Get matched with top contractors in Independence, LA

Q: How do you calculate baseboard installation?

• <div><p>To calculate the number of linear feet of baseboard you&rsquo;ll need, measure the length of each wall of the room you&rsquo;re installing them in as close to the floor as possible, rounding up to the next full linear foot. If it&rsquo;s your first DIY molding job, having a few extra feet on hand for miscuts is a good idea.</p></div>

Q: Do you have to jack up a house to replace a rim joist?

• <div><p>Yes, you will need a jack for a rim joist replacement. To prevent sagging and facilitate the removal of load-bearing wood, you&rsquo;ll need to relieve the pressure from this joint before beginning work. </p><p>Due to hydraulics and other specialized equipment, a sill plate and rim joist replacement are not typically a DIY project. Hiring <a href="https://www.angi.com/nearme/structural-engineers/">a professional structural engineer</a> and experienced contractors is the best approach to replacing rotted sill plates and rim joists.</p></div>

Q: Are walls on the top floor load-bearing?

• <div><p>Yes, walls on the top floor can be load-bearing if stacked on the floor&rsquo;s foundation.</p></div>

Q: Should subfloor be screwed or nailed?

• <div><p>Most of the time, you&rsquo;ll want to use screws on your subfloor rather than nails. Nails can actually weaken plywood, whereas screws can easily penetrate without damage. They also form a more secure connection because of their shape, preventing squeaky floors and tightly holding the subfloor in place. That said, some contractors do prefer nails depending on the type of floor covering because they allow for more flexibility. </p></div>

Q: Where are most load-bearing walls located?

• <div><p>Most load-bearing walls are exterior, though they can also be interior.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Contractor Service pros in Independence, LA

*The Angi rating for Contractor Service companies in Independence, LA 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 Independence, LA 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 06, 2025

Reviewed in May 2025
Starting with the positives, Jason seems very knowledgeable and experienced as an electrician, and he was always willing to work with my schedule. My project was a multijob situation though, and the project was never finished according to the timeline Jason gave me. Jason frequently went off...
Superior Electric LLC
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Reviewed in June 2022
May 31, 2022, If you have the extra time, MAG is recommended. If you need it done quickly, DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY. I do not see a place to add my photos dated photos to this review. The owner was extremely upfront and responsive when bidding for job. Price was not as transparent as my other...
MAG Construction
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Reviewed in December 2020
They did a very good job with carpentry and painting my house. Would use them again.
Elisha Stanley Home Improvements
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Reviewed in July 2018
Tim the Handy Man's specialty is installing appliances. He works with other people to do plumbing and carpentry.
Tim The Handy Man
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Reviewed in May 2012
He is always on time. He is great. He works eleven hours, and in the cold over here he does power wash the house. He does electrical, plumbing, finished carpentry work and he knows it all. His price is fair, and $12 an hour for a professional guy is reasonable.
Vick Carey
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Reviewed in April 2012
Bill Keller served as the "general contractor" and lined up other independent sub-contractors to perform the flooring, drywall work, painting and carpentry. He did a very good job of getting everyone here when they were supposed to be here and overseeing them until their portion of the work was...
Bill Keller LLC
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Unfinished Carpentry questions, answered by experts

To calculate the number of linear feet of baseboard you’ll need, measure the length of each wall of the room you’re installing them in as close to the floor as possible, rounding up to the next full linear foot. If it’s your first DIY molding job, having a few extra feet on hand for miscuts is a good idea.

Yes, you will need a jack for a rim joist replacement. To prevent sagging and facilitate the removal of load-bearing wood, you’ll need to relieve the pressure from this joint before beginning work.

Due to hydraulics and other specialized equipment, a sill plate and rim joist replacement are not typically a DIY project. Hiring a professional structural engineer and experienced contractors is the best approach to replacing rotted sill plates and rim joists.

Yes, walls on the top floor can be load-bearing if stacked on the floor’s foundation.

Most of the time, you’ll want to use screws on your subfloor rather than nails. Nails can actually weaken plywood, whereas screws can easily penetrate without damage. They also form a more secure connection because of their shape, preventing squeaky floors and tightly holding the subfloor in place. That said, some contractors do prefer nails depending on the type of floor covering because they allow for more flexibility.

Most load-bearing walls are exterior, though they can also be interior.

The Independence, LA homeowners’ guide to contractor services

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

See all articles

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How Much Does It Cost to Install Hardwood Stairs? [2026 Data]
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Brad Nailer vs. Finish Nailer: What Is the Difference?
Brad and finish nailers are useful for carpentry, but how do they differ? This article will help you size up a brad nailer vs. a finish nailer.
Mariel Loveland
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May 22, 2026May 22, 2026
The A-to-Z Guide to Unfinished Cabinets
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May 21, 2026May 21, 2026
8 Stylish Ways to Remodel Your Unfinished Basement
An unfinished basement is often the final frontier of home design. While the uses of other rooms are often preordained, the basement can be so many different things, from a playroom to a home office to a bar.