"While it is normal for remodeling projects to create chaos and to be the muse of many a horror story, this ended up with a very pleasant end result. We had a complete renovation down to the studs to bring things up to code, which included ripping out the sub flooring and quite a bit of pipes. Parts were ordered and lost and found. Things went on backorder and were discontinued. We fortunately had a fantastic crew. Ismar (the contractor) did an awesome job of making sure that everything was done to spec and built beautifully. He followed our wishes and came back on the weekend and late to be sure the work was done right. The only real challenges were with the design and oversight from the office, between the designer losing our design specs on the first pass and not communicating proactively about delays or back orders, but thankfully these were more annoyance than problem. After a few handoffs, we got Eric E. as project manager, and he saw us through the rest of the project with much better results and only about 30% oversight still needed from us. Overall, we got a great bathroom out of the deal, so 4 stars."
"Ben ran late for our appointment but called immediately to tell me and to see if the later time would still work. I have no problem understanding when a contractor gets tied up on another job. I just want to be informed of the change, which he did. He was very knowledgeable and efficient. My home was built in 1830 so electric work is not as straight forward as on a newer home. He was able to give me a rough quote on the additional work we would like to have done and I will use Doyle Contracting to have it done. "
"After talking to and receiving quotes from 6 contractors we selected BK Contractors (Bret) for our remodel. The project included creating a new home office that needed to be insulated and sound proofed, a home theater, a kid’s playroom, half bath, and craft / arts center. Additionally, the hot water heater needed to be relocated with new plumbing lines run. Bret and his team were very professional and great to work with!!! Starting with the design and contracting process, Bret was easy to work with. He was more than happy to spend as much time as needed to help design the project. Like most people, we had a limited budge. Bret was able to offer options that allowed us to stay within our budge while maximizing our design. As for the contract, Bret’s scope of work and contract was thorough and left no doubt we select the right contractor. Within days of signing the contract Bret had the building permit in order and his guys were hard at work. The framing, electrical and plumbing rough-in were competed within a few weeks. All of his employees are very professional, polite, respect your home as if is it their home. At the end of each day, the work site was swept clean and the trash taken out. Throughout the entire project Bret was ALWAYS available and just a phone call away. I would absolutely recommend BK Contractors and will certainly use him again."
"Juan Carlos is the kind of contractor that some people refer to as "my guy" because my guy can do just about anything I throw at him. But he's more than a contractor that you call my guy. Juan Carlos takes pride in his work. He listens carefully to my needs, answers all of my questions, explains his process, sets expectations, and is amazing at making sure I'm happy with the final product. I believe his prices are fair, his ability to stay on time is excellent, and I have full confidence in all of his abilities. But perhaps my favorite quality, is his personal touch. After each project, he calls to ensure I'm happy. He has come to know my family by name and asks about them often. And after completing my master, he showed his excitement by gifting us our first towel set to hang in the new bathroom! My wife was most excited when he suggested and created a little nook in the corner of the shower just so that she could easily shave her legs. He thinks of everything! I should also share that Juan Carlos not only helped me renovate my master bathroom, but he has also helped me renovate my powder room and helped me repair a leak in my ceiling from a third bathroom, among other things. He truly is "my guy!" And his work is wonderful."
"I cannot say enough good things about Jose. His tile work is amazing. We purchased a condo in Washington DC that needed total refurbishment. (We live in California) Our daughter was to move into condo. I flew to DC to meet with Jose and review our needs. There was one problem after another in ordering appliances, I.e., that arrived damaged or wrong size. Jose was extremely patient (more so than me). We communicated daily phone/e:Mail. When finished the condo was beautiful and I realized how fortunate I was to find a contractor like Jose.
"Excellent; from time estimate given, contractor selected & installation performed, all done in timely, efficient, professional manner. Excellent customer service."
"We had a horrendous situation with a basement floor installation that went wrong leaving our house full of fumes, and a week later we discovered our basement was contaminated by asbestos in the process. When we called Bill and Contractors Unlimited, they were extremely responsive. Although other companies gave us bids, Bill was able to work his schedule to fit us in weeks sooner than the others. Although the cost was a bit more, that saved us money because we were displaced and could not even go into our house because of the fumes. CU set up negative air machines to replace the air, they followed asbestos abatement laws, they cleaned every item that could be salvaged in our house. They even saved more than we thought which really reduced our overall expense. Bill and his team were extremely professional, friendly, helpful, and really went out of their way to ease our stress from this situation. At the end of their process, Bill arranged for a air quality inspection which we happily passed - able to return home. I would gladly recommend Contractors Unlimited for asbestos abatement. I just wish we had called them before the floor guys created such a disaster. Thank you Bill! "
"Tito did a great job in installing hardware badly needed in 3 closets. He knew what was needed to ensure sturdy shelving would be created. He was very professional and respectful of my home while there, cleaned up after himself, and was a very good value. I highly recommend Tito for any services he performs and would definitely contact him again for help on any type of home improvement project."
Unfinished Carpentry questions, answered by experts
Removing a load-bearing wall affects the structural integrity of your home, so you’ll need a permit before starting the work. Building codes vary by municipality, and obtaining a permit and having the work inspected after completion will ensure you’re in compliance with all applicable regulations.
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.
In framing, studs are placed at 16-inch intervals to coincide with the typical spacing of wall materials such as drywall or plywood. This spacing is called "on-center" and is necessary for maintaining structural stability and efficient use of materials. The 16-inch spacing also helps to distribute the weight evenly across the building's structure. For those looking to cut material costs and improve energy efficiency, 24-inch stud spacing can be employed through a method called "advanced framing". This requires careful planning and adherence to local building codes to ensure structural integrity.
Professionals charge between $60 and $95 per hour to install ornamental porch columns. The amount of time they need varies based on the condition of the porch, whether they need to remove old columns, and if there is any damage to your porch's structure. This cost can increase if more issues come up during the installation process.
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.
The Bealeton, VA homeowners’ guide to contractor services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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.
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.
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.