"It's true: working with Hal is not like working with other contractors. With Hal, you are developing a relationship, not fulfilling the terms of a contract. For some that might be more than they want out of a contractor. For me, it was exactly what I needed. Example: I was talking with Hal about another matter when we both happened to notice some rotting boards on our deck. I thought it was unsightly, but nothing serious. Hal persuaded me that, without immediate attention, the rot would spread to the joists underneath, and what was a small problem now would be a big problem later. He replaced the deck boards on time and for the price he quoted. I can now rest assured I won't be plunging through the deck this summer. Along the way, Hal fixed some off-kilter gates in our yard, and also consulted with me about some stains on our stucco (thus managing to solve a problem that had stumped several other contractors). He's always on the end of the line when I have a home repair question. He's been there for me for some five years now. There's plenty of quality workers out there, but not many who will listen as well, contribute as much, and return as often as Hal Morris."
"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. "
"They did a good job. She had to submit like a photo but my daughter had them work on the central are of the loft. The deal was for one room. She got a lot of good ideal from her and it was worth it for her. They were professional and I did not hear anything negative."
"The team was prompt and very detailed, was able to pivot and suggest little changes that improved the overall look. They reconstructed a soffit and several bathroom and bedroom walls to enhance the appearance. I asked for non textured ceilings and they are flawless. Great communication throughout the job…I will rehire again in the future!!"
"Well it took some time for them to get out there because we had lots of rain that week, but when they showed up, they were great, I cant believe they even took the time to do a little shed for me that was not even in the quote, and did not charge me for it, they said they felt bad because the rain kept delaying them but that was not there fault, wow what a professional company, you don't see guys like Mr. Moss anymore you could tell his work is very important to him....."
Unfinished Carpentry questions, answered by experts
There are a variety of second-story deck privacy ideas depending on your budget and aesthetic. For starters, you might consider fencing or tall privacy railing that masks a good portion of the open deck. A pergola or an awning can provide additional cover and shade. Outdoor curtains are an easy way to add or remove privacy at your convenience, plus they’re a wallet-friendly way to decorate your deck.
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.
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.
In framing, studs are placed at 16-inch intervals to coincide with the typical spacing of wall materials such as drywall or plywood. This spacing is called "on-center" and is necessary for maintaining structural stability and efficient use of materials. The 16-inch spacing also helps to distribute the weight evenly across the building's structure. For those looking to cut material costs and improve energy efficiency, 24-inch stud spacing can be employed through a method called "advanced framing". This requires careful planning and adherence to local building codes to ensure structural integrity.
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.
The Karlstad, MN homeowners’ guide to contractor 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.
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.