spaced joists, and weaker wood all require more support, meaning they need larger joists. For example, 2x8 redwood joists spaced 16 inches apart can only safely span up to 10 feet and 7 inches. On the other hand, 2x10 southern pine joists spaced 12 inches apart can be as big as 16 feet and 2 inches. If you aren’t sure what size joist is best for your project, speak with your deck builder.

The easiest way to tell if a wall is load bearing is to check if it’s an exterior wall or if it runs perpendicular to the joists above and below it (or parallel to beams). Exterior walls are almost always load-bearing, and walls that run under beams or parallel to them are also usually load-bearing. There are exceptions to these rules, and walls that don’t fit into these categories can still be load-bearing. If you’re unsure, hire a structural engineer to look at your home to assess whether or not the wall is structural.

The cost to convert a carport into a garage averages about $22,000, ranging from about $15,000 and $55,000. Additional cost factors to consider include size, time of year, and how much of the carport you can reuse. Other cost factors include the kinds and amounts of materials used, such as:

  • Add insulation: $1 per square foot

  • Add drywall: $1–$3 per square foot

  • Add window: $450–$2,000 per window

  • Add outlets: $75–$500

  • Add garage door: $250–$11,200

  • Enclose framing: $5–$13 per square foot

  • Replace roofing: $1,000–$2,000

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.

When hanging a door frame, it’s recommended that you use screws, not nails. Screws are more secure, easier to tighten, and easier to remove if you need to adjust the frame. On average, the cost to replace a door frame is about $400, but you can save on labor costs if you’re confident in your ability to DIY the project. 

The Onawa, IA homeowners’ guide to contractor services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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