"Just a super company. The owner was there to walk me through the process, listening to my needs and factoring them into the design. He was also there through the building - quickly resolving the minor issues and ensuring a great job and my satisfaction. I highly recommend him and his team, and would certainly use him again."
"James with Element construction did a great job demoing our master shower. He and his crew tore down the old glass block wall without damaging any of the tile underneath it. They also cut out part of a water damaged wall and repaired it and the tile on the floor. James is very personable and takes pride in a job well done. I would Definately recommend him and will have him do more projects."
"Mike is professional and friendly. He is on time and efficient. We would highly recommend Mike if you are looking for quality and affordable pricing on your next project."
"Austin did a great job repairing our deck and installing the handrail really appreciate his effort. I would recommend him for that sort of work to anyone."
"Very courteous, and on time. Jared fixed three doors that were rubbing on the carpet after installation. His work was flawless and didnâ t take that long to finish. I would highly recommend him to my friends. Thanks Jared!!"
My name is Campbell Bigelow and I am the owner of High Desert Home Renovations LLC. I have worked in construction my whole life and have been in the renovation industry proffesionally for six years. I take great pride in the work that I do, no matter the size of the job. I’m licensed and insured and I look forward to working with you! \n
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.
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.
Bump-out additions can extend anywhere from 2 to 15 feet from an existing room. The right size will depend on how you plan to use the new space. For a cantilever bump-out, which doesn't require additional foundation support, the limit is typically 24 inches (2 feet). If a footing and foundation are part of the project, a bump-out can be much larger, even encompassing a whole room. It's also important to remember that many residential properties have limits on the total house size relative to the lot size.
You may need a permit to install your window seat. Even though it's an indoor modification, some municipalities require permits for any built-ins added to homes. Check with your carpenter or, if you're DIY-ing, do some research on your city's requirements.
Framing most homes takes anywhere between five and eight weeks to complete. You’ll need to account for inclement weather conditions, material shipment times, the number of crew members, and the weight of your materials. If the weather is too hot, wet, or cold for the installation, this process could take closer to eight weeks.
The Terreton, ID homeowners’ guide to carpentry services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
When you’re tackling a project or hiring a contractor, it’s helpful to know key carpentry terms. From end grain to dovetail joints, here’s a complete list.
