Get matched with top contractors in Wakarusa, IN

Q: How can I find ceiling joists using simple tools like a hammer or a nail?

• <div><p>Yes, you can find ceiling joists using simple tools if a stud finder isn't available.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p></div>

Q: How far can a bump-out addition extend?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

Q: How long does it take to frame with metal studs?

• <div><p>Framing with metal studs can be significantly faster than using wooden studs, provided you have some experience working with the material. While you can use virtually instant pneumatic nailers with wood, metal requires installing screws. However, because metal is lighter, straighter, usually comes cut-to-length, and doesn't require sorting for the best pieces, you can save significant time using metal instead of wood. </p></div>

Q: Can you do a bump out for a closet installation?

• <div><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-is-a-bump-out-addition.htm">Bump-out additions</a> can add some space to a closet without requiring any significant structural work. This entails pushing back the existing rear or side of the closet, simply moving the wall into either an adjacent room or unused space. For ground-floor closets, this could even be extended to the exterior of the home, but that has its own complications. Bump-outs are a good discussion to have with your contractor if you&rsquo;re just looking to increase the space a little&mdash;not renovate the entire closet space. </p></div>

Q: What is included in framing a house?

• <div><p>Stick frames, metal frames, or prefabricated concrete frames are included in framing a house, along with creating the framework and space for windows, doors, and entryways. Other aspects of developing a home&mdash;like drywall, insulation, windows, doors, and more&mdash;are not included in the cost to frame a house.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Contractor Service pros in Wakarusa, IN

*The Angi rating for Contractor Service companies in Wakarusa, IN is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Contractor Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Contractor Service companies in Wakarusa, IN is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Contractor Service needs.

Last update on May 02, 2025

Reviewed in May 2025
David replaced my deck. He did great work and was very efficient. After a year, it is stained and I enjoy it very much. It took only a weekend and I couldn’t be happier!
Sheleys Home Improvement LLC
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Reviewed in February 2024
He went above and beyond to help us out . He stayed until the early evening on a Friday night because he did not want to leave the job unfinished. We will be hiring him again and letting know how great he is to work with.
DC Electrical, LLC
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Reviewed in August 2023
Work was completed within the time frame as advised (8 hours). Materials are as promised. Pricing was a little on the high end, but good.
Bath Planet of South Bend
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Reviewed in June 2023
Impact Painting did some amazing interior work for my home. I had them paint several rooms and my kitchen. They prepped all the walls, patching holes and cracks. The finished product was beautiful and everyone had been giving me compliments on the house since.
Impact Painting
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Reviewed in April 2021
They did several projects (interior carpentry, plumbing, HVAC) and did a fine job. My rating is not five stars for two reasons - the workman was not on time, and he had to come back to fix a problem (the under sink plumbing leaked). They responded immediately to my text about the problem and...
Handyman Rescue - Home Facebook
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Reviewed in December 2019
Started with an unfinished moisture-filled basement and once he was finished it is a beautiful living area. No more moisture problems. Framed the walls, electrical wiring, new lighting, drywall, painted and carpeting. I am so happy with the outcome. Very professional and trustworthy.
JP Executive Service's
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Reviewed in June 2019
We hired Bill to powerwash our house, deck and wooden playground. In addition, he repaired our deck and playground as it needed to have a number of pieces replaced (boards, ladder and bridge parts to the playground equipment. We will certainly hire Bill to powerwash our home again as well as...
Reliable Indiana Contractors, LLC
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Reviewed in December 2014
As I stated above I showed Julie a pic & she worked with it modified it to my eventual space & it looks great. We had 2 walls taken out to expand our Kitchen & dinning room into one big space. We took out the mud room & put the washer & dryer upstairs.. (Apline handled that part.) Julie referred...
American Kitchen & Bath
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Reviewed in March 2014
He was a little high plus the fact that he wasn't particularly complete with his visual estimate of what needed to be done so we ended up not going with him. I didn't know if he was quite as professional as it seemed to be on the website. Basically, all he did was look around and said $275.00 a...
Jim Gardner
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Reviewed in September 2011
Schmidt Custom Floors did an outstanding job bringing our 70 year old hardwood floors to life. The repair carpentry was unbelievable and the project was done on time, on budget and by a crew who were a pleasure to work with. They were a bit more expensive than their competition but it was money...
Schmidt Custom Floors Inc
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Find Contractors in Wakarusa

Sunnyland Construction LLC

5.0(

)

Serving Wakarusa, IN and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1990

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"The owner showed up and was very knowledgeable and took his time asking us what we wanted along with what our goals were. If ever I am in need for a project in the future (which I will be soon). I would recommend Sunnyland Construction for sure!"

+47

Response time1 day

28 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by75%of homeowners

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Kendall Builders IN. LLC

4.6(

)

Serving Wakarusa, IN and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 1993

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Tony is a contractor we previously used to finish out a basement. We hire him again to do a bathroom remodel, which include a new walk in tile shower and bathroom floor. We receive several compliments on the tile work and overall appearance of the bathroom. Tony is a dependable contractor who takes pride in his work while incorporating customer's desires. We highly recommend him for your home projects."

+25

Response time12 hrs

Response rate100%

5 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Remodeling & Painting Aritas LLC

5.0(

)

Serving Wakarusa, IN and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

Warranties offered

Customers say: True professional

"Best quality work, definitely recommend!! Will hire again!!"

+309

Response time2 days

Response rate88%

10 neighbors recently requested a quote

Serving Wakarusa, IN and surrounding areas

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Quick and painless. We had major issues with a different contractor and they removed the bad job and replaced the tile to our specifications. It looks great!"

Recommended by93%of homeowners

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Preferred Roof Systems

4.6(

)

Serving Wakarusa, IN and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Great. On time, a hard worker. Pricing was reasonable. Very happy with the outcome."

+54

Recommended by90%of homeowners

Serving Wakarusa, IN and surrounding areas

In business since 2024

Free estimates

"K&L Construction can and repainted a door at my job and did a wonderful job the door looks better then it did before! Highly recommend!"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Brennaman Home Rehab, LLC

4.5(

)

Serving Wakarusa, IN and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Very nice and a family business! Chad is a good communicator and responds back to your calls or text. Did a nice job on our bathroom and other small jobs we needed done. Good people!"

Response time3 days

Response rate93%

Recommended by94%of homeowners

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R&R General Construction LLC

5.0(

)

Serving Wakarusa, IN and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Fast and very professional! Would recommend and would hire again"

+403

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Wakarusa, IN and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Johnny and his crew were wonderful. They were professional and trustworthy. They got the job done asap. I will recommend them to friends and neighbors. I will definitely be using them again."

+14

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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MCG Modern Construction Guy

4.5(

)

Serving Wakarusa, IN and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Gerardo was great at completing the project as request, on time and on budget. He communicated throughout the project to make sure it met our needs and expectations. He took pride in his work and was thoughtful and professional. Thank you so much!"

+102

Response time7 hrs

Response rate100%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Unfinished Carpentry questions, answered by experts

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.

Framing with metal studs can be significantly faster than using wooden studs, provided you have some experience working with the material. While you can use virtually instant pneumatic nailers with wood, metal requires installing screws. However, because metal is lighter, straighter, usually comes cut-to-length, and doesn't require sorting for the best pieces, you can save significant time using metal instead of wood.

Bump-out additions can add some space to a closet without requiring any significant structural work. This entails pushing back the existing rear or side of the closet, simply moving the wall into either an adjacent room or unused space. For ground-floor closets, this could even be extended to the exterior of the home, but that has its own complications. Bump-outs are a good discussion to have with your contractor if you’re just looking to increase the space a little—not renovate the entire closet space.

Stick frames, metal frames, or prefabricated concrete frames are included in framing a house, along with creating the framework and space for windows, doors, and entryways. Other aspects of developing a home—like drywall, insulation, windows, doors, and more—are not included in the cost to frame a house.

The Wakarusa, IN 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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