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Top-Rated Contractors in Ottumwa - Updated Nov 2026

Avatar for Hixson Contracting LLC
Hixson Contracting LLC
5.0(
8
)
Major Home Repairs (General Contractor)

Serving Ottumwa, IA and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"My bathroom renovation was completely done in just a few days. The guys were knowledgeable and hard working as well as friendly. I have more projects that I will definitely be having done by them. Hixson contracting is also very reasonably priced. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing work done."
My Jobs
My Jobs
My jobs
My jobs
My jobs

+3

Response time1 day
Response rate89%
22 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Homemade Design
Homemade Design
3.7(
322
)
Major Home Repairs (General Contractor)

Serving Ottumwa, 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 Ottumwa, 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
Avatar for Affordable Contracting & Handyman
Affordable Contracting & Handyman
3.8(
4
)
Major Home Repairs (General Contractor)

Serving Ottumwa, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"I haven’t yet worked with Matt on a home project, but he responded promptly and professionally from the very start of our conversations about work needed in my home. He arrived early for our walk through yesterday and thoughtfully answered all of my questions in a friendly manner, without condescending to me, as has happened with some contractors I’ve met. He is clearly knowledgeable, experienced and eager to work. Because I have a carpenter already working in my house who was hoping to do one of the projects that Matt was interested in, I am in an awkward place right now as a homeowner and trying to find out what the appropriate homeowner protocols are."
Hanselman 2021
Ware 2021
Ware 2021
Ware 2021
Ware 2021

+2

Response time3 hrs
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Bixler Construction
5.0(
1
)
Major Home Repairs (General Contractor)

Serving Ottumwa, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1999

Free estimates

"Jim Bixler Construction is the best I have seen in a long time. Jim and his crew finished the project in a total of three days. when they made a move they were doing something.The cuts on the trim had to be prefect or Jim would not nail it up the detail was great. I would highly recommend Jim and his crew. He did things others would not have done. The did a great job."
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Varela associates
5.0(
1
)
Major Home Repairs (General Contractor)

Serving Ottumwa, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Emergency services offered

"Our family home had been remodeled a few years ago by another company and the remodel unfortunately was not done correctly and was not what we wanted. we had to completely remodel and redo all plumbing in our bathrooms Varela associates were quick to a**** the damage left by the previous company we had hired, they gave us a budget friendly estimate, and we got to working with them asap. The work was completed in a timely manner and they communicated with us throughout the entire process to make sure all of our needs and wants were met, we hope to work with them again soon for all of our new year home remodel projects. Thank you Varela associates for taking on this challenge! You guys are amazing!"
Recommended by100%of homeowners
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Unfinished Carpentry FAQs, answered by experts

It’s best to use two screws to secure deck boards into every joist. Securing the boards to every joist makes the deck more structurally sound, while using two screws on the outer sides of the boards can help prevent warping and cupping.

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.

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.

There are a variety of second-story deck privacy ideas depending on your budget and aesthetic. For starters, you might consider fencing or tall privacy railing that masks a good portion of the open deck. A pergola or an awning can provide additional cover and shade. Outdoor curtains are an easy way to add or remove privacy at your convenience, plus they’re a wallet-friendly way to decorate your deck.

Most Cape Cod houses are two stories tall at the peak, although they’re considered one-and-a-half stories tall because the steep roof pitch cuts off a portion of the living space on the second story. Unless you raise the roof on your Cape Cod house to add a dormer, the interior rooms upstairs will lose some usable living space to the sloped ceilings.

The Ottumwa, IA homeowners’ guide to contractor services

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