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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

"They did a good job. She had to submit like a photo but my daughter had them work on the central are of the loft. The deal was for one room. She got a lot of good ideal from her and it was worth it for her. They were professional and I did not hear anything negative."
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

The primary parts of a house that need framing during construction are floors, exterior walls, interior walls, and the roof. The framing in these areas provides the skeleton for adding other materials over the top. With walls, for example, contractors can hang drywall over the interior walls and siding over the outside of the exterior walls. Proper framing ensures a sturdy house that is built to last.

Proper Murphy bed installation minimizes the risk of wall damage. A secure attachment requires making some holes for anchors or brackets, but these can be easily patched if the bed is removed. To ensure the installation is done correctly and safely, hiring a professional is recommended, especially if you have limited DIY experience.

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.

Yes, a 2x6 should hold a porch swing and safely support the load. A smaller joist runs the risk of it not offering enough support for the swing. If you have a joist smaller than 2x6, add additional bolstering support.

Professionals charge between $60 and $95 per hour to install ornamental porch columns. The amount of time they need varies based on the condition of the porch, whether they need to remove old columns, and if there is any damage to your porch's structure. This cost can increase if more issues come up during the installation process.

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.