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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.

General contractors use subcontractors to complete specific parts of a construction project. For example, a general contractor might have construction experience but need a subcontractor to install plumbing lines in a new home.

Rustic and modern farmhouse styles are currently the most popular. These include rustic and antique furniture, muted colors, clean lines, eclectic decor, and natural materials. Some other popular farmhouse styles include the following:

• Coastal farmhouse: Creates a lighter, airier feel with soft colors and blue palettes, along with gold

• Colonial farmhouse: Focuses on real antique furniture and decor

• French farmhouse: Leans on French country architecture and design by including marble and lighter-colored metals, like zinc

• Industrial farmhouse: Includes thick, chunky furniture and dark metals

• Scandinavian farmhouse: Usually includes lighter wood colors and more refined furniture

Joists and beams are both part of the flooring system above your basement, with the beams spanning the length of your home and getting support from vertical posts underneath, and joists usually spanning half the width of your home with no support posts underneath. The floor joists provide even support to the subflooring and flooring above, and they distribute that load to the beams. The beams then distribute that load down through the support posts to the foundation.