Structural Repairs
Rotten post? Soft deck? Sagging or damaged framing? You do not need to know exactly what failed before you call. Handy Andy's works through structural wood and support problems, figures out what needs attention and helps carry the repair through to completion.
You do not need to diagnose the structure before you call.
Most homeowners know something feels wrong before they know the name of the failed part. A deck may feel soft, a post may be rotting at the bottom, framing may be exposed during another repair, or an old construction detail may simply not look right. Start with what you are seeing; our first job is to understand the problem and figure out the next step.
Structural problems do not all show up the same way.
The right repair depends on what is damaged, what that piece is supporting and whether the framing around it is still sound.
- Rotten or damaged joists and floor framing
- Beam and girder deterioration
- Deck or porch post replacement
- Rim, band and outer framing repairs
- Stair and landing support problems
- Damaged framing around openings
- Wood deterioration caused by long-term water exposure
- Inadequate or questionable previous construction
What you can see is not always the whole problem. If we need to open a concealed area to understand the damage, we explain what we find before moving beyond the work that was originally agreed.
Fix what is damaged before covering it back up.
Joists and other framing can be damaged by moisture, age or previous work. Sometimes one member can be repaired or replaced; other times the damage reaches far enough that a larger section has to be rebuilt.
- Joist replacement and sistering where appropriate
- Localized floor and deck framing repairs
- Blocking and connection repairs
- Rim and band board replacement
- Framing repairs discovered during demolition or remodeling
- Rebuilding affected framing before finish materials are reinstalled
A new post or beam only works if the rest of the support is right.
Replacing a post or beam is not just a matter of matching the old piece. We also have to consider what it supports, what is supporting it below and whether the connections between those pieces make sense.
Repairs May Include
- Deck and porch post replacement
- Beam or girder replacement
- Built-up wood girders and related fastening
- Connections between posts, beams and framing
- Temporary support during appropriate repair work
The Repair May Also Need
- Footings and support locations
- Rot or damage in adjoining framing
- Improper attachment to the house or another structure
- Changes needed to carry the weight to a better support point
- Engineering or permitting depending on the repair
A new post needs a solid place to land.
Sometimes the repair continues all the way down to the concrete or support below. A brand-new post does not solve much if the footing, base or framing under it cannot carry the weight. The whole support—from the framing above to the footing below—has to work together.
- Replacement of deteriorated wood posts
- Galvanized post bases and appropriate separation from concrete where applicable
- New or corrected footing locations when required by the project
- Support changes needed to bypass a poor or inappropriate existing attachment
- Concrete, framing and support work handled as one repair when needed
The real damage may be hidden until the area is opened.
Decking, siding, drywall and trim can hide rot, water damage, missing connectors, damaged framing and old repairs. No contractor can know exactly what is inside a concealed area before it is opened.
What we can do is work through what we find: identify the problem, explain how it affects the repair, talk through the options and coordinate the work needed to correct it.
That is part of the value of hiring a general contractor. You should not have to become the person calling engineers, concrete crews, carpenters and other specialists while trying to figure out how all the pieces fit together.
Some repairs need an engineer or permit. We will not guess when that is the case.
Depending on the problem and local requirements, a structural repair may need engineering, a permit, an inspection or another specialist. When it does, those steps should become part of the repair rather than being ignored.
The owner stays closely involved and is frequently on site working with the crew and overseeing the repair.
Framing, concrete, engineering and other specialists can be coordinated so you are not left managing several separate contractors.
If opening the structure changes what the repair needs, we explain what was found and how it affects the project before doing work beyond what was agreed.
The goal is not the cheapest patch. It is a practical repair that addresses the actual problem and gives you solid value for the work required.
Much of a structural repair disappears when the job is finished. That is the point.
These photos show the framing and supports that eventually get covered back up. Structural work is not always the glamorous part of a project, but it is what lets the finished work sit on something solid.
Major Structural Rebuild in Progress
A wider view of new structural framing, supports and concrete work being integrated into the repair.
New Support Posts & Bracing
New posts and temporary bracing installed as part of a larger structural correction and support rebuild.
Structural Framing Repair Detail
Opened-up framing during repair, showing how the structural components are rebuilt before the finished surfaces go back on.
Show us what worries you. You do not need to know the engineering answer.
You should not need to know whether the answer is a sistered joist, new beam, footing or engineered detail before asking for help. Start with what you can see and what concerns you.
Tell us what you are seeing
Describe the damage, movement, rot, support issue or area of concern and what led you to notice it.
Share photos when helpful
Wide-angle and close-up photos by text or email can help us understand the general condition before the next step.
We determine what the repair needs
Depending on the condition, the next step may be a site visit, opening part of the structure, engineering, permitting or a clearly defined repair plan.
Serving North & Northwest Metro Atlanta.
Structural wood repairs and support projects are considered throughout our primary service area, including:
- Marietta
- East Cobb
- Smyrna
- Vinings
- Buckhead
- Brookhaven
- Sandy Springs
- Roswell
- Kennesaw
- Acworth
- Woodstock
- Canton
Common questions about structural wood repairs
Do you repair rotten deck or porch posts?
Yes. Post replacement can be part of a structural repair, but the surrounding framing, connection and footing or support condition also need to be considered so the repair addresses more than the visible post.
Can you replace rotten joists or beams?
Yes. Depending on the condition, repairs may involve sistering or replacing joists, replacing beams or girders, rebuilding adjoining framing and correcting related connections or support issues.
What if you find more damage after opening the structure?
Hidden damage can change what the repair needs. If we uncover more, we explain what was found, how it affects the project and what options are available before doing work beyond what was agreed.
Do structural repairs require an engineer?
Some do and some do not. It depends on what is damaged, how the structure is carrying weight and local requirements. When an engineer is needed, that can be coordinated as part of the project.
Do structural repairs require a permit?
Permit requirements vary by jurisdiction and by the work being done. Structural changes, significant rebuilding and certain support or footing repairs may require a permit or inspection. We determine what applies to the specific project.
Can you tell from a photo whether a structure is safe?
Photos can be useful for understanding the general condition, but they are not a substitute for an appropriate on-site evaluation when safety or structural capacity is in question. If a structure appears at immediate risk of failure, keep people away from the affected area until it can be evaluated.
What areas do you serve?
Our primary service area includes Marietta, East Cobb, Smyrna, Vinings, Buckhead, Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Kennesaw, Acworth, Woodstock and Canton.
Tell us what is happening with the structure.
A rotten post, damaged framing, a failing beam or something that simply does not look right—start by telling us what you see. We will help you figure out the next step.