Is it safe to replace a load-bearing wall with a beam?

• <div><p>It’s sometimes safe to replace a load-bearing wall with a beam, but you need a structural engineer to sign off on the project. You’ll also likely have to upgrade to a steel I-beam or another material that’s stronger than wood to maintain the level of support you need without the wall underneath.</p></div>

Top 10 Best Contractors in Windham, NY

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: 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: How do various elements of desk design impact the overall assembly cost?

• <div><p>Costs depend on desk size, labor, included features like drawers or motorized height adjustments, and required wall anchoring.</p></div>

Q: Do I need permission to add a balcony?

• <div><p>Balcony construction or replacement typically requires a building permit from your local permitting authority. Safety and building integrity are the main reasons for the need to obtain a permit and the subsequent inspections. In some cases, especially cantilevered balconies, your municipality may also require the oversight and signature of a structural engineer. </p></div>

Q: Is it safe to replace a load-bearing wall with a beam?

• <div><p>It&rsquo;s sometimes safe to replace a load-bearing wall with a beam, but you need a structural engineer to sign off on the project. You&rsquo;ll also likely have to upgrade to a steel I-beam or another material that&rsquo;s stronger than wood to maintain the level of support you need without the wall underneath.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Contractor Service pros in Windham, NY

*The Angi rating for Contractor Service companies in Windham, 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 Windham, 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 June 18, 2026

Reviewed in June 2026
Robert and Derek did a tremendous job. Robert saved time and money by making recommendations and guiding me. It was more than just a contractor doing a job; they took great care and did it as if it was there own home. I fully recommend!
Robert Tanner Handyman
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Reviewed in June 2026
Claudio & his team completed two projects for us: sanding and repainting the wooden siding on our house, and supporting and replacing our wooden porch deck & stairs. From start to finish, the experience was excellent. Communication was outstanding throughout the entire process. He...
A & L Painting LLC
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Reviewed in June 2026
We recently had a patio installed and couldn’t be happier with the results. The crew was professional, hardworking, and paid attention to every detail. The project was completed on time, the work area was kept clean, and the finished patio looks amazing. Highly recommend White Oak to anyone...
White Oak Landscaping
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Reviewed in March 2026
I spoke to Sterling, after getting his information from Home Advisor, he then showed up exactly at the time he said he would and provided an extremely reasonable estimate. He then showed up again on the day that we agreed upon and did an excellent job. Sterling and his assistant got three trees...
Sterlings Tree Removal
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Reviewed in June 2024
The crew cleaned my roof, porch and walkways. The house sparkled after they left. They took considerable care in moving all my flower pots and porch furniture. I couldnâ t be more satisfied.
Cleanfellas, Inc
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Reviewed in March 2024
Amazing from start to finish! We had a large hole in the exterior wall from an old AC unit. Estimates and scheduling were super easy. The two man crew that did the work were friendly, knowledgeable and kept me updated through the process. The brick lines they did were top notch. It’s completely...
Central Florida Stucco and Masonry Repair
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Reviewed in February 2024
I had a couch I was ready to throw away from having a dog sleeping on it all the time. GT came right to my home and did a deep upholstery clean and it came out like new. The money spent was well worth the money saved. Will deffinitely be giving them a call again for future similar services.
GT Enterprises
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Reviewed in November 2023
Roy and his men Alan and Adam did the best job I have ever had from any contractor. The house and deck had deteriorated badly, and needed a lot of remedial work including deck board and rail replacement, reconstruction, heavy sanding, stripping and re-staining/repainting. They did an awesome...
Roy Johnson
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Reviewed in August 2022
Robert of Hilltop did an outstanding job. He communicated well, was flexible with scheduling and was always on time. The finished deck looks great and we couldn’t be happier with how it was done. We would definitely recommend Hilltop for painting projects.
Hill Top Home Improvements
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Reviewed in June 2022
From beginning until end it was a really great experience. Communication, timeliness, and pricing were on point. The quality of craftsmanship was impeccable and I felt that the company and its employees felt ownership in their work throughout the projects. Would hire again and recommend to any...
Adirondack Home Builders
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Find Contractors in Windham

MFX Development llc

5.0(

)

Serving Windham, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"The work went well and I was thoroughly pleased. Matt has a great work ethic — he was dependable and worked hard to complete the job in time, doing excellent work. He takes pride snd care in his work snd it shows. I recommend Fission with no reservations and will use again, if needed."

+14

Response time2 days

8 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by80%of homeowners

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EBR Construction, LLC

5.0(

)

Serving Windham, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Great work. On time, clean, and my roof looks great. All questions were answered and price was fair as well. I will use them again for any other repairs."

13 neighbors recently requested a quote

Serving Windham, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2008

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

We invite you to experience a tradition of customer satisfaction that will exceed your greatest expectations. Our professionalism and quality workmanship will accurately reflect your taste and lifestyle. From conception to completion we work with you until the job is done. We thrive to take care of all of our clients unique needs. We are ethical, honest and easy to communicate with. Call us today you'll be pleased you did. Thank you

Response time10 mins

Response rate100%

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Hurlburt Property Management LLC

New to Angi

Serving Windham, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction, from the start to the completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

+25

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Complete Contracting Inc

4.8(

)

Serving Windham, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 2004

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"It went great. Having to do several major repairs I’ve had to meet a handful of contractors, with our roof the first couple had less knowledge tried to talk us into replacing the whole thing for a small fortune. Jason took a look at it and eased our worry by explaining it could be repaired and gave us a really fair price that we were ecstatic about after originally thinking it was a lost cause. With Jadon I was kept in the loop the entire time. Very good communication. The work was done quick and to the highest standard. Everything was cleaned up after. I would definitely hire Jason again and when other work comes up he will be our first call!"

+34

Recommended by96%of homeowners

Serving Windham, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 1986

Free estimates

"Great service, great work, great price, great deal.
"

Recommended by85%of homeowners

Serving Windham, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 2001

Free estimates

"Very very affordable and fast quick work."

Recommended by66%of homeowners

Serving Windham, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"They began work two days after giving me a quote, finished quickly and came in on budget (during a period of time when it’s hard to get a phone call returned). I’m happy with the work and wouldn’t hesitate to hire them again."

+52

Response time1 day

Recommended by95%of homeowners

Serving Windham, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Troy the owner of chancee enterprises was very respectful, punctual. Serviced all my needs around my home and was very precise about his work , will be using his business ANYTIME I need work done !"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Windham, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 2004

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"They were great. The job looked great. I have no complaints with them. The price was reasonable."

+70

Recommended by80%of homeowners

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...

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Unfinished Carpentry questions, answered by experts

Joists do distribute their load to beams, but they don’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’ll never see a joist sitting on top of a beam or another joist.

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.

Costs depend on desk size, labor, included features like drawers or motorized height adjustments, and required wall anchoring.

Balcony construction or replacement typically requires a building permit from your local permitting authority. Safety and building integrity are the main reasons for the need to obtain a permit and the subsequent inspections. In some cases, especially cantilevered balconies, your municipality may also require the oversight and signature of a structural engineer.

It’s sometimes safe to replace a load-bearing wall with a beam, but you need a structural engineer to sign off on the project. You’ll also likely have to upgrade to a steel I-beam or another material that’s stronger than wood to maintain the level of support you need without the wall underneath.

The Windham, NY homeowners’ guide to contractor services

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

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