Get matched with top contractors in Watkins, MN

Q: What do I do if I don't have a stud finder?

• <div><p>There are a few easy ways to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-find-stud-in-wall.htm">locate a wall stud without a stud finder</a>. First, try knocking on the wall with your knuckles. Most parts of the wall will sound hollow, but when you tap over a stud, it will sound more solid. Alternatively, since studs are spaced 16 or 24 inches apart, you can measure those distances from a corner of the room, which will always have a stud. </p></div>

Q: What are the most common carpentry jobs?

• <div><p>Carpenters are trained to take on a wide range of home projects. You can hire a carpenter to do framing, roofing, build custom furniture, and make significant upgrades to your home. General carpenters are usually able to handle most jobs. However, you may also choose to hire a carpenter who specializes in a specific type of carpentry. </p></div>

Q: What size nails are used for framing a house?

• <div><p>When building a house, it is customary to use 16d nails that measure 3 1/2 inches in length to construct the frame. These nails are crucial in providing the necessary support and stability for structural elements like joists and studs, which ensures a sturdy framework.</p></div>

Q: Do joists sit on beams?

• <div><p>Joists do distribute their load to beams, but they don&rsquo;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&rsquo;ll never see a joist sitting on top of a beam or another joist.</p></div>

Q: Are joists considered structural?

• <div><p>Yes, joists are considered structural, as they support the flooring or roofing above them and help distribute the load to the beams, which, in turn, distribute that load to weight-bearing walls or foundational supports directly below them. Joists not only help distribute the load evenly to your beams, but they also provide direct support to the subfloor in flooring systems, which helps reduce creaking and the risk of uneven flooring.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Contractor Service pros in Watkins, MN

*The Angi rating for Contractor Service companies in Watkins, MN 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 Watkins, MN 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 November 10, 2025

Reviewed in February 2020
I thought they did an amazing job with the installation but left a bit of a mess. They had to drill through joists in the basement to pull electrical wires through and left the sawdust that was produced for me to clean up. I do not mind doing a bit of cleanup and honestly have not hired an...
Randy's Electric & Plumbing
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Reviewed in September 2019
I signed a contract with Shelter Construction LLC, for stone coated steel roofing on 10/09/2018. Construction would begin in November, if not, could be done any time in the winter. I was told in November that the roofing would not be done until the spring of 2019. I asked about the insurance...
Shelter Construction LLC
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Reviewed in February 2017
Quality work, dependable, and creative We have hired John from JB Custom Carpentry on 3 occasions. The first was a full basement finishing. Out of all the bids we obtained, his was in the middle. We went with him because he was the most honest with us about our ideas and how much it would cost,...
JBS Remodeling And Roofing Inc.
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Reviewed in September 2015
Jim (the owner of the company) came out to estimate our project on the same day I called for a bid. He listened to what we wanted, said he could do it that way, but also offered some design ideas we hadn't thought of. We really liked his ideas and went with the plan. The bid from J & S wasn't...
J & S Siding and Gutters
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Reviewed in July 2014
The weather was very wet during the two months he spent on the yard. To start with, communication was good and the yard and building was torn up quickly. Rain intervened, but a couple weeks later, the contractor was able to work on the patio and retaining wall. The contractor was not willing...
PAVERS PLUS LANDSCAPING
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Reviewed in February 2014
Work was done in 4 hours. Job was done neat, minus the unfinished drywall. Worker left with 2 hours of work remaining and has not returned or been in contact since to complete the job.
Affordable Design Builders and Remodelers
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Reviewed in December 2013
Because I come from a construction/carpentry/engineering family, giving me knowledge of how things should be done, I have extremely high standards for repair, remodeling and related work. I'd rather pay to have something done right than to have someone do a half-way job and I never, ever, leave...
WORKING FOR YOU
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Reviewed in November 2010
Al's Lawn Service (Alex Monicken - also a real estate agent) left a leaf removal flyer in our mailbox. Alex came out to the house and quoted $80 to rake and remove all leaves. He did come to the house as scheduled and raked some of the leaves into piles but left most of the job unfinished. He...
Al's Lawn Services
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Find Contractors in Watkins

Barrier Construction LLC

4.86(

)

•Approved Pro

Barrier Construction LLC

4.86(

)

•Approved Pro

Customers say: Quality work

Recommended by 98% of Angi customers

65 local quotes requested

Angi's Super Service award in 2016 and 2017. Stucco Moisture Intrusion Specialist. In addition, we are a full service exterior design and renovation contractor servicing the entire Twin Cities & surrounding areas. We specialize in James Hardie Siding, all major window and door brands. Our jobs range from retrofit repair to total exterior replacement & moisture remediation projects. Designer services and computer renderings available.

"Awful. This company has good reviews but was absolutely awful for me. Called because of a water leak which is supposed to be one of their specialties. They had me hire a separate inspector/specialist to evaluate the home exterior. They then tore a hole in our kitchen ceiling looking for the water leak. When they had difficulty identifying the origin of the leak they simply abandoned the project with a hole in the middle of our kitchen ceiling. Finding water leaks is difficult and I don't blame for having difficulty locating the leak but abandoning the project with a gaping hole in our kitchen is really extraordinarily bad service."

Mike B on May 2024

"Awful. This company has good reviews but was absolutely awful for me. Called because of a water leak which is supposed to be one of their specialties. They had me hire a separate inspector/specialist to evaluate the home exterior. They then tore a hole in our kitchen ceiling looking for the water leak. When they had difficulty identifying the origin of the leak they simply abandoned the project with a hole in the middle of our kitchen ceiling. Finding water leaks is difficult and I don't blame for having difficulty locating the leak but abandoning the project with a gaping hole in our kitchen is really extraordinarily bad service."

Mike B on May 2024

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Handyman for Multiple Small Project Service

Faucets, Fixtures and Pipes Repair or Replace

Bathroom Remodeling

Verified Reviews for Contractor Service pros in Watkins, MN

Find Contractors in Watkins

Barrier Construction LLC

Barrier Construction LLC

Handyman services

Handyman services

Handy Hugh Handyman Service

Handy Hugh Handyman Service

Phantom floors

Phantom floors

Joe and Son's Construction LLC

Joe and Son's Construction LLC

Sticks Woodshop

Sticks Woodshop

Danielson Decking LLC

Danielson Decking LLC

Josephs Carpentry and Construction

Josephs Carpentry and Construction

MDR Design-Build-Remodel LLC

MDR Design-Build-Remodel LLC

Gaviota Exterior Inc.

Gaviota Exterior Inc.

The Watkins, MN homeowners’ guide to contractor services

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How Much to Pay a Contractor Up Front: A Guide to Contractor Deposits

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Tipping Etiquette For Home Improvement Pros: How Much Is Enough?

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