Get matched with top contractors in Leeds, ME

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: Do I need special lumber for framing a house?

• <div><p>Learning <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-frame-house.htm">how to frame a house</a> includes picking the right lumber for the job. Most people will want to pick pine, spruce, or fir for the framing. These types of lumber are affordable and produce sturdy framing for structures. Look for kiln-dried lumber to reduce the risk of shrinkage or insect damage after installation. As part of what&rsquo;s included in framing a house when you hire a professional, the contractor should order the lumber, so you don&rsquo;t have to worry about finding the right lumber.</p></div>

Q: Do I have to use wood to frame a house?

• <div><p>One of the most common <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/bare-bones-guide-framing-house.htm">house framing basics</a> for decades has been using wood for the framing work. However, some framing contractors now suggest using steel frames. Steel is lightweight, resistant to fire, and resistant to moisture, all of which are areas where wood framing could cause problems. However, steel framing is more expensive than wood and limits your ability to insulate the home.</p></div>

Q: Can you remove a load-bearing wall by yourself?

• <div><p>Removing a load-bearing wall is best handled by professionals. However, if you have the skill set and decide to DIY the project, you will still need at least one additional person to assist you. Aside from helping with demolition, you'll need another hand to install the new support beam.</p></div>

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>

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Verified Reviews for Contractor Service pros in Leeds, ME

*The Angi rating for Contractor Service companies in Leeds, ME 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 Leeds, ME 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 March 12, 2026

Reviewed in March 2026
Catlins has done plenty of work for me. Hauling, new landscaping, gravel delivery, carpentry including building a deck, installing sliding glass doors, and much more. Always quality, professional work at reasonable pricing!
Catlins All Year Round
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Reviewed in October 2025
Alic did an amazing job, he showed up every day that the weather cooperated in order to get the job done in a timely manner. The deck was unfinished wood prior to him coming and now it looks incredible! We would definitely hire him again for any other painting needs, interior or exterior!
Avid Painting LLC
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Reviewed in December 2024
I highly recommend Archadeck of Central Maine. The carpenter, Garret, except for a few hours on the first carpentry day and the entire last day, worked on this by himself. He did a phenomenal job! On the last day he was joined by Preston and he did a great job as well. This project had some...
Archadeck of Central Maine
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Reviewed in June 2023
Dominic went out of his way to help us with a small kitchen project that we needed to have done right away. He came after hours and traveled quite a distance from the job site where he had been working as he realized we could not get a refrigerator until some old cupboards were removed. We...
Opulent Builders, LLC
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Reviewed in December 2022
Exceptional work at an affordable price! We hired Nick to paint our kitchen, hallway and bathroom, which included carpentry work (we removed a built-in ironing board). Nick and his team take great pride in their work and it shows. The results were fantastic! Nick was a pleasure to work with. We...
NVS Affordable Painting
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Reviewed in August 2022
We hired Washburn Carpentry to tear out old deck and build a new deck.he and his dog (Dunkin,who likes dog cookies) did a professional job.Finished on time and on budget. I would highly recommend Washburn carpentry to my friends and family.
Washburn Carpentry Services
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Reviewed in May 2022
Andrew was great! Did very good work, was on time, was honest and polite and actually communicated with us in a timely manner by phone and text which is VERY rare now a days!!! We would absolutely recommend him to anyone as a handyman. He did some assorted outside carpentry for us: installed a...
Nordic Construction
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Reviewed in April 2022
The project came out great. Washburn carpentry built me a very large shed. The job was done professionally and the cost was very fair. The shed has received many compliments from all that have seen it. Washburn carpentry was very clear during all project planning and very helpful in their...
Washburn Carpentry Services
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Reviewed in December 2021
Extremely pleased with work, plus Shanes shill and knowledge. Installed a sink and vanity, with expert skill both carpentry and plumbing.
Noonan's Property Services
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Reviewed in March 2021
He is really one of the best drywall contractors I ever work with, also is an amazing painter and works with carpentry which I was very pleased with it.
Jan Brown Remodeling
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Find Contractors in Leeds

Bellevue Construction Company

5.0(

)

Major Home Repairs (General Contractor)

Serving Leeds, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

Free estimates

Warranties offered

Customers say: True professional

"Bellevue construction was amazing to work with. They were helpful throughout the whole process and honest and upfront about what needed to be done in order to complete the job properly. Both my wife and I were very impressed with the finished product and with how reasonably priced the whole project was. I will deffinitly be hiring them in the future for other projects on the house!!"

+69

Response time1 day

5 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Tejada's Remodeling Inc

4.7(

)

Major Home Repairs (General Contractor)

Serving Leeds, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Highly recommended. Jose and Cesar were great. They were reliable and their work was excellent. They completely remodeled our condo including 4 bathrooms, floors, fireplace/hearth, etc. It was a big job and they worked with us to make sure everything came out exactly the way we wanted. The cost was very reasonable."

Response time1 day

11 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by79%of homeowners

Major Home Repairs (General Contractor)

Serving Leeds, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Kaydn and crew did a great job on my fence. He was prompt to the job site, communicated delays about shipping issues and worked to resolve any problems that popped up during the project. Highly recommend K&A Renovations"

Response time1 day

Response rate89%

9 neighbors recently requested a quote

Major Home Repairs (General Contractor)

Serving Leeds, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1996

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"We had our kitchen completely remodeled by Hutchins and Son. Owner Don is great to work with. He was able to provide us with the exact custom cabinets and custom color we were looking for. I highly recommend Don and his son ."

Response time2 days

Response rate94%

4 neighbors recently requested a quote

Major Home Repairs (General Contractor)

Serving Leeds, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1985

Free estimates

Customers say: Quality work

"Details perfectly done. Amazing quality work. Already recommended to someone looking for similar."

+82

2 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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RIDANS HOME MAINTENANCE

3.9(

)

Major Home Repairs (General Contractor)

Serving Leeds, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Did a very good job!"

13 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by57%of homeowners

Major Home Repairs (General Contractor)

Serving Leeds, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1980

Free estimates

Customers say: Quick response

"Please be cautious in regards to hiring this contractor. He will provide a contract for both parties to sign, but once the job was completed he requested additional compensation for the work performed and increased the material expenses. I needed to seek legal counsel."

2 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by50%of homeowners

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Doak and Co Contracting

New to Angi

Major Home Repairs (General Contractor)

Serving Leeds, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

We at Doak and Co Contracting focus on quality services over quantity. We use our experience and expertise to complete your project with perfection. Customer service and honesty are the most important aspects of our business and your satisfaction is guaranteed. Please call us today for an estimate. We look forward to working with you.

Response time6 hrs

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Joshua Indermuehle

New to Angi

Major Home Repairs (General Contractor)

Serving Leeds, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

I'm a carpenter, handyman, and Builder with 30 years experience working in and around the Portland area. I can handle anything from small handyman projects to additions and garages, I have a lot of experience doing full remodels, additions, roofing and siding, decks, built-in Cabinetry, and sheds.

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Iron Oak Construction

New to Angi

Major Home Repairs (General Contractor)

Serving Leeds, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Warranties offered

Small jobs welcome

Backed by 30 years of residential and commercial building expertise. From excavation to roof installation, we manage every step with precision. Full design‑build services to bring your vision to life

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Unfinished Carpentry questions, answered by experts

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.

Learning how to frame a house includes picking the right lumber for the job. Most people will want to pick pine, spruce, or fir for the framing. These types of lumber are affordable and produce sturdy framing for structures. Look for kiln-dried lumber to reduce the risk of shrinkage or insect damage after installation. As part of what’s included in framing a house when you hire a professional, the contractor should order the lumber, so you don’t have to worry about finding the right lumber.

One of the most common house framing basics for decades has been using wood for the framing work. However, some framing contractors now suggest using steel frames. Steel is lightweight, resistant to fire, and resistant to moisture, all of which are areas where wood framing could cause problems. However, steel framing is more expensive than wood and limits your ability to insulate the home.

Removing a load-bearing wall is best handled by professionals. However, if you have the skill set and decide to DIY the project, you will still need at least one additional person to assist you. Aside from helping with demolition, you'll need another hand to install the new support beam.

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.

The Leeds, ME 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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The A-to-Z Guide to Unfinished Cabinets
Buying unfinished cabinets can help you create the custom remodel of your dreams, but is it worth the fuss? This guide will tell you everything you need to know.