Get matched with top contractors in Ithaca, NY

Ithaca homeowners rate contractors in our network

4.3

(29 reviews)

Top-rated contractors.

Need a pro for your contractor service project in Ithaca, NY?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Find Contractors in Ithaca

Avatar for Norb Miller General Contractor
Norb Miller General Contractor
4.4(
58
)

Serving Ithaca, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1978

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Norb does really nice tile work. He is pretty meticulous. I would definitely recommend him and hire him again. He was quick to return our call, came over to look at the job soon after and gave us a price. He was flexible and worked with our other contractors on timing. When he says he is going to be there, (unlike other contractors we have used) he ACTUALLY shows up. My husband's only complaint is that he should use his own shop-vac. He didn't clean out the filter when he was done and it was really a mess - small issue - but otherwise a really nice job."
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos

+11

Response time1 day
Response rate98%
8 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for DW Construction
DW Construction
4.6(
44
)

Serving Ithaca, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"We hired Derek to replace some boards on our upper deck and repair where needed the wooden fence around our pool. Derek arrived exactly on time, worked until sunset, got both jobs done and carefully cleaned up both spaces and took all the debris away. His workmanship is outstanding, he is polite, skilled and very professional. We can recommend Derek without reservation."
Rebuild Deck
Rebuild Deck
Rebuild Deck
Rebuild Deck
Rebuild Deck

+35

Response time1 day
Response rate91%
Recommended by89%of homeowners
Avatar for Merrill Home Renovations & Contracting
Merrill Home Renovations & Contracting
5.0(
5
)

Serving Ithaca, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

Customers say: True professional

"Needed some trim work done. To say I am pleased is an understatement. Skyler is a super nice honest guy who I would recommend to anyone."
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos
Additional Photos

+77

Response time4 days
1 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by80%of homeowners
Avatar for MODERN BUILDING & CONTRACTING
MODERN BUILDING & CONTRACTING
5.0(
1
)

Serving Ithaca, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"????? After another company came in and completely messed up our deck project, we were frustrated and unsure who to trust. Thankfully, we called Modern Building & Contracting, and honestly, we only wish we had found them first! James and Mike came out, listened to our concerns, and immediately put us at ease. From start to finish, they were professional, knowledgeable, and committed to doing the job right. The quality of their workmanship exceeded our expectations, and the finished deck turned out absolutely beautiful. My family and I couldn?t be happier with the results. It?s clear that they take pride in their work and truly care about their customers. If you?re looking for a reliable contractor who delivers quality craftsmanship and excellent customer service, we highly recommend Modern Building & Contracting. Thank you again, James and Mike?we love our new deck!"
...
Showing 1-10 of 87
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.

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.

Stick frames, metal frames, or prefabricated concrete frames are included in framing a house, along with creating the framework and space for windows, doors, and entryways. Other aspects of developing a home—like drywall, insulation, windows, doors, and more—are not included in the cost to frame a house.

Yes, ceiling joists are typically load-bearing. However, their primary function is to support the weight of the ceiling and loads applied to it, like lighting fixtures and ceiling fans. They can also help support the roof, especially if they’re part of truss systems. Remember, the load-bearing capacity of ceiling joists depends on the material, size, and space between them. 

Bump-out additions can extend anywhere from 2 to 15 feet from an existing room. The right size will depend on how you plan to use the new space. For a cantilever bump-out, which doesn't require additional foundation support, the limit is typically 24 inches (2 feet). If a footing and foundation are part of the project, a bump-out can be much larger, even encompassing a whole room. It's also important to remember that many residential properties have limits on the total house size relative to the lot size.

The Ithaca, NY homeowners’ guide to contractor services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.