We are a locally owned and operated company with over 15 years of industry experience. We do everything from rough framing and siding to putting in flooring and cabinets but also offer a wide range of expertise for a variety of other Home Improvement projects. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships and guarantee your satisfaction!
"Dave/Diamondwood took over a major remodel project (essentially a new home) from another contractor. We are in our house today thanks to Dave and his team. Dave was very communicative along the way and we worked together well on the scheduling of each phase along with what owner supplied items were needed for the next step. Dave takes a lot of pride in his work and we are grateful for the effort he showed us in building our home. We would work with him again."
"I hired Northcreek construction to completely renovate my summer cabin in Cedar MI. Can not complain about any part of the process. Very professional, easy going and willing to listen and answer questions."
"I never contacted the provider or used this service in anyway. I have to write this review so that the request to write this review stops popping up. The rating is bogus as it is required to be able to submit. "
"Once I sent her all the measurements, it took her a little while to get the options back to me. Overall, they're good designs. However, they're very simplistic and give general ideas for space planning. I was hoping to have a better idea for sizes of furniture for the space and some variations on staging. Jill was very responsive when I did have a question. I'm not sure how helpful it is to have a virtual design done. If we lived in similar cities, I'd probably use her again for help with additional designs. "
"They have been amazing with my 100 year old house making look god and have done many jobs. They have done an excellent job. They have done some really nice upgrades. I have dealt with them for over 8 years. He is the only contractor that I have gone back to repeatedly. Brent is my go to guy."
"Rob answered my inquiry for help with my project promptly. He installed the fencing in a timely way and gave me a fair price. I will definitely call him again with future projects."
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.
Not all porch columns are load-bearing, though they can be. Some porch columns are simply decorative. There are ways to identify a load-bearing column, like looking for visible seams and a foundation. Also, check to see if the column directly enters the ground. In some porch installations, a contractor will excavate a hole to install a column into the earth along with a buried cement base for stability.
When deciding whether to use nails or screws for framing, the specific needs of the project must be taken into account. Nails have long been the go-to option for framing due to their affordability, ease of installation, and ability to withstand shear forces. They are perfect for structural framing projects where fast assembly is essential. In contrast, screws offer exceptional holding power and are particularly useful in situations requiring increased strength and resistance to pull-out forces. For projects that prioritize accuracy and long-lasting quality, screws may be the preferred option, though nails remain a dependable and efficient choice.
The easiest way to tell if a wall is load bearing is to check if it’s an exterior wall or if it runs perpendicular to the joists above and below it (or parallel to beams). Exterior walls are almost always load-bearing, and walls that run under beams or parallel to them are also usually load-bearing. There are exceptions to these rules, and walls that don’t fit into these categories can still be load-bearing. If you’re unsure, hire a structural engineer to look at your home to assess whether or not the wall is structural.
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.
The Benzonia, MI homeowners’ guide to contractor services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Need to run electricity to your basement? Learn about the cost to install an outlet in an unfinished basement and what factors affect your project cost.
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.
House framing is one of the first parts of building a home. To do this, you’ll want to hire a rough or unfinished carpenter. Using this guide, you’ll know what questions to ask and where to look for your house framing contractor.
