"Tom and his crew rebuilt our composite deck in the June-July 2018 time frame. We could not be happier with the job. The Built To Last crew was very professional and definitely went the extra mile to ensure that the rebuilt deck was better than new. Everything is very secure and tight. During the construction, Tom made several suggestions to keep the price down while not compromising quality and our satisfaction. Tom provided price transparencies for all materials. Greatly appreciated! We would definitely use Tom and his crew again. Highly recommend Built To Last Construction. Just as a note... this was a very large deck with a great deal of work."
"Tyler and his crew have done multiple projects for our house, including a new roof, repairing drywall from a water leak, and replacing siding and soffit. They always treated us fairly, promptly and with respect. Tyler gave us a fair quote and was quick to finish all of the projects. He was awesome. Thanks Tyler."
"His attention to detail was outstanding and I plan on hiring him for more work in the future. Also his quality of work was better than anything I've seen."
"Found Sentri on Angi. Jeanette and Violet were very pleasant and efficient in getting a contractor to me in the time frame needed. The contractor was excellent and the roof looks great! I would definitely work with them again if I had additional projects."
"Excellent work. From the beginning of the meeting with the sales rep through the workers that handled the deck replacement, they were all friendly and professional. When the installers arrived on day one, they had the old deck tore off and the new deck done except for the stairs. The next day they completed the deck and cleaned up the work site. Love my new deck and how quickly the job was completed. I will hire them again for other projects I need done."
Hello, and thank you for considering my services.\n\nI provide dependable carpentry and handyman work with a strong focus on quality, attention to detail, and doing the job right the first time. I take pride in maintaining a clean work area, treating every home with respect, and communicating clearly throughout the entire project.\n\nWhether it’s repairs, installations, trim work, drywall, framing, or general home improvement tasks, you can expect reliable service, professionalism, and workmanship you can feel confident about.\n\nClean. Respectful. Detail-oriented. Committed to customer satisfaction.\n\nI look forward to helping with your project.
Removing a load-bearing wall affects the structural integrity of your home, so you’ll need a permit before starting the work. Building codes vary by municipality, and obtaining a permit and having the work inspected after completion will ensure you’re in compliance with all applicable regulations.
Installing a tongue-and-groove wall requires similar techniques to those associated with installing shiplap. However, because of the precision necessary to make each board fit perfectly and the increased material prices, the cost is higher than that of shiplap installations. Expect to spend between $2 and $6 more per square foot for tongue-and-groove walls versus shiplap ones.
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.
Joists do distribute their load to beams, but they don’t sit on top of the beams. Instead, home builders nail or screw the joists directly to the beams such that the end of the joist butts up against the edge of the beam. Beams can sit on other beams for support, but you’ll never see a joist sitting on top of a beam or another joist.
Professionals charge between $60 and $95 per hour to install ornamental porch columns. The amount of time they need varies based on the condition of the porch, whether they need to remove old columns, and if there is any damage to your porch's structure. This cost can increase if more issues come up during the installation process.
The Bay City, MI 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.
While both can perform most carpentry work required for house projects, the major difference between a journeyperson vs. a master carpenter is their years of experience.
