"Fred and his team are excellent. We Cannot express how good of a job they do, how well they communicate, and how well they work with you during your renovations. We were so happy we went with them, have recommended them to friends and will use them again for our next major project."
"MW Construction built a new home for us and we couldn’t have been happier with the results. They were very professional and did a superb job. MW was quick to return our phone calls and answer any questions that we had during the building process. I would highly recommend them."
"It was a pleasure to work with Scott. He kept me informed of the progress in a timely manner such that their were no surprises. The workmanship is top of the line. He is honest, pleasant, diligent and skilled. You would be hard pressed to find a better contractor for your project."
"They were excellent contractors. Changes that came up during the project were handled efficiently and they offered sound advice and opinions. Prices were fair and they kept in contact."
"This contractor does great work in all the ares you mention. They have many years of experience and their skills result in high quality workmanship. They were able to report other concerns we wouldn't have otherwise known about; and was able to professionally resolve anything that arose. We appreciate their knowledge, skills, and professionalism; and highly recommend them without hesitation. Thank you!"
"Z, Came to my home in Wildwood Crest. He gave me a quote to remodel my laundry room. He was professional, efficient but most of all he gave us advice. He went above and beyond our expectations. The laundry room looks great. I had loose steps coming from my back deck to the yard. I ask Z if that was something he can do? He said, let me grab lunch and a couple tools to do the step and I’ll be back. He gave me a great price and the steps are perfect. Real good guy and very honest. Ray"
"Yes, the job was done beautiful. He was very professional and definitely has the skills and knowledge as a general contractor. He kept me informed and contacted immediately if there were any issues. I highly recommend this company for any home improvement projects."
Unfinished Carpentry questions, answered by experts
Framing a basement takes three to five days, on average, when completed by a professional, though it may take longer for a larger space. Keep in mind this doesn’t include the time to complete the design, obtain permits, and install the drywall on the framing. On average, fully finishing a basement takes an average of 45 days.
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.
Duration varies by project size, but average-sized homes typically take a weeks.
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.
There are a few easy ways to locate a wall stud without a stud finder. 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.
The Villas, NJ 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.
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.