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The easiest way to tell if a wall is load bearing is to check if it’s an exterior wall or if it runs perpendicular to the joists above and below it (or parallel to beams). Exterior walls are almost always load-bearing, and walls that run under beams or parallel to them are also usually load-bearing. There are exceptions to these rules, and walls that don’t fit into these categories can still be load-bearing. If you’re unsure, hire a structural engineer to look at your home to assess whether or not the wall is structural.

Installing an ornamental or decorative porch column takes around three to five hours. Structural columns take longer because your pro has to install a jack to hold up the roof while switching the column out. If there's any structural damage, it can add several days to the timeline to repair the damage.

Converting a carport into a garage can vary in difficulty depending on its configuration, the condition of the foundation or slab, and its location relative to the house. The process has a lot in common with a home addition, but you can often skip non-essential finishes like fine flooring, trim work, or even drywall and HVAC. The conversion requires experience with drywall, insulation, and other building materials to ensure it’s done safely and correctly. While it might be possible for a DIYer with the proper tools and skills to do the work, it is a complicated and potentially dangerous job. If you’re new to basic construction, it's best to leave this project to the professionals.

Building a barndominium means converting a barn into a house. Barndominiums are becoming popular as spacious and stylish alternatives to typical housing structures. Old barns that become houses traditionally consist of wooden construction. However, newer structures, such as pole barns, often contain metal exteriors and roofs. Converting a metal outbuilding into a house presents an excellent opportunity to create a barndominium from metal.