Get matched with top contractors in Salem, NY

Q: Is it okay to drill into a load-bearing beam?

• <div><p>You should avoid drilling or cutting into load-bearing beams because removing material will weaken it and increase the risk of structural damage or even collapse. If you do need to drill into a load-bearing beam, speak with a structural engineer first to discuss where it&rsquo;s safest to drill and the width and depth of the bit that&rsquo;s safe to use.</p></div>

Q: How long does framing installation typically take?

• <div><p>Duration varies by project size, but average-sized homes typically take a weeks.</p></div>

Q: What is included in framing a house?

• <div><p>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&mdash;like drywall, insulation, windows, doors, and more&mdash;are not included in the cost to frame a house.</p></div>

Q: How much does it cost to convert a carport into a garage?

• <div><p>The <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-convert-carport-garage.htm">cost to convert a carport into a garage</a> averages about<b> $22,000</b>, ranging from about <b>$15,000 and $55,000</b>. Additional cost factors to consider include size, time of year, and how much of the carport you can reuse. Other cost factors include the kinds and amounts of materials used, such as:</p><ul><li><p>Add insulation: $1 per square foot</p></li><li><p>Add drywall: $1&ndash;$3 per square foot</p></li><li><p>Add window: $450&ndash;$2,000 per window</p></li><li><p>Add outlets: $75&ndash;$500</p></li><li><p>Add garage door: $250&ndash;$11,200</p></li><li><p>Enclose framing: $5&ndash;$13 per square foot</p></li><li><p>Replace roofing: $1,000&ndash;$2,000</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Q: How can I find ceiling joists using simple tools like a hammer or a nail?

• <div><p>Yes, you can find ceiling joists using simple tools if a stud finder isn't available.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Contractor Service pros in Salem, NY

*The Angi rating for Contractor Service companies in Salem, NY 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 Salem, NY 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 August 19, 2025

Reviewed in August 2025
John did a great job with my deck. He was prompt with providing an estimate with replacing the floor boards and reusing the deck railings. When removing the flooring, we found that all of the joists needed replacing too, John got the necessary materials and quickly went to work to rebuild...
New Look Solutions
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Reviewed in October 2024
I recently hired Bryan Harrington, owner of Natures Edge Renovations,, to rebuild my porch deck, and to add a roof line to the deck, I couldnâ t be happier with the results. From start to finish, he was professional reliable, and paid attention to every detail and aspect of the rebuild....
Natures Edge Renovations
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Reviewed in September 2024
Roof was completed in one day and the cleanup took place the next morning
Build Right 518
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Reviewed in May 2024
I hired Upstate Brick Pavers Company, to repair the stone wall in front of my house which is approx. 5ft x 70ft long. They did a beautiful job. I then had them put in a full set of stairs with pavers and railings with a Post office box on a 24x24-inch x 48inch high Brick Pavers which came out...
Upstate Brick Paver Company
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Reviewed in January 2024
I hired Forever Excavating to rough in my driveway and house site. Iâ m not from the area and didnâ t have a lot of time to go over the project on the house site. They were able to meet me short notice and got my general understanding of what I wanted done. Once the work began I wasnâ t able...
Forever Excavating
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Reviewed in December 2023
J and A Carpentry has performed many services for the veterinary clinic I manage and have always been fast, friendly, and reliable. They are happy to perform all types of jobs from installing our new surgical lights to adding another procedure room and everything in between. They are locally...
J &A CARPENTRY
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Reviewed in August 2022
It went very well!! I needed my whole exterior of my home painted an it was done in two days
ADK Painting and Prime
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Reviewed in May 2022
Mark's Construction Service is THE BEST!! Look no further! Mark is a friendly and reliable professional who answers his calls and arrives when scheduled. He gets the job done quickly and efficiently and you can depend on his high quality workmanship. His construction service does everything. We...
Mark's Construction Services
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Reviewed in December 2021
We couldn’t be happier with the work Bill and his team have done for us so far. They’ve put up drywall, did the trim in several rooms, installed doors, and painted. We’ve accomplished more in two weeks with them than we have in the past four months since closing on our home. We will absolutely...
B&G Services
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Reviewed in December 2021
Painter did not finish work. He claimed to be working on multiple jobs at once and came sporadically, after over a month only one room was done and even that wasn’t finished. Asked for money advances and never completed what he was asking to be paid for. Additionally room equipment that was ours...
Perfect 10 Painting and Renovations
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Find Contractors in Salem

Bowen Ridge Construction

5.0(

)

Serving Salem, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"As someone building a second home in Vt., everything needed to be done from a 235 mile distance. This can feel a little scary. My experience w/ Joe was Outstanding!!! Joe approaches all his tasks whether it be contract work or time & material work w/ the same set of ethics. Get it done in a timely fashion, be fair, communicate clearly, take regular pics, send via text for approval or comment, & offer advice through his experience as a seasoned builder. If you are lucky enough to work w/ Joe, enjoy the experience, your in good hands. Bill Giglio from Ct."

+106

Response time1 day

2 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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The Solutions Construction

4.4(

)

Serving Salem, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"We hired solutions Construction for several different tasks. Hardwood flooring insulation, installed a new roof on our home, built several pole, barns a gazebo and outdoor kitchen, transformed a shed into a guest house with outdoor shower and indoor plumbing, designed, and Bill to our outdoor living space, re-faced our chimney and redid our indoor fireplace area, built a movie theater in our basement. Everything that this company did was five star plus top notch and we hire him over and over again for all our construction needs.. solution Construction for the win."

+14

Response time1 day

4 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by71%of homeowners

Serving Salem, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 1979

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"It went great. Weather was not good so he had time from his exterior job. Came right when promised and finished when he said."

+48

Recommended by97%of homeowners

Serving Salem, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Always on time, hard worker, listens and finishes work as asked."

Hardwood Flooring Sales/Installation/Refinishing Project

+117

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Salem, NY and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Extremely professional and amazing work completed in a timely manner ! Highly recommend."

+122

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Salem, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

"Steve did an excellent job capturing the functionality of the displays I needed for a craft show. They came out beautiful and built well. He is very versatile, quick & polite. Highly recommend!"

Finished jewelry stands for Saged in Fire

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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GOKEYs Painting & Const

5.0(

)

Serving Salem, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 1998

Free estimates

"Chris was very motivated and started the job promptly. His work ethic was great, staying late a couple of days late to complete job on time as agreed. He reviewed any issue found and was flexible when extra work was needed. The quality of the work was great in making the breezeway siding look the same as the garage, so with the paint job the house/garage improvement was dramatic. His pricing was reasonably and his clean-up appreciated. We would definitely recommend Chris to others and would engage him for work ourselves."

second story done with painting and before pictures of first level of house

finished roof and painting exterior of house

+53

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Salem, NY and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"On time professional and knowledgeable"

+97

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Salem, NY and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Great job done. Very professional and knowledgeable."

Siding demo and install new... Saratoga lake area

+68

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Salem, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 2006

Credit card accepted

"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.
"

California Client Saves with HMD Designer Discounts

Recommended by54%of homeowners

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...

Showing 1-10 of 68

Unfinished Carpentry questions, answered by experts

You should avoid drilling or cutting into load-bearing beams because removing material will weaken it and increase the risk of structural damage or even collapse. If you do need to drill into a load-bearing beam, speak with a structural engineer first to discuss where it’s safest to drill and the width and depth of the bit that’s safe to use.

Duration varies by project size, but average-sized homes typically take a weeks.

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.

The cost to convert a carport into a garage averages about $22,000, ranging from about $15,000 and $55,000. Additional cost factors to consider include size, time of year, and how much of the carport you can reuse. Other cost factors include the kinds and amounts of materials used, such as:

Add insulation: $1 per square foot
Add drywall: $1–$3 per square foot
Add window: $450–$2,000 per window
Add outlets: $75–$500
Add garage door: $250–$11,200
Enclose framing: $5–$13 per square foot
Replace roofing: $1,000–$2,000

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.

The Salem, NY homeowners’ guide to contractor services

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

See all articles

Angi
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does Carpentry Framing Repair Cost? [2026 Data]
Get the latest carpentry framing repair cost estimates. Learn what impacts your price and how to budget for your framing repair project.
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•
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How Much Do Carpenters Charge Per Hour? [2026 Data]
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•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Install Shiplap? [2026 Data]
The cost to install shiplap siding or wall surfaces in your home depends on several factors, including the material type and the size of your project.
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•
May 22, 2026May 22, 2026
A Complete Guide to Common Carpentry and Construction Terms You Should Know
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.
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•
May 22, 2026May 22, 2026
How to Hire a Qualified Pro for House Framing
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.
Mariel Loveland
•
May 22, 2026May 22, 2026
The A-to-Z Guide to Unfinished Cabinets
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.