Are porch columns load bearing?

• <div><p>Not all porch columns are load-bearing, though they can be. Some porch columns are simply decorative. There are <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-do-i-find-out-if-column-between-foyer-dining-room-living-room-decorative-or-load.htm">ways to identify a load-bearing column</a>, like looking for visible seams and a foundation. Also, check to see if the column directly enters the ground. In some porch installations, a contractor will excavate a hole to install a column into the earth along with a buried cement base for stability.</p></div>

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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: What size nails are used for framing a house?

• <div><p>When building a house, it is customary to use 16d nails that measure 3 1/2 inches in length to construct the frame. These nails are crucial in providing the necessary support and stability for structural elements like joists and studs, which ensures a sturdy framework.</p></div>

Q: Do I need special lumber for framing a house?

• <div><p>Learning <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-frame-house.htm">how to frame a house</a> includes picking the right lumber for the job. Most people will want to pick pine, spruce, or fir for the framing. These types of lumber are affordable and produce sturdy framing for structures. Look for kiln-dried lumber to reduce the risk of shrinkage or insect damage after installation. As part of what&rsquo;s included in framing a house when you hire a professional, the contractor should order the lumber, so you don&rsquo;t have to worry about finding the right lumber.</p></div>

Q: What is the best angle for bracing?

• <div><p>A cross brace for a fence gate should stretch from the top corner of the gate&rsquo;s hinge side to the bottom corner of its latch side at a 45-degree angle to the bottom of the gate. This positioning distributes the bulk of the gate&rsquo;s weight to the base of the post, taking pressure off the top hinge.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Contractor Service pros in Bedford, PA

*The Angi rating for Contractor Service companies in Bedford, PA 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 Bedford, PA 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 November 22, 2025

Reviewed in September 2014
This transaction went better than I could have ever hoped for. Every person I spoke to along the way went out of their way to accommodate us. The price was very good and everyone was professional. When I started the process I assumed I would have to change my life and work around them until the...
Armstrong Home Improvements
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Reviewed in August 2022
With JD Construction, you get the highest quality materials, work, level of communication, and commitment to customer service. They are the best. The work crew are pleasant to be around, and Joe was committed to finding the right solution and doing the job well from the start of the design...
J D Construction and Remodeling
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Reviewed in March 2021
The final result is fantastic and I could not be happier with the result. Joe was punctual, professional, and one of the best builders I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. As a professional insurance adjuster for over a decade I deal with a lot of builders and contractors in my line of...
J D Construction and Remodeling
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Reviewed in August 2020
They did an excellent job, were efficient, professional, and recommended some minor changes that saved me money. They were highly competitive and personable. I would highly recommend them and I will hire them again.
J D Construction and Remodeling
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Reviewed in June 2020
Joe did an excellent job from helping us plan, making suggestions of ways to improve our ideas, keeping our costs down and overall great quality work. Communications were very open and easy - he would text me and send pictures before he did anything he had a question on - it was a comfort...
J D Construction and Remodeling
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Reviewed in March 2017
Joe Dively has done many projects for us, and the results are always beyond expectation. On this particular project, he was able to complete the work earlier than anticipated, and incorporated down to the finest detail some last-minute style changes that my husband had requested. Joe recommended...
J D Construction and Remodeling
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Reviewed in April 2016
It went fine. We really like the carpenter. He is no nonsense, he comes in gets to the job and gets it done. He's very conscientious about keeping the work area clean, he doesnt make a mess. The finished product always makes us happy, he's a really good carpenter.
J D Construction and Remodeling
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Reviewed in September 2017
We were extremely happy with Joe Dively. This was certainly not a big job, but he was still willing to take it on. And he was willing to work us in around his other projects so that we did not have a lengthy wait time to get it finished. His work was quality plus. Highly recommend this company....
J D Construction and Remodeling
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Reviewed in September 2018
Renovation was excellent and exactly what we had envisioned. Joe was great to work with and understood the goal we were trying to achieve. Quality of work is fantastic and we will be utilizing Joe for future projects of our home. We get endless comments on the quality of the work.
J D Construction and Remodeling
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Reviewed in October 2018
Joe does fantastic work. He is dependable and responsive and you can trust that he is fully committed to making sure your project is completed on time and beyond expectations.
J D Construction and Remodeling
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Handyman for Multiple Small Project Service

Faucets, Fixtures and Pipes Repair or Replace

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Find Contractors in Bedford

Claar Contracting

Claar Contracting

Hernandez & Sons

Hernandez & Sons

My Handyman

My Handyman

Barkers

Barkers

JD Handyman Services

JD Handyman Services

American Quality Trades LLC (wife Kelly)

American Quality Trades LLC (wife Kelly)

Raker Builders Co

Raker Builders Co

YorWood

YorWood

Marsh & Sons

Marsh & Sons

Trijor

Trijor

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