Get matched with top contractors in Clearwater, SC

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>

Q: Where do you start when framing a house?

• <div><p>Begin by analyzing the blueprints and gathering the proper materials before framing a house. With the prep stages behind you, begin by framing the floor of a house on the newly set foundation. Exterior and interior walls come next, along with rough openings for doors and windows. Contractors will then add ceiling and roof rafters to finish things off. </p></div>

Q: Why is house framing so expensive?

• <div><p>House framing can be expensive because the materials are pricey, and the job requires a high level of expertise. The more complex the plans, the more expensive the job, but even the most basic frame needs to be installed with high-quality materials and precision. When pricing your home&rsquo;s framework, remember that a sturdy frame is necessary to create a safe structure.</p></div>

Q: How far apart should studs be when framing?

• <div><p>Your local building code will list all the framing requirements for whatever type of structure you're building. Most exterior walls require spacing of 16 inches on-center, while many non-load-bearing interior walls only require 24 inches of spacing. However, there are also varying requirements depending on your construction material, so checking your municipality's rules is essential.</p></div>

Q: How long does it take to frame a house with steel?

• <div><p>Framing a house with steel generally takes less time&mdash;around five to eight weeks&mdash;than most building materials. The steel components can also be made quickly off-site and manufactured with pre-punched holes for running piping and electrical wiring, which will lessen the prep work and extra labor during construction.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Contractor Service pros in Clearwater, SC

*The Angi rating for Contractor Service companies in Clearwater, SC 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 Clearwater, SC 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 27, 2025

Reviewed in August 2025
Terrible. Put wood on wood and then cement on top of that. Still unfinished and cement cracking off the wood.
Action Jackson Solutions LLC
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Reviewed in May 2025
The deck was repaired excellent job. Very informative letting us know what needed to be done also gave us a choice on what we could do to accomplish the repair of the deck. Very pleased with the outcome of the repair.
Maintenance Pros
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Reviewed in August 2024
Richard is truly a knowledgeable and professional and trustworthy person. He has done many jobs for me and all his work has been done correctly. If you are in need of a great handyman service. I would recommend Richard above everyone. He's the best, all his work is never left unfinished. When we...
Almighty Construction
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Reviewed in March 2024
I donâ t see myself using anyone else to paint my home. The finish came out so great and I highly recommend Home Solutions. They worked with my budget and I am completely satisfied 100% rating!
Whole Home Solutions LLC
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Reviewed in September 2022
The work was done as specified to a time line and in a sequence of completion from post holes to finishing with the 12' and 4' gates to enter the area. We are so pleased with the look of this backyard fence. It compliments the very traditional home and the dogs could not be happier. Our...
BOYD FENCE
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Reviewed in October 2021
I recently contracted The Retired Homebuilder to complete a large and problematic Deck on my home. Actually I reached out to him via Angies List and he contacted me. I was very pleased with his work and work ethics. From concept to final product I was pleased with Randyâ s work. We met and...
The Retired Home Builder
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Reviewed in September 2021
Joe is a very good person to do business with. I consider him a friend and will use him again, as well as recommending him to others. Quality of work is excellent. Scope of work to include carpentry, re-grouting and sealing ceramic tile.
Cone Construction
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Reviewed in September 2019
These guys were great. They did an assortment of handy man projects; hang towel bars, door hooks, installed ceiling fan, etc.,some carpentry: trimmed out windows, converted an old closet to built-in shelves and cabinet, added removable shelves to bedroom closet. and finished off kitchen...
House Wrap House Remodeling
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Reviewed in July 2018
Carpentry skills are top quality, & completed the job in a timely fashion at a fair & reasonable cost!
658 Belair Home Improvement
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Reviewed in February 2018
They hung and finished sheet rock in a bath room remodel. Did a TERRIBLE job. I had to do a lot of rework to fix their mistakes. Left several unfinished gaps in the sheet rock (including a 1/2 inch gap at an electrical box that remained visible after putting cover plate on) that were clearly...
Smith & Son Remodeling
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Find Contractors in Clearwater

Morning Star Construction LLC

5.0(

)

Serving Clearwater, SC and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2014

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"I would highly recommend Morningstar Construction. Denis was a great contractor and his assistant Allen were a joy to work with. Our remodeling project kept growing and Denis would offer suggestions that were reasonable and often added value and beauty to the house. Before and after pictures say it all."

+56

Response time4 days

4 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Ted Clark Construction

5.0(

)

Serving Clearwater, SC and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1974

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"They did a fantastic job and I don't have any complaints. They clean up after themselves, hauled away the garbage, painted, did lot of extra works, and reasonable price."

Response time2 days

3 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Clearwater, SC and surrounding areas

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"One of the best in the business"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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K&A Profesional Cleaning

4.9(

)

Serving Clearwater, SC and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"They do a fantastic job We are very happy with them"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Clearwater, SC and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Negrete Renovations are very professional renovators! They put my floors in very quick which was very helpful in the time frame I wanted them to do it and it was such a beautiful job!! Much thanks to them."

+15

Recommended by93%of homeowners

Serving Clearwater, SC and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"He is very knowledgeable about electrical work and is very helpful. He is also timely and consistent. Well worth the expense."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Clearwater, SC and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Everything is amazing. If you want the best quality work done by someone who is very friendly and wonderful to you then Barrs Woodwork is who you need to contact. A+ guy who goes above and beyond"

+66

Recommended by85%of homeowners

Serving Clearwater, SC and surrounding areas

"Your worker was fast and he stayed with the task until it was completed.We were very pleased ?. Thanks for a job well done."

+11

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Tracy Outens 1 & Done

5.0(

)

Serving Clearwater, SC and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Tracy did a great job at a great price and was very respectful of myself and my home would definitely hire him again"

+22

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Mike's Painting & Pressure Washing

4.7(

)

Serving Clearwater, SC and surrounding areas

In business since 1996

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"I would highly recommend this business. We had them come and restain the deck and at first just powerwash the house. They scheduled the work right away. After doing the pressure washing, there were some areas with paint chips under the soffit. Mike offered to repaint those for free. During this, they noticed areas of the soffit that were rotten, so we had them repair those areas of the wood. They also fixed a few screens that were damaged during the pressure washing for free.
Everything turned out great, and we are very happy we had this work done. Mike and Crystal are very professional and easy to work with. I will be having them do some more work on our house in the near future.
"

+161

Recommended by91%of homeowners

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Showing 1-10 of 88

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.

Begin by analyzing the blueprints and gathering the proper materials before framing a house. With the prep stages behind you, begin by framing the floor of a house on the newly set foundation. Exterior and interior walls come next, along with rough openings for doors and windows. Contractors will then add ceiling and roof rafters to finish things off.

House framing can be expensive because the materials are pricey, and the job requires a high level of expertise. The more complex the plans, the more expensive the job, but even the most basic frame needs to be installed with high-quality materials and precision. When pricing your home’s framework, remember that a sturdy frame is necessary to create a safe structure.

Your local building code will list all the framing requirements for whatever type of structure you're building. Most exterior walls require spacing of 16 inches on-center, while many non-load-bearing interior walls only require 24 inches of spacing. However, there are also varying requirements depending on your construction material, so checking your municipality's rules is essential.

Framing a house with steel generally takes less time—around five to eight weeks—than most building materials. The steel components can also be made quickly off-site and manufactured with pre-punched holes for running piping and electrical wiring, which will lessen the prep work and extra labor during construction.

The Clearwater, SC homeowners’ guide to contractor services

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