Montgomery County
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The Best Pick® certification has represented excellence in service for 28 years. Our mission is to connect homeowners with quality home service companies so that you can easily find a top-rated company for any home project.
www.bestpickreports.com
To establish the recommendations in each Best Pick Reports® publication, we calculate a star rating based on the past three years of a company’s customer reviews. We use our own survey platform, work with our sister research company GuildQuality to survey a company’s previous customers and, if needed, analyze Google reviews. We also evaluate a company’s credit history and financial standing. Only the companies that meet our qualification standards are invited to participate in the Best Pick program.
RESEARCH
We rely on online reviews, independent surveys, and company financial data to identify top local companies in dozens of home service categories.
Inclusion is by invitation alone and is extended only if the company has met our qualification standards.
At least 80% of responses via our in-house customer surveying must be positive. We also look for 25+ Google reviews and a 4.0+ rating.
We publish Certified Best Pick® companies semi-annually. Companies pay a fee for research and publication distribution.
We verify that companies carry all state-required licenses and insurance.
Companies are backed by the Best Pick Guarantee, giving homeowners security and confidence when hiring.
Getting referrals from your neighbors is a traditional method of identifying a company you feel you can trust, but a limited number of referrals does not always tell the whole story. This is why we take word of mouth to the next level by analyzing independent customer surveys and online reviews.
By proactively seeking homeowner feedback, we make sure that the reviews we use to rate companies are not from a biased, vocal minority, as is commonly the case with other review guides. Companies also cannot buy a good rating; the only way they can obtain the Certified Best Pick® designation is to earn it by having many satisfied customers and maintaining their stellar reputation year after year.
This is your guide to the best home service experiences. We only recommend the Best Picks for your home projects. See what we do best:
Features a short list of top local companies and their accurate ratings
Stands behind recommendations with a service guarantee
Rates companies based on customer feedback
Communicates with insurance agencies to verify coverage annually
Relies on a dedicated team for qualification monitoring
Proactively publishes reviews
Directly confirms trade licenses every year with state authorities
Prints all state-required trade license numbers for each company
Best Pick Reports, LLC, engages in extensive research to compile the information available in connection with the Best Pick Reports® publications and web site (BestPickReports.com). (Collectively, the publications and web site are referred to as the “reports.”) The reports are based upon the opinions of homeowners interviewed. Best Pick Reports is not affiliated with any government body or agency. The specific methodologies used by Best Pick Reports are discussed in detail in the Additional Information section of the report. Best Pick Reports makes no predictions or guarantees regarding the availability, ability, or willingness of a service provider to provide services. The reports are provided “as is,” and all warranties, representations, or endorsements, express or implied, oral or written, with regard to the reports, including, without limitation, any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, are expressly disclaimed by Best Pick Reports. You agree Best Pick Reports and its parent and related companies are not responsible for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, punitive, consequential, or any other damages that may result in any way from your use of or inability to use the reports. Except eligible refunds pursuant to the Best Pick Guarantee, Best Pick Reports’ (and its parent and related companies’) total aggregate liability to you for any claims relating in any way to the reports shall be limited to the refund of any amount paid by you to Best Pick Reports for the report that is the subject of the claim. All statements concerning insurance, licenses, etc., are informational only and are verified on an annual basis. Additionally, license information presented refers only to the titled category a company has been recommended for, and does not refer to or make any determina
• Air conditioning and heating services
• Equipment repair and replacement
• System troubleshooting
• Maintenance agreements
• Refrigerant recharging or refilling
• HVAC system and equipment installation
• Thermostat installation, replacement, and troubleshooting
• Humidifier and dehumidifier installation
• HVAC maintenance plans are handy and usually include two maintenance appointments per year plus perks like reduced or waived dispatch fees.
• The right HVAC system size is key to efficiency. A too-small system won’t do a good job controlling the temperature of the house. A system that is too large will cycle on and off frequently. Your contractor should use the Manual J formula to make sure your HVAC system is the right size.
• Programmable or Wi-Fi-enabled thermostats can help lower energy costs by auto-adjusting the temperature while the house is empty.
• Ask if your service provider honors manufacturers’ warranties on new equipment or whether you will need to contact the manufacturer directly in the event of a problem.
• If your HVAC system is running well but you’d like to increase your home’s efficiency, look into duct sealing. Sealing the ducts can lower energy costs and boost air circulation.
“CroppMetcalfe was built on and continues to provide high-quality service, high-quality products, and complete customer satisfaction. Our most loyal customers have stayed with us for over 30 years. Our vision is to serve our customers with the goal of creating customers for life.” Tim Cropp | General Manager
Services Offered: CroppMetcalfe offers the sale, service, and installation of air conditioners, heat pumps, furnaces, air cleaners, boilers, humidifiers, and other home comfort products. The company specializes in service agreements for both residential and commercial customers.
Warranty: CroppMetcalfe offers 30-day labor and 90-day parts warranties for residential HVAC services and 5-year warranties on new installations.
Company History: The regional, family-operated company was founded in 1979 by Mitchell Cropp and has three locations in the Washington, DC, area.
Distinctions: CroppMetcalfe is a winner of multiple Carrier President’s Awards and was recognized as a 2018 National Contractor of the Year by the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC).
Employee Information: Technicians are rigorously trained, wear uniforms, and drive fully stocked vehicles.
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) HVAC 01-8486, RC900130
Verified General Liability Insurance
Verified Workers’ Comp
Best Pick Guaranteed
“From our beginnings as a one-man shop on K Street, we’ve grown to become one of the largest and most successful HVAC and plumbing service companies in the area. For 91 years, we’ve delivered quality service and products and have established ourselves through integrity, trust, and respect for our customers.” Michael
A. Vito | Owner
Services Offered: Vito Services installs and repairs air conditioners, air handlers, heat pumps, boilers, furnaces, humidifiers, thermostats, and air cleaners, as well as custom ductwork. The company offers same-day service and 24/7 emergency support.
Warranty: Vito Services provides a one-year parts-and-labor guarantee on installations.
Company History: The fourth-generation company was founded by James Vito, Sr., in 1934.
Distinctions: Vito Services is a member of the Nexstar Network.
Additional Information: In addition to residential and commercial HVAC services, Vito Services provides complete plumbing, sewer, and drain services. Vito offers free estimates, a senior citizen discount, a military discount, and financing with approved credit.
Services Not Offered: Vito Services does not offer electrical, solar, or roofing services.
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) HVAC 02-7488, LM920177
Verified
Verified
“We are a family-owned-and-operated company, and our goal is to provide you with ultimate comfort in your home coupled with outstanding customer service. We take the time to listen to your needs so we can provide you with the best energy-efficient solutions to make your home as comfortable and safe as possible.” Andrew
Fitzhugh Sr. | President
Services Offered: Amazing Plumbing, Heating & Air provides service, installation, and maintenance of ductless systems, gas and oil furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioners, hot water and steam boilers, geothermal systems, air cleaners, air purifiers, humidifiers, and dehumidifiers. The company provides emergency services for HVAC systems.
Warranty: Amazing Plumbing, Heating & Air offers a one-year warranty on repairs and up to a twelve-year warranty on installations.
Company History: Founded in 2006, the company serves Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, and Prince George’s County.
Employee Information: The company hires full-time employees who undergo drug tests, background checks, and personality assessments.
“As a family-owned-and-operated company, we strive to provide you with the best service because we are attaching our personal name to that service. Our honest, thoroughly trained, certified technicians pay special attention to each job. We are small enough to know your name, but large enough to handle any problem you have.” Michael Wheat | President
Services Offered: James A. Wheat & Sons (JAWS) offers complete residential HVAC service, sales, replacement, and installation of air conditioners, air handlers, heat pumps, furnaces, boilers, geothermal systems, healthy air purification systems, healthy humidifiers, thermostats, ductwork, and gas fireplaces. The company also offers complete plumbing services, home energy evaluations, and 24-hour emergency service.
Warranty: JAWS offers a one-year warranty on service repairs and up to ten years on replacements or new installations. All work is backed by a 100 percent customer satisfaction guarantee.
Company History: The company was founded in 1978 by James and Barbara Wheat. Sons Michael and Jeffrey currently operate the family business.
Distinctions: JAWS is a certified Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer, was named Contractor of the Year by the NCI, and employs NATE-certified technicians.
4.8 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) HVAC 02-2473, LM900084
Verified
“Presidential is built on honesty, superior customer service, and the highest-quality installations. We don’t cut corners. We are a family-owned-and-operated company with an outstanding team of technicians and staff, and we are proud of the many awards we have received in recognition of our service to the local community.” Chris
Services Offered: Presidential Heating & Air Conditioning offers residential and light commercial service and installation of air conditioners, heat pumps, boilers, ductless systems, and indoor air quality products. The company also provides maintenance agreements and free in-home estimates for replacement equipment.
Warranty: Presidential offers a 10-year parts warranty and a 5-year labor warranty on most new equipment installations. The company offers a 1-year parts warranty and a 30-day labor warranty on repairs.
Company History: The family-owned-and-operated company was founded in 1982.
Distinctions: Presidential Heating & Air Conditioning is a member of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). The company has been awarded the Carrier President’s Award for commitment to excellence for the last seven years.
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Nixon | Vice President
“Falcon’s 37 years of trusted service in the community have resulted in a near five-star consumer review rating due to the hard work and unmatched service we provide daily. Falcon’s loyal customer base is a reflection of our dedication to continuous training and pride in our craftsmanship. Falcon is your one-stop home comfort shop.” Bruce Rahmani | President
Services Offered: Falcon Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing provides HVAC system, furnace, and heat pump repair, installation, replacement, and maintenance; thermostat repair and installation; indoor air quality solutions, including air purifiers and humidifiers; ductless mini-split installation; zoning systems; air duct cleaning; 24/7 emergency service; maintenance programs; free estimates; and plumbing services.
Warranty: Falcon Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing offers up to a 12year manufacturer equipment warranty and up to a 10-year parts-andlabor warranty.
Company History: The local, family-owned company was started in 1988 by Bruce Rahmani.
Employee Information: Employees drive marked vehicles, wear uniforms and shoe covers, and undergo background checks and drug testing.
Additional Information: The company works on all makes and models of HVAC and plumbing equipment.
4.9 out of 5 Verified Trade License(s) HVAC 02-15710 Verified General Liability Insurance
Verified Workers’ Comp
Pick Guaranteed
Best Pick Reports recommends:
9th year as a Best Pick
7th year as a Best Pick
• Repair and installation of most common household appliances, including refrigerators; freezers; ice makers; gas and electric ranges, stoves, and ovens; induction cooktops; microwave ovens; dishwashers; garbage disposals; trash compactors; and clothes washers and dryers
• Factory-certified services
• Preventative maintenance
• Keep your refrigerator temperature set between 35 to 37 degrees Fahrenheit. The freezer temperature should be set to 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Try to keep your freezer stocked to increase its efficiency. If you have an ice maker or in-unit water, stay on top of regular water filter changes.
• Hot water is essential for clean and dry dishes. Low water temperatures can be one reason dishes are not getting completely clean. Check that your water heater is set to the right temperature. The ideal temperature is between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. For safety reasons, don’t set the temperature to below 120 or above 140. When you load the dishwasher, make sure nothing blocks the spray arm.
• If you use your garbage disposal, turn on cold water before putting food into it. Food should be completely ground up and flushed out before the disposal is turned off. Feeding the disposal a large amount of waste too fast can clog pipes, so feed large amounts slowly or, better yet, throw it in the trash or compost.
• The high heat from an oven’s self-cleaning cycle is dangerous and can cause important oven parts to burn out, so try to avoid using that feature. Though it is a far more manual process, cleaning your oven by hand is much safer.
• Rubber-backed mats can cause unbalanced washing machine loads. The rubber backing can also break down and separate, clogging hoses, pumps, filters, and valves. If possible, wash these types of items by hand in a tub or laundry sink.
• Avoid running loose change, pocket knives, and other metal items through the wash. They can damage the washing machine’s internal components and pump system. Washing machine hoses can deteriorate over time, so replace yours about every five years. If you leave town for a long trip, shut off the water to your washer so you don’t have to worry about leaks.
Neither the state of Maryland nor the District of Columbia issue or require a trade license for companies in this service category.
Scan for additional educational content
“S.O.S. Appliance Repair & Service offers the best, high-quality services for any appliance in your home. We hire only the most experienced technicians who will quickly diagnose the problem with your appliances. Our mission is to provide excellent services, which is why a majority of our work comes from referrals and repeat customers.” Raouf
Services Offered: S.O.S. Appliance Repair & Service provides repair services for all major home appliances, including ovens, ranges, refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, dryers, garbage disposals, water heaters, ice makers, and dishwashers.
Warranty: The company offers a 90-day warranty on parts and labor.
Company History: S.O.S. Appliance Repair has served local, residential customers since its founding in 2000.
Employee Information: Employees wear uniforms, drive marked vehicles, and undergo background checks and drug testing.
Additional Information: The company specializes in mainstream household appliance brands such as Kenmore, Whirlpool, GE, Amana, Maytag, Frigidaire, and KitchenAid as well as luxury brands such as Dacor, Viking, U-Line, Bosch, Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Jenn-Air.
Not
Sliti | Owner
“Dars Appliance Repair provides quality workmanship with professional, dependable, and courteous service. We offer emergency service six days a week, so that you can count on us to be there when you need us the most.”
Yousef Wenzerfi | Owner
Services Offered: Dars Appliance Repair provides repair services for home appliances, including ice makers, dishwashers, garbage disposals, ovens, ranges, washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, and freezers.
Warranty: The company offers a 100-day warranty on parts and labor.
Company History: The company was started in 2010.
Employee Information: Employees wear uniforms, drive marked vehicles, and undergo background checks and drug testing.
Additional Information: Dars Appliance Repair services all major appliance brands, including Kenmore, GE, Maytag, Whirlpool, Frigidaire, U-Line, Sub-Zero, Jenn-Air, Samsung, LG, True, Viking, and more.
Services Not Offered: The company does not work on microwaves, offer installations, or sell replacement parts.
Minimum Job: Dars Appliance Repair charges a $69 job minimum that is applied to the total cost of the repair.
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Not Required
Pick Reports recommends:
• Basement remodeling and renovation
• Design/build services
• General contractor services
• The basement must be dry before remodeling begins. Even small amounts of water can damage carpets and furniture or cause mold or mildew growth. Have any past basement moisture issues addressed before the remodeling work starts.
• Remodeling work can last from several days to several months. Your contractor may move some larger items for you. You will be responsible for packing up any small things that could get in the way or be damaged. If your project involves removing existing cabinetry or built-in storage, empty those spaces before any work begins.
• The wrong lighting makes a basement feel small and dark. Canister or recessed lighting is popular for basements because it does not take up headroom. Downlighting points the eye away from the ceiling, making the room seem taller. Track lighting illuminates a basement without a low-hanging light.
• Your existing HVAC system might be able to meet the requirements of the new space, but if it isn’t large enough, you will need a dedicated HVAC unit for the basement. Depending on the size of your basement, a mini-split or heat pump system might be good options.
• I-beams and other support structures might not look great in your new space, but they usually can’t be removed (or moved at all). Instead, talk to your contractor about creative ways to hide them. I-beams and other supports can often be disguised with architectural elements or hidden in walls.
• Electrical panels, ducts, pipes, and wires still need to be accessible once the space is finished. A drop ceiling is a functional way to do this, but not everyone loves that look. If you opt for a drywalled ceiling, work with your contractor to design access points for important utilities.
• Your contractor and the crews working in your house will do their best to keep the area safe. Keep a close eye on your kids and pets. Don’t let them wander down to the basement to explore. These precautions help keep everyone safe.
MD companies are required to hold a Home Improvement Contractor License issued by the MD Home Improvement Commission. DC companies are required to hold a Home Improvement Contractor or General Contractor License issued by the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs.
Services Offered: BasementRemodeling.com performs basement finishing and remodeling projects for residents in Maryland, Northern Virginia, and Washington, DC. The company also offers basement lowering, underpinning, and waterproofing services, as well as free estimates for all basement services.
Warranty: The company offers a one-year labor warranty for all basement projects. Some specialty services include additional warranties. Ask for details.
Company History: The company started in 2006.
Employee Information: Employees wear uniforms and shoe covers, drive marked vehicles, and undergo background checks and drug testing.
Services Not Offered: The company does not offer flooring, painting, plumbing, electrical, or HVAC as stand-alone services.
Minimum Job: Basement finishing projects start at $20,000. “BasementRemodeling.com - the
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“At Experts Remodel, we’re proud to offer affordable and professional home remodeling services with a focus on quality work and outstanding customer service. We communicate with you at every step of the project, and when the work ends, we follow up to ensure that everything is still going smoothly.”
Michael Buadana | Owner & CEO
Services Offered: Experts Remodel is a home remodeling firm that specializes in renovating and finishing basements. Additional services include design consultations, whole-home remodeling, kitchen and bathroom remodeling, room additions, decks, porches, and patios. Experts Remodel also offers painting, flooring, and aging-in-place modifications. Estimates are free.
Warranty: The company offers a two-year labor warranty.
Company History: Experts Remodel is a local company that was established in 2016.
Distinctions: Experts Remodel is A+ Rated and Accredited with the BBB, a NARI member, a HomeAdvisor Elite Service pro, and won Best of Houzz 2023.
Employee Information: Uniformed employees wear shoe covers, drive marked vehicles, and undergo background checks and drug testing.
Minimum Job: Jobs start at $2,500.
Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) MHIC-154135, 410522000788
Verified General Liability Insurance
Workers’ Comp Exempt Best Pick Guaranteed
4th year as a Best Pick ■
3rd year as a Best Pick ■
1st year as a Best Pick
COMMON BATHTUB & SHOWER CONVERSION SERVICES
• Bathtub and shower conversion services
• One-day bathroom remodeling services
• Design services
• Shower and tub replacement
• Cabinet installation
• Tile installation
• Countertop installation
• Fixture installation
• Tub-to-shower conversion projects take about a day to complete. A bathtub that is already surrounded by walls can be replaced with a shower relatively easily since the drains and water lines are already in place.
• The shower-to-tub conversion process is similar to that of converting a bathtub to a shower. Your contractor will remove the shower stall and install a bathtub in its place. These projects normally take one or two days.
• Tub and shower conversion contractors often offer one-day bathroom “facelifts,” or cosmetic remodels. If your bathroom doesn’t have functional issues, a bathroom facelift might be the perfect solution.
• Most bathroom facelift projects include replacing plumbing fixtures, vanities, and shelving as well as a new coat of paint. These projects are usually done in days, compared to the multi-week timeline of a conventional remodeling project. The key difference is that a cosmetic refresh involves very minimal demolition and structural carpentry work, if any at all. Instead, the project’s focus will be on the smaller details that are easier to change out.
• The key to a great tub and shower conversion is a reputable, experienced contractor. Interview and request bids from at least three companies, and try to resist being swayed by price alone. Your budget is certainly important, but the lowest bid may not result in the outcome you want.
MD companies are required to hold a Home Improvement Contractor License issued by the MD Home Improvement Commission. DC companies are required to hold a Home Improvement Contractor or General Contractor License issued by the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs.
“For eight decades, Long Home Products has helped families enjoy safer, more beautiful homes. Quality products, outstanding craftsmanship, and dedication to customer satisfaction are at the core of our philosophy. We work with customers to make home improvement projects affordable with competitive rates and payment plans.” John
DePaola | CEO
Services Offered: Long Home Products specializes in tub-to-shower conversions, shower and bathtub replacement, and aging-in-place options. The company also offers asphalt shingle, metal, flat, luxury shingle, and designer roofs; double-hung, casement, awning, bow, and bay windows; entry, patio, and storm doors; and free estimates.
Warranty: Long Home offers a 50-year warranty on bathtubs, a 50-year transferable roof warranty, and a lifetime window warranty.
Company History: The company started in 1945.
Distinctions: The company is a CertainTeed SELECT Shingle Master.
Employee Information: Employees wear uniforms and shoe covers, drive marked vehicles, and undergo background checks and drug testing.
Services Not Offered: Repair services are not offered.
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s)
MHIC-51346, 420222000021
Verified General Liability Insurance
Verified Workers’ Comp
Best Pick Guaranteed
“At Thompson Creek, we are completely accountable to our customers from their initial inquiry through installation and warranty of our products and services. All of our work is backed by 45 years in business and our No-Hassle Warranty and Buyer Protection Guarantee. Our focus continues to be delivering 100 percent satisfaction.” Rick Wuest | President
Services Offered: Thompson Creek Window Company specializes in custom tub-to-shower conversions, walk-in shower and bathtub installation, and bathroom remodeling. The company offers free estimates for bath and shower projects.
Warranty: The No-Hassle Warranty and Buyer Protection Guarantee protects homeowners for up to 50 years.
Company History: Thompson Creek Window Company is family owned and operated and has been serving the mid-Atlantic area for 45 years.
Distinctions: Thompson Creek Window Company was awarded best employer in the 2020 Top Workplaces by the Washington Post.
Rating: 4.3 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) MHIC-125294, 420213000015
Verified General Liability Insurance
Verified Workers’ Comp
Best Pick Guaranteed
“We understand that your home is a reflection of your style and personality. That’s why we work closely
to bring their vision to life.” Reggie Danage | General Manager
Services Offered: Remodel Now is a design/build home remodeling firm that specializes in bathtub and shower conversions. The company’s additional services include kitchen, bathroom, and basement remodeling as well as window and door replacement. Financing is available, and estimates are free.
Warranty: All bathrooms are eligible for Schluter’s lifetime waterproof warranty. All Kohler products carry the manufacturer’s lifetime warranty. Comprehensive labor warranty coverage is offered on all projects.
Company History: The local company was established in 2001.
Employee Information: Uniformed employees wear shoe covers, drive marked vehicles, and undergo background checks and drug testing.
Additional Information: Remodel Now works with products from brands such as Kohler, Moen, and Graf.
Minimum Job: Projects begin at $5,000.
4.6 out of 5
420323000130
“At Experts Remodel, we’re proud to offer affordable and professional home remodeling services with a focus on quality work and outstanding customer service. We communicate with you at every step of the project, and when the work ends, we follow up to ensure that everything is still going smoothly.”
Michael Buadana | Owner & CEO
Services Offered: Experts Remodel is a home remodeling firm that specializes in bathroom remodeling projects. Additional services include design consultations, whole-home remodeling, kitchen and basement remodeling, room additions, decks, porches, and patios. Experts Remodel also offers painting, flooring, and aging-in-place modifications. Estimates are free.
Warranty: The company offers a two-year labor warranty.
Company History: Experts Remodel is a local company that was established in 2016.
Distinctions: Experts Remodel is A+ Rated and Accredited with the BBB, a NARI member, a HomeAdvisor Elite Service pro, and won Best of Houzz 2023.
Employee Information: Uniformed employees wear shoe covers, drive marked vehicles, and undergo background checks and drug testing.
Minimum Job: Jobs start at $2,500.
Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Verified
License(s) MHIC-154135, 410522000788
Verified
Workers’ Comp Exempt Best Pick
4th year as a Best Pick ■ Kitchen
4th year as a Best Pick Educational Content
• Cabinet refacing and updating
• Cabinet painting
• Cabinet repair
• Refacing the cabinets is a great way to update the look of your kitchen while saving some money on the whole project. For a cabinet refacing project to work well and have the result you want, you need to be happy with your kitchen’s existing layout. Refacing only addresses the cabinet doors, drawer fronts, and hardware, so your cabinet boxes also need to be in good shape.
• A refacing project is a great time to update your cabinet storage. Roll-out shelves, cabinet and drawer dividers, and roll-away trash can storage, for example, can help you keep the kitchen tidy and organized.
• The first step in a cabinet refacing job is to remove the drawers, doors, and drawer fronts. If you’re changing the color and style of the cabinets, the crew will then apply a wood or laminate veneer to the cabinet boxes. The next step is to install the new cabinet doors and drawer fronts. Finally, new drawer pulls, door handles, and molding pull everything together.
• Full overlay cabinet doors completely cover the cabinet frame. Partial overlay cabinet doors reveal a small amount of the cabinet frame. Inset cabinet doors are mounted inside the cabinet box and require exposed hinges.
• In most cases, full or partial overlay doors will be the easiest, most cost-effective option. If your original cabinets had inset doors, you might be able to use that door style again as long as the cabinet boxes don’t need major repair work.
• Staining and painting can dramatically change the look of cabinetry and can help protect the wood. Properly prepping the surface ensures that the paint or stain will adhere well.
• Hiring a qualified, experienced contractor is important to a job well done. Make sure your contractor is fully insured and has all staterequired licenses. Before you sign a contract for the job, clarify the project’s scope. Ask the company if they have a gallery of completed projects or a list of previous customers you can contact as references.
MD companies are required to hold a Home Improvement Contractor License issued by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission. Scan for additional educational content
“At Kitchen Update, we are thinking outside the box and combining different types of services in one place so you can be satisfied with the process and the final product. You can count on our promise of quality and professional workmanship. We draw attention to communicating with a client at every step of the project.” Andrey
Services Offered: Kitchen Update provides a wide range of services, including cabinet refacing, cabinet painting, custom cabinets and builtins, kitchen remodeling, and backsplash and countertop installation. The company also provides additional features including soft-close hinges, full-extension glides, roll-out trays, pull-out waste bins and spice racks, swing-out storage systems, lazy Susan rotating trays, in-drawer outlets, in/under cabinet lighting, and free estimates.
Warranty: Kitchen Update offers a one-year limited warranty on labor.
Company History: The local, family-owned business was established in 2015 by Elena Moiseenko.
Services Not Offered: Kitchen Update does not offer interior painting or floor installation.
Minimum Job: A job minimum of $1,800 is required.
Rating:
Eliseev | Owner
“We opened our doors in 1979, establishing the business on the core values of a family-run company. Since then, we’ve become known for our incredible craftsmanship and unwavering dedication to excellence, and we’ve amassed a long list of satisfied customers.” Brett Cohen | Owner
Services Offered: Kitchen Saver provides a custom cabinet renewal process for kitchen makeovers. The company uses high-quality materials and premium finishing methods for every job completed. Kitchen Saver also offers free estimates.
Warranty: Kitchen Saver provides a ten-year warranty on labor and material.
Company History: The family-owned company was started in 1979 by Andy Snyder.
Employee Information: Employees wear uniforms and shoe covers, drive marked vehicles, and undergo background checks and drug testing.
Services Not Offered: Kitchen Saver does not offer flooring services.
Minimum Job: The company requires a project minimum of eight cabinet doors or drawer fronts.
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Best Pick Reports recommends:
12th year as a Best Pick
10th year as a Best Pick
• Carpet cleaning
• Upholstery cleaning
• Rug cleaning
• Carpet repair
• Stain removal
• Odor removal and control
• Fabric and fiber protection
• Drapery cleaning and freshening
• Hard-surface floor cleaning, buffing, and sealing
• Carpet cleaning frequency depends on several factors, including whether you have pets and how much foot traffic your carpet gets. In most cases, a professional carpet cleaning at least every nine to twelve months is a good idea.
• To keep your carpets clean between professional cleanings, use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter, place mats at your home’s entrances, and regularly change your HVAC filter. Also encourage family members and visitors to remove their shoes indoors.
• Pet accidents are most effectively cleaned by the professionals. As a short-term fix, you can use
a mixture of one part white vinegar to two parts water. Lightly spray the stain with the mixture and use a white colorfast towel to blot the area, being careful not to rub and push the stain into the fibers. Continue the process until the smell and stain are reduced. This works best on fresh stains. Stains that dry or soak into the carpet padding and subfloor are harder to remove.
• Mention all spots and stains you want cleaned so the contractor can both prepare appropriately and provide you with an accurate estimate. Some stains, especially old stains, require pretreatment to fully remove them. A thorough walkthrough at the start of the job also helps avoid surprises regarding the cost at the end of the service.
• Prices that seem too good to be true usually are. Always read the fine print. Other deals will stretch the definition of carpet cleaning. A technician who rushes through the job may leave behind embedded dirt, stains, or excess moisture, which can lead to mold or faster re-soiling.
• In addition to routine carpet cleaning, consider optional treatments like stain protectors or deodorizing agents, which can help your carpets stay fresh for longer.
Neither the state of Maryland nor the District of Columbia issue or require a trade license for companies in this service category. Scan for additional educational content
“At Excellent Carpet Cleaning, our mission is to enhance lives by making a difference one client at a time. Health, appearance, and preservation are the pillars of our service.” Tianna
W. | Legacy Co-founder
Services Offered: Excellent Carpet Cleaning offers a comprehensive range of cleaning and preservation services, including carpet, rug, upholstery, drapery, air duct, hardwood, tile and grout, marble, and concrete cleaning. The company specializes in pet odor solutions, Oriental rug care, and green/allergy-friendly cleaning methods. ECC also provides carpet repairs, such as stretching and patching, as well as Oriental rug repairs.
Warranty: The company’s Excellent Guarantee is a 100 percent, no-risk satisfaction guarantee.
Company History: The company has been serving residential and commercial clients since 2006.
Distinctions: The company is certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and employs IICRC-certified technicians.
Additional Information: ECC provides complimentary consultations for all services and also offers water damage restoration.
“Superior Steam Cleaners is an owner-operated company that pays attention to detail and offers its clients high-quality services that are 100 percent guaranteed.” Shaun Pierce | Owner & Operator
Services Offered: Superior Steam Cleaners Inc. provides environmentally friendly carpet and upholstery cleaning, pet stain and odor removal, specialty spot removal, tile and grout cleaning and sealing, and vinyl floor cleaning. The company also applies stain and soil protectant and offers in-home area rug cleaning and 24-hour water-extraction services.
Warranty: Superior Steam Cleaners guarantees all services and will return to address any concerns. The company also offers a 21-day spot-return guarantee.
Company History: Superior Steam Cleaners was founded in 1992 by Randy Pierce and is owned and operated by Randy’s son Shaun and his family.
Employee Information: Technicians wear uniforms and drive marked vehicles.
Minimum Job: A $150 minimum is required.
Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Trade License(s) Not Required
Verified
Best Pick Reports recommends:
14th year as a Best Pick
■ Sweep Your Chimney
4th year as a Best Pick
• Chimney and fireplace cleaning
• Chimney and fireplace repair and rebuilding
• Fireplace renovation and replacement
• Chimney safety inspections
• Flue relining
• Chimney cap installation and replacement
• Gas log installation and replacement
• Chimney and fireplace accessory installation
• Have your chimney inspected and cleaned regularly to ensure its safety and efficiency. Creosote buildup or debris from nesting animals in your chimney can make it unsafe to use.
• If the flue liner has gaps and openings between it and the chimney casing where creosote can accumulate, the liner must be repaired or removed and replaced. Sometimes a flue sealant can fix the problem, but if the issue is more severe, you’ll need a new liner. Older masonry chimneys typically have terra-cotta liners, which can fail or deteriorate over time. Replacement flue liners are usually made of stainless steel.
• The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) outlines three levels of chimney inspection.
Some services, including chimney repair and masonry, require a Home Improvement Contractor License issued by the MD Home Improvement Commission or the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs. Companies that do not offer these services are not required to hold a trade license. Scan for additional educational content ■ High's Chimney Service Inc.
Level one is the most basic. Level three is only necessary when serious hazards are suspected. If you’re the new owner of the house or if the chimney has been damaged, you’ll need a level two inspection. A level two inspection includes an inspection of every accessible part of the chimney, including its interior. Most technicians do this with a video scan.
• Limit dangerous creosote buildup by always making sure the flue is open when you build a fire in your fireplace. Only burn dry, seasoned wood. The moisture in fresh, damp logs will make a fire smolder. The smoke releases gases that contribute to creosote buildup. Split whole logs in halves or quarters to make sure the wood is dry both inside and outside.
• A chimney cap, usually made from stainless steel or copper, protects the chimney from rain, critters, and other hazards. Uncapped chimneys offer warm, protected spaces to critters, but their nests pose a fire hazard. Another advantage of the chimney cap is that it keeps water (and ice, in the winter) out of the flue. Chimney caps are also important for safety. They help prevent sparks and stray embers from igniting the roof or flying down into your yard.
“We’ve spent 44 years building the perfect chimney company. Our masonry service is performed by real masons, not just chimney sweeps with trowels in their hands. We are not done until you are satisfied.”
Services Offered: High’s Chimney Service is a full-service masonry company offering residential chimney and fireplace construction, repair, rebuilding, repointing, video scan inspections, cleaning, and lining. The company also offers wood stove installation, dryer vent cleaning, and air duct cleaning.
Company History: Gary High founded High’s Chimney in 1981 and continues to serve as president.
Distinctions: High’s Chimney has a National Fireplace Institute (NFI) certified Woodburning Specialist on staff.
Additional Information: The company carries Regency Fireplace Products.
“Our top priority is to service and educate our customers about their chimney system. We want people to know and understand how their system works and why it’s so important to get a chimney inspection annually and not only when experiencing issues. Call us today to get your chimney inspected!”
Services Offered: Sweep Your Chimney provides complete chimney and fireplace-related services, including chimney inspection, repair, sweeping, maintenance, relining, and rebuilds; gas fireplace maintenance, repair, and new installation; and masonry projects. The company also inspects, sweeps, and relines gas and oil appliance flues, including furnaces, water heaters, and boilers, and offers dryer vent cleaning.
Warranty: Sweep Your Chimney offers warranties depending on the product and work provided. Some installed equipment carries a lifetime warranty provided by the manufacturer.
Company History: The company started in 2019.
Services Not Offered: The company does not service or install pellet stoves.
Minimum Job: A level two inspection is required for every new client. A fee of $299 is charged for the first chimney flue and then $100 extra for any additional flue.
Eden Natanzon | President
Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Verified Trade License(s) MHIC-144481
Verified
Verified Workers’ Comp
Best Pick Reports recommends:
3rd year as a Best Pick ■
1st year as a Best Pick
• Concrete leveling and raising for driveways, sidewalks, walkways, patios, steps, and foundations
• Polyurethane foam lifting
• Slabjacking
• Mudjacking
• Foundation stabilization and repair
• Piering
• Waterproofing and drainage systems
• Signs of sunken concrete issues include uneven concrete steps or sidewalks; cracked, bumpy, and uneven driveways or patios; cracking and sinking sections of slabs; soil erosion under concrete slabs; and repeated cracking of concrete slabs.
• The process for raising concrete is fairly straightforward. First, the crew drills holes into the concrete slab. Then, they pump a mortarbased material or polyurethane foam into the voids underneath the slab. As the voids are filled, the concrete slab rises until it’s level with the surrounding surface. The crew uses a concrete mixture to patch the drill holes and complete the process. Polyurethane foam materials typically
cure faster and require smaller injection holes than mortar-based materials.
• Once the repair work is done, stay on top of maintenance so the problem doesn’t happen again. Have your gutters cleaned at least twice per year. Make sure that your home has an adequate number of downspouts. The downspouts also need to be long enough to carry water away from your house, patio, or walkway. If you have recurring erosion issues around concrete slabs, your yard might need to be regraded. Having a drainage system installed can also help. Contact a drainage specialist for advice.
• If you have more concrete work done in the future, ask the contractor how they plan to prep the ground. The ground beneath concrete is made up of different layers of soil. Each of these layers has its own properties, like density and moisture content. When these layers settle over the years, the concrete slabs above them can settle and crack. Before a concrete slab is poured, the supporting soil must be compacted to prevent washout and erosion. This should be done with a mechanical tamping machine for best results.
MD companies are required to hold a Home Improvement Contractor License issued by the MD Home Improvement Commission. DC companies are required to hold a Home Improvement Contractor or General Contractor License issued by the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs. Scan for additional educational content
“JES Foundation Repair specializes in helping homeowners with foundation repair, basement waterproofing, crawl space encapsulation, and concrete lifting needs. With over 30 years of experience, JES provides high-quality home repair solutions and personalized service across Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and North Carolina.” JES Foundation Repair Team
Services Offered: JES Foundation Repair are experts in resolving foundation repair issues. The company also performs concrete lifting, crawl space encapsulation, and basement waterproofing. Free estimates and financing options are offered.
Warranty: JES Foundation Repair offers nationally backed transferable warranties.
Company History: Jesse and Stella Waltz founded the company in 1993. JES Foundation Repair is part of Groundworks Companies.
Distinctions: In 2022, JES Foundation Repair was named Lynchburg Living Magazine’s Best Basement Waterproofing and Foundation Services Company, Roanoker Magazine’s Best Foundation Repair Company, Coastal Virginia Magazine’s Best Foundation Repair Company, and Virginia Media Best of Virginia Beach’s Local Home Improvement Contractor.
4.7 out of 5
410516000653
“With 39 years of experience, family-owned NV Waterproofing & Foundation Repair is renowned for our superior craftsmanship and products, along with our honest and professional methodology. We are committed to offering homeowners enduring solutions for lasting peace of mind for years to come.” NV Waterproofing & Foundation Repair Team
Services Offered: NV Waterproofing & Foundation Repair provides a range of services, including concrete leveling/raising, foundation repair, interior and exterior basement waterproofing, crawl space encapsulation, and mold remediation. Foundation repair solutions address issues such as settling foundations, bowing walls, and sagging floors. NV Waterproofing & Foundation Repair offers financing options and free estimates.
Warranty: The company offers comprehensive warranties on interior and exterior work.
Company History: The family-owned company was established in 1986.
Distinctions: NV Waterproofing & Foundation Repair partners with community aid organizations Youth for Tomorrow and Home Aid and is a Prince William Chamber of Commerce member. The company is a Custom Builders USA (CB/USA) Preferred Vendor and authorized Basement Systems and Supportworks dealer.
5.0 out of 5 Verified Trade License(s) MHIC-129703, 410522000481 Verified
Best Pick Reports recommends:
3rd year as a Best Pick
2nd year as a Best Pick
COMMON CRAWL SPACE ENCAPSULATION & REPAIR SERVICES
• Crawl space moisture and humidity management
• Crawl space insulation
• Crawl space encapsulation
• Structural repair for crawl spaces and basements
• Basement waterproofing services
• Basement moisture and humidity management
• Crawl spaces are vulnerable to many of the same problems as house foundations. Because crawl spaces are under the house, pest infestations are common, as is mold and mildew growth.
• Crawl spaces are usually connected to a home’s foundation. This location is part of what makes crawl space moisture problems so concerning. Wood is more prone to rotting in damp spaces, so a damp crawl space can cause the floor joists of the house to rot. Common signs of deteriorating floor joists are sagging, creaking, or bouncy spots on the floor over the crawl space.
• Concrete columns or jacks work well to raise and stabilize sagging floors. Jacks can be adjusted as needed, to ensure ongoing support. If the floor joists are no longer structurally sound, they
might need to be strengthened by adding a beam to an existing joist in a process called “sistering.” Removing a compromised joist altogether can create other structural problems. Sistering in another beam instead creates the structural support the compromised joist needs without putting the entire structure at risk.
• Once any moisture and structural issues are resolved, the crawl space can be encapsulated. This involves covering the floor and walls with a heavy plastic vapor barrier. The crew will seal off all vents and other areas where outside air could get in. Finally, the crew will install either a dehumidifier or crawl space vent fan. Even though the space is sealed, the air can still get quite humid. A dehumidifier pulls moisture out of the air in the crawl space. A vent fan brings conditioned air from your home’s HVAC system into the crawl space to combat humidity.
• Depending on the size and layout of your crawl space, you might be able to use it for storage once the encapsulation process is finished. It’s a good idea to check on the crawl space periodically to ensure the moisture management system is still working as designed.
MD companies are required to hold a Home Improvement Contractor License issued by the MD Home Improvement Commission. DC companies are required to hold a Home Improvement Contractor or General Contractor License issued by the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs.
“Award-winning company founded on integrity and trust, backed by awards, accreditations, and hundreds of verified five-star customer reviews. Our team of professionals has a combined experience of 100+ years in our areas of expertise. We’re in business for you and because of you!” Andrew Altman | CEO
Services Offered: Best Buy Waterproofing, LLC specializes in crawlspace repair, crack repair, structural repair, basement waterproofing and ventilation, and sump pumps. Additional services include roofing, siding, gutters, decks, basement remodeling, mold remediation, stamped concrete, driveways, and pathways. Estimates are free.
Warranty: Waterproofing and roofing jobs carry a lifetime warranty. The company honors manufacturer warranties on roof work.
Company History: The local, family-owned company was established in 2017 by Andrew Altman Sr.
Distinctions: Best Buy Waterproofing, LLC is a BHA member and a GAF Certified Contractor.
Employee Information: Uniformed employees drive marked vehicles and undergo background checks.
Services Not Offered: The company does not repair roofs or replace sump pumps it did not install.
5.0 out of 5
410524000824
Verified General Liability Insurance
Verified Workers’ Comp Best Pick Guaranteed
“Value Dry transforms wet, humid basements and musty crawl spaces into dry, healthy, livable environments by installing waterproofing and encapsulation systems in homes and businesses in Maryland, DC, Virginia, Delaware, and West Virginia. You can count on our promise of quality combined with professional workmanship.” James Ketterer | President
Services Offered: Value Dry addresses flooding and humidity in basements and crawl spaces by installing drainage and encapsulation systems that include sump pumps, battery backup sump pumps, French drains, and basement air ventilation systems. Egress windows and foundation repairs are also offered.
Warranty: Value Dry offers a lifetime transferable warranty against water seepage of treated areas.
Company History: The company was founded in 2003. Company president James Ketterer has over 25 years of industry experience.
Distinctions: Value Dry is a BHA member. James Ketterer is a BHA certified Waterproofing Specialist and Egress Specialist. The company is also an Indoor Air Quality Association member. Value Dry received a Secretary’s Citation from the MD Department of Commerce in recognition of 15 years of quality work.
Rating: 4.6 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) MHIC-126996, 420312000110
Verified General Liability Insurance
Verified Workers’ Comp Best Pick Guaranteed
■
2nd
1st year as a Best Pick
COMMON DECK BUILDING & MAINTENANCE SERVICES
• Custom deck design
• Deck construction
• Deck maintenance and repair
TOP CONSUMER TIPS
• Common deck materials include wood, wood composite, and PVC. Popular wood species used for decks include cedar, redwood, tropical hardwoods like ipe and cumaru, southern yellow pine, and Douglas fir.
• Pressure-treated pine is a popular, cost-effective choice for new deck construction. It’s a lowmaintenance product that has been treated with preservatives to resist rot, but it isn’t maintenance-free. It should be sealed regularly to maintain its water resistance.
• Brand-new decks will need to cure before any wood treatment application. This usually equals about four to eight weeks of dry weather before the initial sealing. Periodic cleaning and sealing will keep the deck sturdy and looking good for years.
• Sealant waterproofs the deck, and stain provides color and UV protection. It’s best to apply sealant and stain separately. There are oil-, water-, and silicone-based sealants and water- and oilbased stains.
• Bird droppings, fallen leaves, and mildew can all stain or discolor a wood deck. Candle wax poses a special threat to wood decks because it’s virtually impossible to remove. Deck cleaning will address preexisting stains. A sealed deck will resist staining better than raw, unsealed wood.
• In most areas, a deck build requires a construction permit because it modifies the structure of the house. Most contractors will handle the permit application process for you. Some homeowners’ associations also require project review and approval.
MD companies are required to hold a Home Improvement Contractor License issued by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission.
“Our family-owned-and-operated company’s vision is to create functional environments for homeowners that instill pride while allowing them to truly relax and find enjoyment in their own homes as the dynamics of homelife evolve and change.” Mike Arneson | Owner
Services Offered: Cedarbrook Outdoor Design/Build specializes in designing and building custom decks, screened porches, patios, gazebos, pergolas, and rainwater diversion systems for residential customers. The company offers purchasable design packages including the project scope, design plan, and permit-ready building plans and provides a 3-D rendering of the project depicting the materials, color, and textures used.
Warranty: Cedarbrook Outdoor Design/Build offers a five-year workmanship guarantee.
Company History: The company began in 2006.
Distinctions: Cedarbrook is a YellaWood Deck Specialist of the Year 2023, an AZEK/TimberTech Platinum Contractor, and won Remodeling magazine’s Big50 award. The company has won multiple design awards from the FCBIA for Best Outdoor Living Space.
Services Not Offered: The company does not offer power washing, sanding, staining, or painting of decks.
“At Prince William Home Improvement, exterior remodeling is our specialty. You can count on our team to create a custom plan that suits your unique needs and showcases your personal style. Our highly skilled craftspeople work with the greatest attention to detail, leaving you with a project you can be proud of.” Derrick Taylor | CMO
Services Offered: Prince William Home Improvement designs and builds custom decks in a variety of colors, textures, and styles. The company also offers patios, screen rooms, and three-season rooms.
Warranty: The company offers lifetime product and labor warranties.
Company History: Prince William Home Improvement was founded in 1986 and has completed over 20,000 projects.
Distinctions: The company has been included on Qualified Remodeler’s Top 500 list for over 20 consecutive years. Prince William Home Improvement is a TrexPro Platinum builder and has also received the TrexPro Elite award.
Employee Information: Employees wear uniforms and shoe covers, drive marked vehicles, and undergo background checks and drug testing.
Rating: 4.7 out of 5
Verified
Verified
“HD Exteriors is a design/build contractor proudly serving Northern Virginia and Maryland. We specialize in designing and installing decks, patios, porches, and fences and also offer a full suite of exterior remodeling services. With our team of dedicated, experienced professionals, we are your one-stop shop for all your outdoor living needs.” Graham Perry | President
Services Offered: HD Exteriors specializes in designing and building decks, patios, porches, and fences and also offers roof, siding, window, and entry door replacement.
Warranty: The company offers a 5-year paver patio warranty, a 5-year rain system warranty, 10-year roofing, window, siding, and door warranties, a 15-year deck structure warranty, and a 25-year composite decking and railing warranty.
Company History: The company is family-owned-and-operated and has been serving the community since 2018.
Distinctions: HD Exteriors is included on Qualified Remodeler’s 2024 Top 500 list and is a GuildQuality Guildmember and Five Star Rated member. The company is A+ Rated and Accredited with the BBB.
Employee Information: All employees wear uniforms and operate clearly marked company vehicles.
of 5
Trade License(s)
Verified Workers’ Comp
Best Pick Guaranteed
“We are a family-operated, veteran-owned company with extensive experience in outdoor living enhancements. Since 1987, we have provided excellent customer service from start to finish on every job. Allmaster Home Services offers decking services to residential customers.” Nicholas Locantore | Executive Vice President
Services Offered: Allmaster Home Services provides custom deck and patio installation as well as outdoor living solutions, including options for outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, fire pits, pergolas, and more. The company also offers installation and design services for driveways, pavers, and walkways.
Warranty: Allmaster Home Services offers structural warranties based on the product.
Company History: Allmaster Home Services has been serving the local residential community since 1987. The company is veteran owned and family run. Company president John Locantore has over 40 years of experience in the construction and home improvement industry. His sons and other key personnel also have decades of experience in the industry.
Employee Information: Employees wear uniforms and undergo background checks.
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Verified
Verified
Verified
10th year as a Best Pick
■
10th year as a Best Pick ■
10th year as a Best Pick ■
6th year as a Best Pick Educational Content COMMON DRAIN/SEWER CLEANING & REPAIR SERVICES
• Drain and sewer line cleaning
• Clog removal
• Rodding
• Hydro-jetting
• Water and sewer line repair and replacement
• Trenchless sewer line repair
• Video camera inspections
• Root removal
• Repiping
• Drain clogs are typically caused by food, hair, foreign objects, and grease. To avoid clogs, use drain strainers to catch debris. Dispose of grease in a separate container, not down the drain, and don’t flush so-called flushable wipes.
• The mineral buildup from hard water can clog and corrode your plumbing system. If your area has hard water, a whole-house water softener system can help.
• While chemical drain cleaners do work, they are corrosive and can damage pipes with repeated use. Be careful with plungers, too. The suction from a plunger can damage seals and cause leaks. Try using a drain snake or other drain cleaning methods first. Many plumbers recommend the regular use of enzyme cleaners for preventative maintenance. If the problem persists, call a professional.
• If your sinks are draining very slowly or gurgling noises are coming from your toilets, call a drain and sewer cleaning professional. These are potential signs of a sewer system problem.
• Sewer lines can break or clog from corrosion, shifting soil, tree roots, old age, and problems in the municipal waste infrastructure. If you own a home built before the 1960s and 1970s, you may have sewer pipes made of clay tile. Clay-tile pipes are susceptible to tree root intrusion, and their lifespan is less than 50 years. Sewer pipes in newer homes are usually made of durable PVC.
MD companies are required to hold a Master Plumber License issued by the MD Board of Plumbing. DC companies are required to hold a Plumbing Contractor License issued by the DC Board of Industrial Trades.
“CroppMetcalfe was built on and continues to provide high-quality service, high-quality products, and complete customer satisfaction. Our most loyal customers have stayed with us for over 30 years. Our vision is to serve our customers with the goal of creating customers for life.” Tim Cropp | General Manager
Services Offered: CroppMetcalfe diagnoses, repairs, and cleans clogged bathtub, shower, and sink drains as well as main sewer lines. The company also specializes in video sewer inspection.
Company History: The regional, family-operated company was founded in 1979 by Mitchell Cropp. The company has three locations in the Washington, DC, area.
Distinctions: CroppMetcalfe is a member of the Plumbing and Mechanical Professionals of Virginia (PMPV) and the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC).
Employee Information: Technicians receive training, wear uniforms, and drive fully stocked vehicles.
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) 107322, PC1000456
Verified General Liability Insurance
Verified Workers’ Comp
Best Pick Guaranteed
“We pride ourselves on listening carefully to the needs of our customers. When clients call us with a plumbing issue, they’re looking for a skilled, trusted plumber to help as quickly as possible. Our offices throughout the Mid-Atlantic region let us act with urgency while sending the most skilled, highly trained professionals to get the job done right.” Jeff Cooper | CEO
Services Offered: Len The Plumber Heating & Air is a full-service plumbing company offering drain cleaning; sewer, water, and gas line work; and water heater repair and replacement. The company also specializes in sump pumps, wells, video sewer inspections, trenchless sewer line repair, boilers, and water purification.
Company History: The company started in 1996 and proudly serves the local communities of the Mid-Atlantic region.
Distinctions: Len the Plumber Heating & Air is A+ Rated with the BBB.
Employee Information: Employees wear uniforms, drive marked, fully stocked vehicles, and undergo background checks and drug testing prior to being hired.
Additional Information: The company offers same-day service seven days a week with no extra charge for evening or weekend appointments.
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) 73100, PGM955
Verified General Liability Insurance
Verified Workers’ Comp Best Pick
“From our beginnings as a one-man shop on K Street, we’ve grown to become one of the largest and most successful plumbing and HVAC service companies in the area. For 91 years, we’ve delivered quality service and products and have established ourselves through integrity, trust, and respect for our customers.” Michael
A. Vito | Owner
Services Offered: Vito Services offers drain cleaning, interior repiping, water service line replacement, gas piping service, sewer video inspection, sewer repair or replacement, and sewer cleaning. The company offers same-day service and 24/7 emergency support.
Company History: Founded by James Vito, Sr., in 1934, the company is in its fourth generation as a family-owned-and-operated business.
Distinctions: Vito Services is a member of the Nexstar Network.
Additional Information: Vito Services also provides a complete range of residential and commercial plumbing and HVAC services. The company offers free estimates, a senior citizen discount, and financing with approved credit.
Services Not Offered: Vito Services does not offer electrical, solar, or roofing services.
4.8 out of 5
PC437
“Mallick Plumbing & Heating is a family-owned business with over two decades of experience. We have grown our business by consistently exceeding our customers’ expectations. We take great pride in being a leader in customer service, retention, and loyalty.” Kenneth Mallick | Owner
Services Offered: Mallick Plumbing & Heating, Inc., offers drain camera inspections, sewer replacement, jetting, root removal, and excavation in addition to plumbing services. One-, three-, and five-year memberships are available for residential customers.
Warranty: The company offers a 1-year warranty on new installations as well as a 30-day warranty on repairs, excluding drain cleaning.
Company History: The family-owned-and-operated company was founded in 1993 by Kenneth Mallick.
Distinctions: Mallick has over 1,300 reviews and a 4.9/5 star rating on Google and has been voted Best of Gaithersburg in the Plumbers category from 2020-2024.
Employee Information: Employees are background checked, drive marked vehicles, and wear lettered uniforms and shoe covers.
Additional Information: The company uses equipment by RIDGID, VivaxMetrotech, and Harben.
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) 19572, PC1191
Verified General Liability Insurance
Verified Workers’ Comp Best Pick Guaranteed
2nd
• Dryer vent cleaning
• Dryer vent inspection and repair
• Duct cleaning, sanitization, and sealing
• Duct leakage testing and repair
• The National Fire Protection Association reports that dryers caused almost 14,000 house fires per year between 2014 and 2018. About one-third of the fires were caused by lint buildup in the dryer vent.
• Any blockage in a dryer vent poses an increased fire hazard. Dryer vents are often made from flexible foil or plastic that can kink or sag. These bends and creases in the duct collect flammable lint, which adds to the airflow problem. A sagging duct can also collect condensation and leak or foster a mold problem. If you have a flexible dryer vent, replace it with a rigid version.
• Be mindful of signs that your dryer vent is clogged. Are clothes taking longer than normal to dry? Is the dryer extremely hot at the end of a cycle? Do your clothes smell singed or burned? Do you notice a burning odor in your laundry room? These are all signs that something is restricting airflow in the dryer vent.
• A dryer that gets too hot or gives off a burning odor is overheating. Don’t use the dryer until it has been cleaned and inspected by a professional. Lint is very flammable, and the heat from an overheated dryer can ignite it.
• Have your dryer vent cleaned once or twice per year, and always clean the lint filter before and after every load of laundry. Make sure the dryer has plenty of space around it for airflow. Check the dryer vent exhaust outside for signs of a blockage, like lint particles, bird droppings, and bird or critter nesting materials around the vent or on the ground below.
• During a service visit, the technician will inspect and clean the dryer vent, lint trap, and booster fan, if needed. Some companies also offer mechanical inspections of the vent system as well as repair and installation services.
Neither the state of Maryland nor the District of Columbia issue or require a trade license for companies in this service category.
“Dryer Vent Wizard is an industry leader when it comes to cleaning, repairing, and installing dryer vents. We only service dryer vents and have been doing so for 25 years. We are locally owned and operated, but DVW is a national franchise, so we have a vast pool of knowledge and resources to draw from when servicing vents.” Eric Butler | Owner & President
Services Offered: Dryer Vent Wizard of DC and Montgomery County cleans, installs, repairs, reroutes, replaces, and inspects dryer vents for residential and commercial customers.
Warranty: The company will reclean any vent line in need of cleaning within one month of the original cleaning service.
Company History: Dryer Vent Wizard of DC and Montgomery County was founded in 2000. Company owner Eric Butler has worked in the industry for over 16 years and states that he has serviced thousands of vent lines.
Employee Information: Employees wear uniforms, drive marked vehicles, and undergo background checks and drug tests.
Additional Information: Dryer Vent Wizard of DC and Montgomery County states that all company technicians are handpicked and trained by Eric.
“For 60 years, Ned Stevens has been cleaning, installing, and repairing rain gutters for our great customers. We are open 7 days a week, and we work hard to ensure quality and safety while always making sure the customer is happy.”
Ned Stevens | Founder
Services Offered: Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning provides gutter cleaning, new gutter installation, and gutter repair as well as complete power washing services, window cleaning, dryer vent cleaning, underground drain snaking, chimney cap installation, and full mosquito and tick control services. The company offers services 7 days a week and free estimates.
Warranty: All work is 100 percent guaranteed.
Company History: Ned Stevens started the company in 1965.
Employee Information: All employees receive DMV background checks, undergo extensive training in both a classroom and the field, and are subject to daily random quality-control inspections. All workers are Ned Stevens employees and are covered by full workers’ compensation and liability insurance.
Minimum Job: Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning requires a $110 job minimum.
of 5 Trade
Not Required Verified
Verified
“Dars Appliance Repair provides quality workmanship with professional, dependable, and courteous service. We offer emergency service six days a week, so that you can count on us to be there when you need us the most.”
Yousef Wenzerfi | Owner
Services Offered: Dars Appliance Repair specializes in dryer vent cleaning services for residential customers. The company also offers appliance repair services, including washers, dryers, and other major home appliances.
Warranty: The company offers a 100-day warranty on parts and labor.
Company History: Dars Appliance Repair was established in 2010.
Employee Information: Employees wear uniforms, drive marked vehicles, and undergo background checks and drug testing.
Additional Information: Dars Appliance Repair services all major appliance brands, including Kenmore, GE, Maytag, Whirlpool, Frigidaire, U-Line, Sub-Zero, Jenn-Air, Samsung, LG, True, Viking, and more.
License(s) Not Required
“The Best Pick Reports guidebook is helpful. I’d recommend it.”
■
14th year as a Best Pick
7th year as a Best Pick
• Duct cleaning
• Duct sanitization
• Duct leakage testing and repairs
• Duct sealing, insulation, and replacement
• Indoor air quality solutions
• Dryer vent cleaning and repair
• HVAC system component cleaning
• Filtration evaluation and upgrades
• If your heating and cooling bills rose significantly compared to the same time last year, your air ducts could be leaking. Duct sealing can fix this problem and also improve air circulation.
• Home remodeling projects can produce a lot of dust and debris, as do everyday activities, like opening the front door or turning on the air conditioning. Other factors, like pet hair, cigarette smoke, and water damage, can all cause rapid buildup of dust and dirt in the ducts.
• Duct cleaning involves cleaning your home’s ductwork as well as the entire HVAC system, including all ducts and registers, grills and diffusers, heat exchangers, coils, drain pans, motors, and motor and unit housings.
• If mold is found in your ductwork and HVAC system, hire a pro to clean the entire system and ductwork. Some duct cleaning contractors are licensed in mold removal and can take care of any mold they find. If yours isn’t or if the mold problem is extensive, you may need to hire a professional mold removal and remediation contractor.
• Beware of duct cleaners who only use ordinary household tools. Household vacuum cleaners and residential-use air compressor guns won’t get good results. In fact, these types of tools will likely just scatter dust and debris from the ducts all over your house. Check that the company’s methods meet industry standards. The National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) is a great resource for current industry information.
Neither the state of Maryland nor the District of Columbia issue or require a trade license for companies in this service category.
“CroppMetcalfe was built on and continues to provide high-quality service, high-quality products, and complete customer satisfaction. Our most loyal customers have stayed with us for over 30 years. Our vision is to serve our customers with the goal of creating customers for life.” Tim Cropp | General Manager
Services Offered: CroppMetcalfe offers duct cleaning services as well as whole-home comfort checks and energy audits, which evaluate a home’s energy efficiency.
Company History: CroppMetcalfe was founded in 1979 by Mitchell Cropp and has remained a regional, family-operated company ever since. The company has three locations in the Washington, DC, area.
Distinctions: CroppMetcalfe is a certified member of the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA). The company is also accredited by the Building Performance Institute (BPI).
Employee Information: Technicians are rigorously trained, wear uniforms, and drive fully stocked vehicles.
4.8
of 5
Not
“We will clean your ducts better than they have ever been cleaned before, or the service is free.” Giuliano Cuete | Owner & Manager
Services Offered: Airwiz Air Duct Cleaning Service offers duct cleaning and sanitization as well as dryer vent cleaning for residential and commercial customers, using HEPA equipment. The company cleans all ductwork, supply boots, registers, supply branch lines, and plenums.
Warranty: Airwiz guarantees customer satisfaction and will redo a job for free or provide a full refund if a customer is not satisfied.
Company History: The company was started in 2001.
Distinctions: Owner Giuliano Cuete is a National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) certified Air Systems Cleaning Specialist (ASCS). The company has been a NADCA member since 2013.
Employee Information: Employees of Airwiz have performed thousands of air duct cleanings and are trained to follow all NADCA Standard specifications for air duct cleaning and sanitization.
Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Not Required Verified
Verified
“Our company is known for its integrity, experience, and attention to detail. We will clean each person’s ducts as if they were our own.” Ed Goldberg | Owner
Services Offered: Pure Air Service offers residential air duct and dryer vent cleaning using the HEPA-AIRE vacuum system.
Warranty: The company guarantees its work and will redo the job or offer a refund if the customer is not satisfied.
Company History: Pure Air Service was founded in 1995 by John Rosing. In 2008, Rosing retired and sold the company to Ed Goldberg.
Employee Information: According to the company, it only hires candidates who meet its experience and professional qualifications. Ed states that the company’s key employees have performed over 20,000 cleanings. All employees wear uniforms and drive marked vehicles.
Not
“From your initial phone call to the completion of your project, we will show you why The
and Restoration is the environmental contractor of choice for so many home and business owners in Washington, Baltimore, Maryland, and the surrounding areas.” Valid Salikhov | Manager
Services Offered: The Best Air Quality and Restoration provides duct cleaning, duct sanitization, dryer vent cleaning, and UV air purifier installation for residential and commercial customers.
Warranty: The company offers a 100 percent customer satisfaction guarantee.
Company History: The local, family-owned company was founded in 2009.
Employee Information: Employees wear shoe covers and undergo background checks and drug testing.
out of 5
Not Required
8th
2nd year as a Best Pick
COMMON ELECTRICAL SERVICES
• Electrical equipment installation, replacement, and repair
• Troubleshooting
• Maintenance
• Whole-house surge protection
• Outlet, switch, and fan installation
• Lighting installation
• Electrical panel replacements and upgrades
• Safety inspections
TOP CONSUMER TIPS
• Electrical work requires specialized knowledge and tools. Professional electricians will ensure that their work is done safely and to code.
• If your home is older and hasn’t been recently updated, have an electrician do a safety
inspection. Issues like improper grounding or a totally full main panel might not impact your daily life, but they are safety hazards.
• Test your smoke detectors monthly, replace the batteries at least annually, and replace smoke detector units every ten years at minimum. For the best protection, have an electrician install hardwired smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups.
• Surge protectors can protect electronics from power surges by diverting excess electricity through a grounding wire. An electrician can install a whole-house surge protector at your panel or power meter. Whole-house units only protect against incoming surges, so use them with plug-in units for the best protection.
MD companies are required to hold a Master Electrician License issued by the MD Board of Master Electricians. DC companies are required to hold an Electrical Contractor License issued by the DC Board of Industrial Trades.
“Kolb Electric has been a family-owned-and-operated company serving our customers locally for 100 years. Our mission is to provide the best in quality and customer satisfaction on all jobs, big or small, from our family to yours.”
Lauren Kolb | Director of Administration
Services Offered: Kolb Electric, Inc., is a full-service electrical contractor providing services that include troubleshooting, circuit breaker replacement, panel upgrades, and surge protection. The company also offers installation of ceiling and attic fans, outdoor lighting, light switches, dimmers, and light fixtures.
Warranty: Kolb Electric guarantees all parts and labor.
Company History: The company was founded in 1925 by Walter Kolb. Kolb Electric is now a fourth-generation, family-owned-and-operated business presided over by Paul Kolb and Richard Kolb Jr.
Employee Information: The company conducts drug tests and background checks and supports the continuing education of employees. Paul Kolb and Richard Kolb Jr. are Master Electricians.
“At Bailey & Shipp Electric, customers still come first. From the time you call to schedule your appointment, you can count on the fact that you are our top priority. We believe in getting the job done correctly the first time and providing you with fair and honest service that we stand behind 100 percent.” Richard Bailey & Jonathan Shipp | Managing Partners
Services Offered: Bailey & Shipp Electric is a full-service electrical company specializing in repairs, service, and maintenance for residential and commercial customers. Services include troubleshooting, panel replacement, whole-house surge protection, and installation of landscape and recessed lighting, dimmers, outlets, GFCIs, hot tubs, and pools.
Warranty: The company guarantees all parts and labor.
Company History: Bailey & Shipp Electric was founded in 2003.
Distinctions: Managing Partners Richard Bailey and Jonathan Shipp are Master Electricians. Bailey & Shipp Electric is also a Select Generac dealer.
Employee Information: Employees wear uniforms, drive marked vehicles, and undergo drug testing and background checks. The company states that it supports the continued education of employees.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) 12986, ECC2002344
Verified
Verified
“At Snell Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical, customer service is the biggest part of our business. We guarantee 100 percent customer satisfaction on every project or task we perform, including plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. From the first moment you call Snell, you will see and feel the difference from other firms in Northern Virginia.” Dave Geiger | Owner
Services Offered: Snell Heating, Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical provides residential electrical services, including installation and repair of panels, lighting, fans, exhaust fans, hot tubs and saunas, electric car chargers, wiring, switches, and outlets. The company specializes in generator services, attic and ceiling fan installation, electrical panel replacement, and GFI outlet installation. Snell also provides heating and cooling services, plumbing, and same-day emergency services.
Warranty: The company offers a 100 percent customer satisfaction guarantee.
Company History: With four decades of experience, Snell has provided heating, cooling, electrical, and plumbing services to Northern Virginia and parts of the Maryland and DC areas for over 20 years.
Employee Information: The company employs a full-time master plumber, electrician, and heating and cooling technician with decades of experience.
Comp
“My Plumber PLUS is committed to being the company of choice for all of our customers’ needs. We strive to exceed the expectations of our customers on every visit. We respond to our clients’ needs diligently, quickly, and honestly with the highest regard for customer satisfaction.” Wendell Presgrave | President
Services Offered: My Plumber PLUS provides a wide variety of residential and commercial electrical repair and installation services. Additional services include plumbing, HVAC, rooter and drain, bathroom remodeling, and duct cleaning.
Warranty: The company offers a variety of parts-and-labor warranties and honors manufacturers’ warranties.
Company History: My Plumber PLUS was founded in 1982.
Distinctions: The company is a member of the Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) and the Prince William Chamber of Commerce and was named a Business Excellence award nominee by the Chamber. Founder Wendell Presgrave was Virginia’s PHCC Plumbing Contractor of the Year in 2015.
Employee Information: Employees wear uniforms, drive marked vehicles, and undergo background checks and drug testing.
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
“CroppMetcalfe was built on and continues to provide high-quality service, high-quality products, and complete customer satisfaction. Our most loyal customers have stayed with us for over 30 years. Our vision is to serve our customers with the goal of creating customers for life.” Tim Cropp | General Manager
Services Offered: CroppMetcalfe offers residential and commercial electrical services including electrical inspections, outlet repair and replacement, breaker repair, and electrical panel upgrades. The company also installs ceiling fans, chandeliers, standby generators, surge protectors, and light fixtures.
Company History: CroppMetcalfe was founded in 1979 by Mitchell Cropp and has remained a regional, family-operated company ever since. The company has three locations in the Washington, DC, area.
Distinctions: CroppMetcalfe is a certified member of NADCA and is accredited by the Building Performance Institute (BPI). The company is a winner of multiple Carrier President’s Awards and was recognized as a 2018 National Contractor of the Year by the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC).
Employee Information: Technicians are rigorously trained, wear uniforms, and drive fully stocked vehicles.
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) 14034, ECC2002359
Verified General Liability Insurance
Verified Workers’ Comp
Best Pick Guaranteed
“Our mission is to serve our clients with expert, dependable, and courteous electricians. We take the time to learn your situation and carefully assess your needs. We know how important it is to get it right the first time and strive for 5-star service every time. We also do plumbing and drain work and look forward to helping you in your home.” Bob Hanifin | Owner
Services Offered: Beacon Home Services provides comprehensive electrical services to residential customers. Services include panel upgrades and replacements; interior and exterior light fixture installation; outlet, switch, and fan installation; troubleshooting; and preventative maintenance.
Warranty: Beacon offers up to a 10-year labor warranty, a 25-year panel labor warranty, and honors applicable parts manufacturer warranties.
Company History: Beacon was founded in 2002.
Distinctions: The company is A+ Rated and Accredited with the BBB, is a HomeAdvisor Top Rated Professional, and is a Super Service Award winner. Beacon is also a 2023 Northern Virginia Magazine Best Home Experts winner. The company has a 4.9-star rating on Google.
Employee Information: Employees undergo background checks and drug testing.
60 100
Rating: 4.2 out of 5
20 100 100 20 100
Verified Trade License(s) 12169
Verified General Liability Insurance
Verified Workers’ Comp
Best Pick Guaranteed
11th year as a Best Pick
■ All American Fences
7th year as a Best Pick
• Fence design
• Fence installation
• Fence repair
• Aluminum, chain-link, vinyl, wood, and decorative metal fences
• Fence staining and sealing
• Gate and access control installation
• A fence company should first visit your property and then give you a written proposal. Avoid companies that give estimates by phone without seeing your property first, since those types of estimates can be inaccurate. If your yard is hilly, for instance, or will need clearing, the price for the job may be higher than it would be for a fence installed on a flat piece of land.
• Ask to see a portfolio of the contractor’s work for insight into their work quality. It’s also helpful in visualizing how a particular fence type will look once it is installed.
• Ask your contractor if they will obtain all necessary construction permits and arrange underground utility marking before the job begins or if those items will be your responsibility. Most
fence companies will do this for you, but clarify expectations first. Utilities will likely need to be located and marked by the utility provider. This process can usually be done within 72 hours of a call, excluding weekends and holidays.
• Wood is a versatile fencing material. Pressuretreated pine and cedar are two varieties that are frequently used for fences. Depending on its grade and treatment, pressure-treated pine lasts about 10 to 15 years. Cedar generally lasts between 20 and 25. To prevent rot and insect infestation, wood fence posts should be set in concrete-filled holes.
• If you want a wrought iron fence but are concerned about the cost and maintenance, look into easy-care, cost-effective tubular steel or aluminum for a similar look. These materials are usually powder coated to prevent corrosion and rust while eliminating the need for repainting every few years.
• Vinyl and PVC fences are durable and versatile. These tough plastics can mimic the look of wood and other materials. They are rigid enough to be durable but flexible enough to resist cracking, and they’re available in lots of styles and colors.
MD companies are required to hold a Home Improvement Contractor License issued by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission. Scan for additional educational content
“If you’re looking for a fence to increase your home’s privacy and curb appeal, you can count on us. Builders Fence Company has been serving your needs and performing trustworthy fence installation since 2001.”
Dave Swisher | President
Services Offered: Builders Fence Company constructs and installs fences and sells fence materials.
Warranty: Builders Fence offers a warranty on labor and materials.
Company History: The local company has served residential customers since 2001.
Distinctions: Builders Fence Company is a member of the North American Fence Contractors Association.
Employee Information: Builders Fence Company employees wear uniforms, drive marked vehicles, and undergo drug testing and background checks.
Services Not Offered: The company does not perform small fence repairs.
Minimum Job: Builders Fence Company requires a $2,500 minimum.
“We take great pride in the quality of our work, and that is evident in the beauty of the final product. Whether you’re in need of a privacy fence or you’re looking to build that deck you’ve envisioned for years, the All American Fences design team can help guide you through your project.” Nino Osorio | Owner
Services Offered: All American Fences installs wood, steel, aluminum, vinyl, and chain-link fences for residential and commercial customers. The company also installs horse fences and provides a variety of deck services.
Warranty: The company offers a one-year warranty on its work.
Company History: All American Fences was established in 1994 in Fairfax, Virginia.
Employee Information: All employees are regularly drug tested. Employees also wear uniforms and drive marked vehicles.
Minimum Job: A $975 project minimum is required.
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Best Pick Reports recommends:
■ Excellent Flooring & Painting
1st year as a Best Pick
• Conventional and engineered hardwood flooring
• Tile, stone, luxury vinyl, and laminate flooring
• Carpet installation and stretching
• Flooring installation and repair
• Hardwood sanding and refinishing
• Stairway updates
• Flooring sales and installation
• Area rug sales, repair, and refurbishing
• Flooring is something you want to get right the first time. If you can, take flooring samples home in as large a size as possible. Doing so lets you see what your options look like in your house, with your decor, and under a variety of lighting conditions. This makes the decision-making process easier.
• A damaged subfloor can compromise the flooring material installed over it. It is important to fix any subfloor issues before installing new flooring to avoid problems in the future and to ensure the flooring lasts a long time. In some cases, this involves removing and replacing sections of subflooring.
• Flooring can have a big impact on a home’s resale value. Consider your return on investment when choosing new flooring, as well as your lifestyle and the level of care required for different flooring types.
• Reduce wear on hardwood floors with floor mats and rugs. Also use felt protectors or furniture coasters on furniture legs to prevent dents and scratches. Blinds and curtains can help prevent or reduce fading from the sun over time.
• Some manufacturers and retailers put a number between one and five on the carpet’s label. This is the carpet performance rating. On a scale of one to five, it denotes how well the carpet can withstand extended wear. The higher the number, the more durable the carpet should be. A rating of two to four suggests average durability. A carpet with a rating below two is best for areas like bedrooms, where traffic will be the lightest.
• Vinyl flooring is a good option for areas prone to getting wet, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms, because it is low maintenance and resistant to mold and mildew. Tile, stone, and grout need to be resealed approximately every four years but are otherwise low maintenance. Porcelain tile is generally considered a better choice for flooring in high-traffic areas because of its durability. Ceramic tile is softer and more porous.
MD companies are required to hold a Home Improvement Contractor License issued by the MD Home Improvement Commission. DC companies are required to hold a Home Improvement Contractor or General Contractor License issued by the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs.
Scan for additional educational content
“At Excellent Flooring & Painting, our mission is to transform and elevate the appearance of your home or business, making a lasting difference one client at a time.” Tianna W. | Legacy
Co-founder
Services Offered: Excellent Flooring & Painting provides a wide variety of flooring options, including carpet, laminate, hardwood, luxury vinyl tile, and ceramic/porcelain tile. The company also offers floor restoration services, such as hardwood refinishing and marble and concrete restoration with color seal options. Excellent Flooring & Painting’s intake process is designed to be seamless and does not require the client to leave the home or business.
Warranty: The company’s Excellent Guarantee is a 100 percent no-risk satisfaction guarantee.
Company History: The company has been serving residential and commercial clients since 2006.
Additional Information: Excellent Flooring & Painting also offers painting services. The company is a one-stop-shop for flooring and painting needs, from interior painting to flooring installation, cleaning, maintenance, and restoration. Consultations are complimentary.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) MHIC-154339
Verified General Liability Insurance
Verified Workers’ Comp
Best Pick Guaranteed
• Foundation repair
• Pier systems
• Wall anchor systems
• Crawl space repair and encapsulation
• Basement waterproofing
• Moisture control service
• Foundation drainage systems
• Concrete lifting and leveling
• Signs of foundation damage include vertical and horizontal cracks in foundation walls, drywall cracks near doors and windows, unlevel floors, windows or doors sticking, cracks in exterior brick veneer, settled or uneven basement floors, and cracks in garage slabs.
• The following conditions can cause foundations to settle, crack, and bow: extremely dry weather, which causes the soil to shrink and contract; and wet weather, which causes the soil to expand and create pressure against the foundation walls.
Layers of soil can also settle over the years and cause foundation cracks.
• When you call a foundation repair contractor, be prepared to answer a few questions, like the age of your house and any relevant history. If you’re dealing with a foundation or wall crack, tell the company approximately when you noticed the crack and whether it has gotten larger. The inspector should always come to your home to complete the estimate.
• Foundation inspections should include a digital elevation survey and a discussion of potential causes of the problem. Some foundation repair companies have structural engineers on staff to consult on projects. Other companies consider that relationship to be a conflict of interest.
• Discuss preventative measures such as root barriers, grading, and moisture maintenance with your contractor. Without ongoing maintenance, foundation issues can return.
MD
“With 39 years of experience, family-owned NV Waterproofing & Foundation Repair is renowned for our superior craftsmanship and products, along with our honest and professional methodology. We are committed to offering homeowners enduring solutions for lasting peace of mind for years to come.” NV Waterproofing & Foundation Repair Team
Services Offered: NV Waterproofing & Foundation Repair provides a range of services, including foundation repair, interior and exterior basement waterproofing, crawl space encapsulation, and mold remediation. Foundation repair solutions address issues such as settling foundations, bowing walls, and sagging floors. NV Waterproofing & Foundation Repair offers financing options and free estimates.
Warranty: The company offers comprehensive warranties on interior and exterior work.
Company History: The family-owned company was established in 1986.
Distinctions: NV Waterproofing & Foundation Repair partners with community aid organizations Youth for Tomorrow and Home Aid and is a Prince William Chamber of Commerce member. The company is a Custom Builders USA (CB/USA) Preferred Vendor and authorized Basement Systems and Supportworks dealer.
5.0 out of 5
Trade License(s)
410522000481
“JES Foundation Repair specializes in helping homeowners with foundation repair, basement waterproofing, crawl space encapsulation, and concrete lifting needs. With 32 years of experience, JES provides high-quality home repair solutions and personalized service across Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and North Carolina.” JES Foundation Repair Team
Services Offered: JES Foundation Repair are experts in resolving foundation repair issues. The company also performs concrete lifting, crawl space encapsulation, and basement waterproofing. Free estimates and financing options are offered.
Warranty: JES Foundation Repair offers nationally backed transferable warranties.
Company History: Jesse and Stella Waltz founded the company in 1993. JES Foundation Repair is part of Groundworks Companies.
Distinctions: In 2022, JES Foundation Repair was named Lynchburg Living Magazine’s Best Basement Waterproofing and Foundation Services Company, Roanoker Magazine’s Best Foundation Repair Company, Coastal Virginia Magazine’s Best Foundation Repair Company, and Virginia Media Best of Virginia Beach’s Local Home Improvement Contractor.
Rating: 4.7 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) MHIC-50637, 410516000653
Verified General Liability Insurance
Verified Workers’ Comp
Best Pick Guaranteed
“We have proudly served the Baltimore and Washington metropolitan areas for over 35 years. Our goal is to create healthy, clean, and dry basements that all homeowners can utilize as valuable living space.”
Richard Carpenter | President
Services Offered: AA Action Waterproofing Inc. specializes in a variety of below-ground basement waterproofing and structural issues. The company offers custom solutions for foundation issues. AA Action also provides drain tile systems, sump pumps, exterior waterproofing, belowgrade basement waterproofing, excavation, wall sealants, wall pins, carbon fiber straps, steel I-beams, and underpinning as well as total foundation and stairwell wall rebuilding. The company offers interest-free financing on approved credit.
Warranty: AA Action provides lifetime transferable warranties on most services.
Company History: AA Action Waterproofing was established in 1987.
Services Not Offered: The company does not offer above-ground foundation repair solutions or waterproofing.
5.0 out of 5
Trade License(s) MHIC-51719, 70108794
General Liability Insurance Verified Workers’ Comp Best Pick
“We are a family-operated, veteran-owned company with extensive experience in structural repair and water management issues. Since 1987, we have provided excellent customer service from start to finish on every job. Allmaster Home Services offers foundation repair services to residential customers.” Nicholas Locantore | Executive Vice President
Services Offered: Allmaster Home Services specializes in foundation repair services for residential customers.
Warranty: The company offers structural warranties based on product and a limited lifetime warranty on waterproofing.
Company History: Allmaster Home Services has been serving the local residential community since 1987. The company is veteran owned and family run. Company president John Locantore has over 45 years of experience in the construction and home improvement industry. His sons and other key personnel also have decades of experience in the industry.
Employee Information: Employees wear uniforms and undergo background checks.
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 Verified
Verified
Verified Workers’ Comp
• Garage door installation, replacement, and repair
• Routine garage door maintenance
• Garage door opener installation, repair, replacement, and programming
• Repair and replacement of springs, rollers, and cables
• New garage door sales and installation
• If your garage door opener stops working, first make sure it’s plugged into a working outlet. If the outlet doesn’t have power, check the main panel. Try resetting any tripped breakers before calling a professional for help.
• If your garage door falls or closes by itself or doesn’t stay closed, the door is most likely out of balance. Unbalanced garage doors often look uneven or slanted to one side.
• Regular maintenance is key to a properly and safely operating garage door. On a regular basis, visually inspect the garage door system, including the springs, cables, pulleys, rollers, and hardware for signs of damage or wear.
• Steel is one of the most popular materials for garage doors. Steel garage doors are strong and low maintenance. Other common materials include wood, aluminum, fiberglass, and vinyl.
• Torsion springs are housed inside a shaft or tube, which prevents the springs from causing any harm if they break. Extension springs are attached to safety cables. Properly installed safety cables will control the springs if they fail. If your door has extension springs but not safety cables, have a professional install them.
MD
“Our mission is to provide a world-class client experience. From the moment you call us to the final walkthrough, we work to make every step smooth, professional, and personal. We’re committed to reliability, we lead with honesty, and we take pride in our work. Our goal is to make you feel like a VIP every step of the way.” ABC Garage Doors & Repair Staff
Services Offered: ABC Garage Doors & Repair specializes in garage door installation and repair; driveway gate and gate operator installation and repair; rolling steel door installation and repair; garage floor coating; and garage organization systems. 24/7 emergency garage door repair services are available.
Warranty: The company offers a one-year parts-and-labor warranty for all products and services.
Company History: The locally owned-and-operated company was established in 2010 and has served tens of thousands of happy homeowners and businesses.
Distinctions: The company is an Amarr Dealer, has an A+ BBB rating, is a HomeAdvisor Elite Service and Top Rated company, and is a Super Service Award winner.
Additional Information: ABC Garage Doors & Repair carries products by many brands, including Amarr, C.H.I., Chamberlain, Clopay, Craftsman, Garaga, General Doors, Genie, LiftMaster, and Wayne Dalton.
Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) MHIC-130176, 420217000116
Verified General Liability Insurance
Verified Workers’ Comp Best Pick Guaranteed
“Serving residential and commercial locations, our highly trained, experienced, and professional technicians are able to work on any type of garage door and are committed to doing so in a reliable, professional, and efficient manner. Your garage door and your satisfaction are our top priority.” Sergey Pokrasov | Owner
Services Offered: STI Garage Door offers residential and commercial garage door installation and repair services. The company also installs and repairs garage door openers. STI Garage Door provides 24/7 emergency service.
Warranty: The company offers a 30-day guarantee on service calls and a 1-year workmanship warranty on new installations.
Company History: STI Garage Door was founded by Sergey Pokrasov in 2016 and is a local, family-owned-and-operated company.
Employee Information: Employees wear uniforms, drive marked vehicles, and undergo background checks and drug testing.
Additional Information: STI Garage Door sells and services most brands of garage doors and openers, including Amarr, Clopay, LiftMaster, Wayne Dalton, Genie, Craftsman, and Chamberlain.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) MHIC-135667, 420221000116
Verified General Liability Insurance
Workers’ Comp Exempt Best Pick Guaranteed
“Our team of experienced, knowledgeable, and passionate professionals will work with you to get your garage door to operate smoothly and to complement your home. Our goal is to provide unsurpassed excellence in all garage door aspects. We strive for complete customer satisfaction from start to finish on every job.” Ben
Moore | Owner
Services Offered: Horizon Garage Doors sells, repairs and installs all garage doors, garage door openers, gates, and gate operators. The company also repairs broken springs, broken cables, and off-track garage doors and replaces damaged door sections. Horizon Garage Doors provides 24/7 emergency services.
Warranty: The company offers a two-year warranty on all products and services as well as a three-year warranty on new garage door installations. Horizon guarantees 100 percent customer satisfaction.
Company History: The company was started in 2008.
Distinctions: Horizon is an Amarr Authorized Dealer.
Employee Information: All technicians are employees of Horizon Garage Doors. The company does not hire subcontractors.
Additional Information: The company provides products by Amarr, Clopay, Wayne Dalton, C.H.I., Genie, LiftMaster, Chamberlain, Craftsman, and more.
“Thank you to all of our customers who chose to ‘Go With the Pros at Door Pro America!’ We’re your reliable source for top-quality garage door and opener repair, installation, and maintenance agreements. We have served the community since 1971 and are proud to have so many long-standing customers and employees on our team.” Larry Notto | President
Services Offered: Door Pro America specializes in garage door and opener tune-ups, repair, and installation for residential customers. Financing is available, and the company also offers maintenance agreements.
Warranty: The company offers a one-year labor warranty. Parts and door warranties vary by manufacturer.
Company History: The locally operated company was established in 1971.
Employee Information: Employees drive marked vehicles, wear uniforms, and undergo background checks and drug testing.
Additional Information: Door Pro America works with products from major brands, including Amarr, Clopay, Wayne Dalton, Everite, Carriage House, Elegant Garage Door, and LiftMaster.
Minimum Job: New garage door estimates are free. Repair estimates have a $39 service fee, which is included with most accepted repairs.
Rating: 4.7 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) MHIC-113538, 420219000065
Verified
Verified Workers’ Comp
“Pop’s Garage Doors offers premium-quality garage door installation and repair services. We have competent technicians, certified and insured by all the relevant authorities, who possess the versatility to give you more than satisfactory services. We are proud to be one of the most preferred garage door experts in Baltimore and Maryland.” Yossef
Harari | Owner
Services Offered: Pop’s Garage Doors specializes in residential and commercial garage door repair and installation. The company stocks garage door parts, including springs, cables, and other accessories. Pop’s installs, repairs, and maintains garage door openers. Additionally, Pop’s offers garage door maintenance plans and discounts for senior citizens, federal employees, and active military personnel.
Warranty: The company offers a 100 percent satisfaction money-back guarantee and a one-year workmanship warranty for every repair and installation.
Company History: Pop’s Garage Doors was founded in 2014 and is owned by Yossef Harari. Yossef also owns Fair Duct Cleaning.
Distinctions: The company is a Five Star Rated member.
Employee Information: Employees wear uniforms, drive marked vehicles, and undergo drug testing.
Rating: 4.7 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) MHIC-135360
Verified General Liability Insurance
Verified Workers’ Comp
Best Pick Guaranteed
14th
6th
• Gutter installation and replacement
• Gutter guard installation
• Downspout installation and replacement
• Specialty accessories and product options, such as ice reduction systems for gutters, downspout extenders, rain chains, splash blocks, and extended gutter and downspout diameter options
• Gutters and downspouts help protect your home’s foundation, roof, and siding. Faulty gutters can cause water damage, foundation issues, and a host of other problems.
• To carry water away efficiently, gutters need to be installed with a slope toward the downspouts.
The fasteners should be close together, and the back of the gutter should be installed behind the existing roof flashing to prevent leaks and water damage.
• Gutters are usually sold in five-inch or sixinch sizes. Six-inch gutter troughs are best for minimizing overflow on steep roofs.
• Downspouts are usually two inches by three inches or three inches by four inches in size. Larger downspouts drain well and resist clogs.
• Gutter guard systems are typically made of a fine metal mesh or a piece of curved, painted metal installed on top of the gutter trough. These covers keep out leaves and other debris.
MD
“We supply our customers with top-level service, excellent products, professional crews, and quality workmanship, as their recommendations and referrals provide us with a network of new customers.”
Joseph Jones & Jeffrey Thomas | President & Vice President
Services Offered: Metropolitan Exteriors, Inc., offers residential and commercial installation and repair of aluminum, vinyl, and copper gutters as well as downspouts and most major brands of gutter guards. The company also replaces windows and doors and installs roofing, siding, trim, and soffit for residential and commercial properties.
Warranty: Metropolitan Exteriors honors manufacturers’ warranties and offers a warranty on labor.
Company History: Vice President Jeffrey Thomas founded Metropolitan Exteriors in 1988. He currently spearheads Metropolitan’s customer relations. The company is local and family owned, with Jeffrey’s stepbrother Joseph Jones serving as the president.
Distinctions: Jeffrey Thomas is certified as an EPA Lead Renovator.
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) MHIC-32699, 420212000040
Verified General Liability Insurance
Verified Workers’ Comp
“Our goal is 100 percent total customer satisfaction. We eliminate the middleman by manufacturing the gutter protection system ourselves. We are completely accountable to our customers from initial call to project completion, and it’s backed by 45 years in business and our No-Hassle Warranty and Buyer Protection Guarantee.” Rick Wuest | President
Services Offered: Thompson Creek offers clog-free gutter systems, siding, and replacement windows, doors, and roofing. The company custom designs, builds, and installs its own seamless gutter system, which include gutter hoods that filter leaves and debris. The seamless gutter trough is designed to not clog or pull away from the home.
Warranty: The No-Hassle Warranty and Buyer Protection Guarantee protects homeowners for up to 50 years.
Company History: The company was started in 1980.
Additional Information: Thompson Creek windows and gutters are manufactured in their own local factory in Maryland. According to Thompson Creek, their seamless gutter system prevents leaks and is guaranteed never to clog or pull away from the home.
Rating: 4.3 out of 5
Verified
Verified
Verified
420213000015
“We’ve been educating homeowners about the dangers of clogged gutters for 44 years. Misdirected rainwater can lead to costly damages, and Gutter Helmet not only keeps debris out but also keeps your gutters flowing freely. We back our proven system with a triple-lifetime guarantee and best-in-class customer support.” Del
Thebaud |
President & Owner
Services Offered: Gutter Helmet by Lednor Home Solutions installs Gutter Helmet, a gutter protection and guard system, as well as seamless gutters. The company offers Helmet Heat, a self-regulating, heated panel system for roofs and gutters, and replaces roofs.
Warranty: The Gutter Helmet system is backed by a transferable, manufacturer-backed, triple-lifetime product guarantee.
Company History: The company started in 1981.
Distinctions: Gutter Helmet was ranked first on Forbes Homes’ list of The Best Gutter Guards of 2023 and ranked highly on Qualified Remodeler’s National Top 500 list.
Additional Information: Gutter Helmet is made in America from 99 percent recycled aluminum and can be installed over existing gutters. It is designed to control the flow of rainwater while keeping debris out, and it reinforces the gutters against snow and ice.
Rating: 4.7 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) MHIC-48622
Verified General Liability Insurance
Verified Workers’ Comp
“Shiner Exteriors has a 44-year track record of providing Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC, residents with professional, superior workmanship and the most courteous customer service around.” Kevin Shiner | President
Services Offered: Shiner Exteriors installs gutters, gutter guards, siding, doors, windows, skylights, Sun Tunnels, and attic insulation. The company also replaces and repairs asphalt shingle, cedar shake, metal, slate, flat or membrane, and synthetic roofs.
Warranty: Shiner offers a one-year workmanship warranty.
Company History: The company was started in 1981.
Distinctions: Shiner is an EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm, a GAF Master Elite Roofer, and a CertainTeed Select ShingleMaster.
Employee Information: Employees undergo background checks.
Additional Information: Shiner offers K-style and half-round gutters in many colors of aluminum as well as plain and zinc-coated copper. Shiner also installs built-in or box-style gutters and LeafX gutter covers.
Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) MHIC-48014, 69006839
Verified General Liability Insurance
Verified
Comp
“Central Exteriors has been serving the Washington, DC, area since 1956. The quality of our workmanship, attention to detail, and treatment of our customers have been huge keys to our success. We treat every home as if it’s our own.” Terry Greenberg | President
Services Offered: Central Exteriors offers residential installation of seamless aluminum gutters and downspouts in a range of colors as well as the Leaf Relief gutter protection system.
Warranty: The company offers a 100 percent customer satisfaction guarantee.
Company History: Central Exteriors is a third-generation family business that was founded by Murray Greenberg in 1956. Bill Greenberg, a past NARI national chapter president, has recently retired, and now Terry Greenberg serves as president.
Distinctions: The company is a member of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) and has a NARI Certified Remodeler Specialist on staff.
4.9 out of 5
Trade License(s) MHIC-1871, 68003370
General Liability Insurance
Workers’ Comp
Best
“We strive to deliver a legendary, hassle-free customer experience by providing you with a superior product that gives you peace of mind, protects your home, and keeps you off of ladders. We educate homeowners on different gutter protection options and why Leafguard provides superior results.” Jason Steingart | Marketing Director
Services Offered: Leafguard Maryland installs the patented Leafguard gutter system for residential customers.
Warranty: The company offers a lifetime clog-free guarantee* on the Leafguard gutter system.
*Guaranteed not to clog for as long as you own your home, or the company will clean the gutters for free.
Company History: Leafguard Maryland’s parent company, Englert, Inc., has provided gutter installation services since 1966.
Employee Information: Employees drive marked vehicles and undergo background checks.
Additional Information: The Leafguard gutter system is a continuous, seamless, one-piece design that allows water into the gutter while keeping out leaves, pine needles, and other debris. Leafguard gutters and downspouts come in a variety of colors.
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) MHIC-144796
Verified
Verified Workers’ Comp
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9th year as a Best Pick ■
4th year as a Best Pick ■
3rd year as a Best Pick
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3rd year as a Best Pick
• Gutter cleaning
• Downspout cleaning
• Gutter repairs
• Gutter installation
• Roof cleaning
• Pressure washing
Educational Content
have lots of trees around your house, you may need to have your gutters cleaned quarterly.
• Gutters and downspouts carry water away from your house, protecting the soil, foundation, roof, and siding. Don’t wait until your gutters overflow to have them cleaned. Consistent spillover from clogged gutters can erode the soil around the foundation and cause waterproofing problems.
• For traditionally seasonal businesses like gutter cleaning, try to schedule your services during the slower times of year. You will likely have an easier time scheduling your preferred date and time.
• Gutter cleaning should be done at least twice a year, usually in the late spring and late fall. If you
• Gutter covers can reduce the amount of debris that collects in your gutters. A gutter cover is a smooth piece of curved, painted metal that fits over the top of the gutter. Rainwater flows around and underneath the cover, and leaves and other debris fall to the ground. Gutter covers are sometimes less effective at very steep sections of the roof, but diverters can help with this. Adding a gutter cover system to your home doesn’t mean that your gutters are now completely maintenance-free. They should still be inspected periodically.
• Gutter cleaning dangerous can be dangerous, but the pros are trained and have the right equipment. Any company working at your home should be fully insured. This is especially true for gutter cleaners, since damage to property is always a possibility. Ask for proof of both workers’ compensation and liability insurance.
Neither the state of Maryland nor the District of Columbia issue or require a trade license for companies in this service category.
“At Clearly Amazing, we offer the ease and convenience of a single source for a full menu of exterior cleaning and holiday lighting services. We deliver superior-quality services, consistent results, and an exceptional experience. Our team takes enormous pride in their work and views it as much more than just a job.” Rob
Greenblatt | COO
Services Offered: Clearly Amazing offers professional residential and commercial gutter cleaning and brightening; roof, siding, and deck soft washing; pressure washing; window cleaning; solar panel cleaning; and holiday light installation.
Company History: The company started in 1999.
Distinctions: Clearly Amazing holds the Seal of Security & Confidence from The Seal.
Employee Information: The company employs full-time, year-round technicians, with subcontractors only used for specialized applications. Employees are background checked, undergo rigorous training, and meet the company’s experience requirements.
of
“For 60 years, Ned Stevens has been cleaning, installing, and repairing rain gutters for our great customers. We are open 7 days a week, and we work hard to ensure quality and safety while always making sure the customer is happy.”
Ned Stevens | Founder
Services Offered: Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning provides gutter cleaning, new gutter installation, and gutter repair as well as complete power washing services, window cleaning, dryer vent cleaning, underground drain snaking, chimney cap installation, and full mosquito and tick control services. The company offers services 7 days a week and free estimates.
Warranty: All work is 100 percent guaranteed.
Company History: Ned Stevens started the company in 1965.
Employee Information: All employees receive DMV background checks, undergo extensive training in both a classroom and the field, and are subject to daily random quality-control inspections. All workers are Ned Stevens employees and are covered by full workers’ compensation and liability insurance.
Minimum Job: Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning requires a $110 job minimum.
4.6 out of 5 Trade
Not Required
Verified
Verified
“A Better View Inc. is a local, family-owned-and-operated company that strives to provide
at reasonable prices. We are a Virginia corporation, licensed and insured. We have a $1 million insurance policy against any accidents at your home or business. Let us bring ‘A Better View’ to your home or business.” Melvin Aldana | Owner
Services Offered: A Better View Inc. offers residential gutter cleaning, repair, and whitening; gutter guard installation; window cleaning; power washing; roof soft washing; dryer vent cleaning; screen repair; and chandelier cleaning. The company provides free estimates.
Warranty: A Better View offers a 100 percent customer satisfaction guarantee.
Company History: The family-owned company was founded in 2018. Owner Melvin Aldana has worked in the industry for over 15 years.
Employee Information: Employees drive marked vehicles, wear uniforms and shoe covers, and undergo background checks.
Services Not Offered: A Better View does not offer duct vent cleaning, rodent or pest removal from dryer vents, or painting services.
Minimum Job: The minimum job requirement ranges from $150 to $200, depending on the service location.
of
“GutterMaid has provided gutter services to the MD & Northern VA area for over a decade; our mission is simple: provide the best customer service while performing high-quality work. Our expert gutter cleaning service technicians ensure that our clients receive a comprehensive gutter cleaning service that is performed safely and efficiently.” GutterMaid Team
Services Offered: GutterMaid provides gutter cleaning, repair, and installation. The company also offers window cleaning, power washing, dryer vent cleaning, and free estimates.
Warranty: GutterMaid offers a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee and a 30-day no-clog guarantee.
Company History: GutterMaid was started in 2013.
Additional Information: GutterMaid is powered by Ned Stevens.
4.6 out of 5
License(s) Not Required
11th year as a Best Pick
5th year as a Best Pick
2nd year as a Best Pick
• Many small and medium home improvement jobs
• Carpentry, wood rot repair, drywall repair, and trim repair
• Painting
• Door and window installation and repair
• Caulking and weather stripping
• Lock sets
• Floor and wall tile installation and repair
• Grout installation and repair
• Fixture replacement and installation
• Aging-in-place and accessibility modifications
• Before reaching out to a handyman company, think through the details of your project, including what you want done and when it needs to be completed. This information will help the company give you an accurate estimate.
• Some handyman contractors charge jobs at an hourly rate, and some will quote a flat, perproject price. If you have several smaller projects that need to be taken care of, ask if the company offers half-day and full-day service packages.
When you purchase a half day of service, a handyman completes as many tasks as possible in about four hours. A full-day package typically equals around eight hours of services.
• For the most efficient service and the best use of your handyman’s time, buy any materials you want him to use. Many handyman companies can pick up the necessary materials for you, too, but there will most likely be an additional fee for that service. Professional handymen arrive at jobs with their own tools and equipment.
• Some handyman companies offer light plumbing and electrical work, like installing or repairing faucets and hanging light fixtures. It’s important to know that your handyman needs to be properly licensed to do this type of work. If you need more complex plumbing or electrical work, contact a licensed plumber or electrician. If your handyman company offers light plumbing and electrical services, ask for their license number. Verify the license with the appropriate organization.
MD companies are required to hold a Home Improvement Contractor License issued by the MD Home Improvement Commission. DC companies are required to hold a Home Improvement Contractor or General Contractor License issued by the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs.
“Our primary goal is to work with you, the homeowner, to ensure that we meet your renovation and home repair needs in a cost-effective, timely manner. We will work with you on all of your home improvement projects and help you turn your house back into a home.”
Jesse Wertjes | Owner
Services Offered: JW Home Improvement offers residential handyman and remodeling services, interior and exterior carpentry and painting, power washing, tile work, window and door installation, drywall repair, deck repair, and flooring installation.
Warranty: All work is warranted for one year from the date of the project’s completion.
Company History: The locally owned-and-operated company has been serving Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia since 2001.
Services Not Offered: The company does not perform major electrical or plumbing work, appliance repair, carpet installation, or carpet repair.
Minimum Job: JW Home Improvement charges a $50 estimate fee, which is applied to the total cost of the project, and a one-time trip fee of $48. The company’s labor rate is $153 per man-hour with a required fourhour minimum.
“After years in residential remodeling and construction, our happy clients developed such a trust in the Hambleton team that they called back to ask for general home repairs. We formed Hambleton Handyman so that we could honor those requests.” Tommy Salmon | General Manager
Services Offered: Hambleton Handyman offers home repair and improvement services, including carpentry, drywall, painting, caulking, electrical, plumbing, tile, weatherstripping, power washing, and exterior and interior repairs. The company completes to-do lists and also repairs and replaces siding, shingles, doors, trim, wood rot, decking, fences, ceiling fans, and faucets.
Warranty: All work performed by Hambleton Handyman is backed by a one-year labor warranty.
Company History: The local, family-owned company was established in 2014.
Employee Information: Employees are background checked, wear uniforms, and drive marked vehicles.
Services Not Offered: Appliance repair, HVAC services, and carpet installation are not offered.
Minimum Job: A one-hour minimum is required. The company’s craftsmen can estimate how many hours a task will take. Materials are billed at cost without markup.
4.7 out of 5
“At Bee Construction, we’re redefining construction and remodeling with fresh ideas and a commitment to excellence. From everyday home repairs to complete renovations, we deliver exceptional customer service and create spaces that inspire while keeping your vision at the heart of our work. Above all, we build trust first.” Pedram
Fouladian | Owner
Services Offered: Bee Construction offers general home repairs and improvements. Services include interior and exterior remodeling, agingin-place modifications, carpentry, deck and fence repair and installation, drywall work, plumbing and electrical work, painting, flooring, custom closets, and masonry. The company specializes in kitchen and bathroom remodeling and basement finishing and remodeling. Estimates are free.
Warranty: Bee Construction offers a one-year written labor warranty, honors manufacturer-based warranties up to ten years, and is dedicated to delivering complete customer satisfaction.
Company History: The local, family-owned company was established in 2022.
Distinctions: The company is A+ Rated with the BBB.
Employee Information: Employees drive marked vehicles, wear uniforms and shoe covers, and undergo background checks and drug testing.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s)
MHIC-154080
Verified General Liability Insurance
Verified Workers’ Comp
Best Pick Guaranteed
“I love the Best Pick Reports guidebook. I use it once or twice a year.”
–Becky B. | Plano, TX
7th
SERVICES
• Home remodeling
• Home additions
• Kitchen, bathroom, and basement remodeling
• Three- and four-season rooms
• Sunrooms, porches, and decks
• Home exterior updates and renovations
• Remodeling is exciting and rewarding, but it also involves a lot of details and coordination. A total-home remodeling company can make the process easier by having all communication and planning happen with one company.
• In general, projects that add livable space to your house have the greatest return on investment. Kitchen and bathroom remodels also have a good return on investment. If you’re planning to sell your house soon, focus on function before style. Everyone’s style preferences are different, especially when it comes to kitchens and
bathrooms. Functional updates to those spaces carry a higher return on investment.
• Look into the maintenance requirements for materials you’re considering. For example, conventional hardwood floors need periodic refinishing and can be prone to scratches and marks. Some people instead opt for engineered hardwood, laminate, or tile flooring.
• Try not to get too attached to an idea before you know how much it costs. Staying on budget is harder if you aren’t open to a few different options and ideas. If you have an idea of what you want and how much you’re willing to spend, most contractors can work with you to create a design you love that still falls within your budget.
• Meet with several contractors before hiring one. Price can indicate work quality, so be cautious of very low estimates. Experience and reputation are key. Verify insurance and licenses and ask for references before you sign a contract.
MD companies are required to hold a Home Improvement Contractor License issued by the MD Home Improvement Commission. DC companies are required to hold a Home Improvement Contractor or General Contractor License issued by the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs.
“Jendell strives to provide clients with superior design, excellent service, open communication, and teamwork. From concept to completion, we build relationships with our customers, and in the process, deliver a finished product that both the client and our team can be proud of.” Mark & Phil Cantor | Cofounders
Services Offered: Jendell Construction, Inc., is a full-service design/build firm specializing in whole-house renovations, additions, kitchens, and master baths. The company has an in-house team of architects, interior designers, craftsmen, and project supervisors.
Warranty: Jendell offers a one-year warranty on workmanship.
Company History: In 1982, brothers Mark and Phil Cantor founded the company. 43 years later, they continue to directly manage every project.
Distinctions: Jendell appeared on the cover of Remodeling magazine as one of the top 50 renovation companies in the US in 2001. The company was also featured in Bethesda Magazine’s Best of Bethesda lists in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021.
Services Not Offered: Jendell does not perform minor repairs or partial remodels for kitchens or baths.
Minimum Job: A $50,000 project minimum is required.
4.9 out of 5
Trade License(s) MHIC-18281
General Liability Insurance Verified Workers’ Comp
Best Pick Guaranteed
“House to Home Solutions is a trusted luxury design/build firm serving discerning homeowners for 20 years. Our award-winning company partners with homeowners to translate dreams into uniquely beautiful whole-house renovations, additions, kitchens, bathrooms, and other living spaces that fit each client’s unique lifestyle.” Daniel Carrero | President
Services Offered: House to Home Solutions is a full-service home remodeling company that specializes in adding new spaces or reconfiguring existing spaces to create luxury renovations. Through its VisionBuilder design/build process, the company creates functional and efficient spaces.
Warranty: The company offers a 2-year workmanship warranty as well as a 100 percent customer satisfaction guarantee.
Company History: Founded in 2005, House to Home Solutions is family owned and operated.
Distinctions: The company is a member of the NKBA, PRO Mid Atlantic, MBIA, and Remodelers Advantage and has earned Remodeling magazine’s Big 50 award 2019-2024; GuildQuality’s Guildmaster Award 2023 and 2024; PRO Mid Atlantic’s New Member of the Year Award and 7 Remodeler of the Year Awards; 6 MBIA MAX+ Awards; and a variety of additional awards.
Verified
4.9 out of 5
“At Experts Remodel, we’re proud to offer affordable and professional home remodeling services with a focus on quality work and outstanding customer service. We communicate with you at every step of the project, and when the work ends, we follow up to ensure that everything is still going smoothly.”
Michael Buadana | Owner & CEO
Services Offered: Experts Remodel is a home remodeling firm that specializes in whole-home renovations and home additions. Additional services include design consultations; kitchen, bathroom, and basement remodeling; decks, porches, and patios; painting; flooring; and aging-inplace modifications. Estimates are free.
Warranty: The company offers a two-year labor warranty.
Company History: Experts Remodel is a local company that was established in 2016.
Distinctions: Experts Remodel is A+ Rated and Accredited with the BBB, a NARI member, a HomeAdvisor Elite Service pro, and won Best of Houzz 2023.
Employee Information: Uniformed employees wear shoe covers, drive marked vehicles, and undergo background checks and drug testing.
Minimum Job: Jobs start at $2,500.
4.9 out of 5
410522000788
General Liability Insurance Workers’ Comp Exempt
Pick Guaranteed
“We understand that your home is a reflection of your style and personality. That’s why we work closely with each client to bring their vision to life.” Reggie Danage | General Manager
Services Offered: Remodel Now is a design/build remodeling firm that specializes in full-scale home remodeling. The company’s additional services include bathtub and shower conversions and window and door replacement. Financing is available, and estimates are free.
Warranty: Comprehensive labor warranty coverage is offered on all projects. All bathrooms are eligible for Schluter’s lifetime waterproof warranty. All Kohler products carry the manufacturer’s lifetime warranty.
Company History: The local company was established in 2001.
Employee Information: Uniformed employees wear shoe covers, drive marked vehicles, and undergo background checks and drug testing.
Additional Information: Remodel Now works with products from brands such as Kohler, Moen, and Graf.
Minimum Job: Projects begin at $5,000.
4.6 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) MHIC-111358, 420323000130
Verified
Verified
Pick Reports recommends:
• Residential cleaning services
• One-time cleanings
• Regularly scheduled cleanings
• Deep cleaning services
• Spring cleaning services
• Move-in and move-out cleaning services
• Post-construction cleaning services
• Floor care services
• Rental cleaning service
• When you hire a professional house cleaning service, find out what the scheduled tasks are for initial cleaning and for regular service, and be sure to ask who will provide the cleaning supplies and any equipment the team will need. The first cleaning service is often a thorough deep clean, which lasts longer and costs more than normal visits. It’s also a good idea to clarify the company’s scope of services. Some companies don’t wash dishes or do laundry, for instance. Others offer these services, but for an extra fee.
• If you have kids, pets, or family members with allergies, ask about the cleaning products the company uses. Make sure products are safe for everyone in your family. If the cleaners use green
cleaning products, find out what agency has certified the products as eco-friendly.
• Ask the company if they offer any service guarantees. Some companies will return to reclean any areas if the initial work was not performed to your satisfaction or to the agreedupon details of the service agreement.
• To get an accurate quote, meet with the cleaning company at your house. This way, the company representative can see the areas you want to have cleaned. They will also be able to point out areas that would be addressed during the cleaning. Be specific about your expectations, which rooms should be cleaned, and how often you’ll need cleaning services. Quotes for house cleaning services depend on several factors. These include size of the home, frequency of service, and amount of work.
• Verify that cleaning service providers are employees of the company rather than independent contractors. Also ask whether cleaning team members pass background checks. You’ll be giving the service team access to your house, and the peace of mind of knowing everyone is trustworthy is priceless.
Neither the state of Maryland nor the District of Columbia issue or require a trade license for companies in this service category. Scan for additional educational content
“Maid to Perfection offers local homeowners and businesses a variety of high-quality cleaning
that can be customized to your needs. When you contact us, you deal with just one company for all of your
needs, because at Maid to Perfection, ‘One call cleans it all!’” Chin
Services Offered: Maid to Perfection is a full-service cleaning company that serves residential and commercial customers. The company offers customizable weekly, biweekly, monthly, and one-time cleaning packages as well as move-in, move-out, and special occasion cleaning. In addition to offering free in-home estimates, Maid to Perfection performs carpet cleaning and window washing as well as hardwood floor waxing and polishing.
Company History: The local company was founded in 1996 and is part of the national Maid to Perfection franchise.
Employee Information: Maid to Perfection performs background checks on all members of its cleaning staff. According to the company, many employees have worked for Maid to Perfection for over ten years.
Additional Information: The company offers gift certificates.
Kwon | Owner
and
“Each customer is an essential part of our growing family in Northern Virginia, DC, and Maryland. We strive for excellence in every service that we provide. At Maid Bright, we care about the relationships that we build, which makes us a highly recommended and award-winning cleaning service.” Yusuf
Mehmetoglu |
President
Services Offered: Maid Bright specializes in residential cleaning services and offers initial, weekly, biweekly, and monthly cleanings as well as spring, post-construction, move-in, and move-out cleaning services.
Warranty: Maid Bright will clean any areas missed free of charge if contacted by the customer within 48 hours.
Company History: Maid Bright was founded in 2004.
Distinctions: The company is an ISSA/ARCSI member, A+ Rated and Accredited with the BBB, and partners with Cleaning for a Reason and Children’s National.
Employee Information: Maid Bright is an E-Verify employer. Employees are background checked, wear uniforms, and drive marked vehicles.
Additional Information: The company uses its own equipment, ecofriendly products, and HEPA filter vacuums.
Services Not Offered: Cleaning services do not include laundry or ironing.
4.8 out of 5
Not Required
1st year as a Best Pick
• Fiberglass insulation
• Batt insulation
• Blown-in insulation
• Spray foam insulation
• Attic insulation
• Radiant barriers
• Crawl space insulation
• Air flow balancing
• Duct and air leak sealing
• Energy audits
• High utility bills are a sign that your home lacks sufficient insulation. Air escaping through openings forces your HVAC system to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature. Over time, this shortens the system’s lifespan and increases your energy costs.
• Blown-in attic insulation settles over time. If your home is five to ten years old or older, consider adding insulation to your attic. This boost in R-value can reduce heat transfer, which helps conserve energy and lower utility bills.
• Fiberglass is the most widely used home insulator and noise reducer. Fiberglass insulation comes in precut batts, rolls, or blankets. Batts are strips that fit between wall studs. Fiberglass rolls can be rolled out on attic floors. Blankets are ideal for basement or crawl space ceilings.
• Foam insulation has the highest R-value of all insulation types and comes in both expanding and nonexpanding varieties. Closed-cell foam insulation is rigid and has a higher R-value than open-cell. Closed-cell foam stops moisture vapors and is highly mold resistant. Open-cell foam doesn’t stop moisture the way closed-cell foam does, but it is a less expensive option.
• Spray foam is common in new construction because it can be sprayed into open cavities during the building process. Pourable foam insulation can be used in existing structures. If too much is used, however, pourable foam can crack drywall as it dries and expands. Injection foam is an alternative that is injected into wall cavities via small holes. It doesn’t expand during installation, reducing the risk of drywall damage.
MD companies are required to hold a Home Improvement Contractor License issued by the MD Home Improvement Commission. DC companies are required to hold a Home Improvement Contractor or General Contractor License issued by the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs.
“For 33 years, Power Home Remodeling has been the most trusted name in exterior remodeling: trusted because we care about our products being energy efficient and cost effective; trusted because we value integrity, honesty, and true craftsmanship; and trusted because we believe in total customer satisfaction.” Adam
Kaliner | Founding Partner
Services Offered: Power Home Remodeling specializes in exterior remodeling services, offering roof and siding replacement, window and door replacement, and attic insulation.
Warranty: The company offers a limited lifetime warranty on insulation products in addition to a lifetime labor warranty on all products and services.
Company History: Established in 1992, Power Home Remodeling serves customers in 22 states nationwide and Washington DC.
Distinctions: Power currently ranks third on Qualified Remodeler’s 2023 Top 500 list and first among full-service remodelers. The company ranked first on Qualified Remodeler’s 2020 Home Improvement Professionals list. Power also ranks 13th on Fortune Magazine’s 2023 list of 100 Best Companies to Work For and appears on PEOPLE Magazine’s 2023 list of Companies That Care.
out of 5
Workers’ Comp
“Environmental Pest Control has been serving customers in MD, VA, and WV since 2006. Every day, we aim to deliver the highest level of customer service through our core values of humility, integrity, passion, and performance. We offer free estimates and inspections for all insulation jobs. Contact us today!” Nate Ripley | President
Services Offered: Environmental Pest Control specializes in insulation removal, insulation top-off, and insulation installation services. The company also offers blown insulation, batt insulation, spray foam insulation, jacket insulation, and attic hatch insulation. Environmental Pest Control can address insulation needs in attics, garages, and crawl spaces.
Warranty: The company offers a one-year warranty on materials and labor.
Company History: Environmental Pest Control was established in 2006.
Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) MHIC-141156
Verified
Verified Workers’ Comp
Best Pick
“At Roof Right, cutting corners is never an option. We deliver uncompromising quality from start to finish, and we stand behind our work with guaranteed pricing whenever possible and one of the strongest labor warranties in the industry. We’re proud to protect your investment and your peace of mind. Roof Right is ‘Here to Serve.’” Nick
Mott | President
Services Offered: Roof Right, Inc., is a full-service residential and commercial exterior renovation company that specializes in repair and replacement of roofs, windows, siding, gutters, skylights, exteriors doors, and blown-in insulation. Estimates are free.
Warranty: Roof Right honors manufacturers’ warranties and offers lifetime warranties on full replacements.
Company History: The local, family-owned company was founded in 1994 by Nick Mott.
Distinctions: Roof Right won a 2024 Best of Carroll County award and has won a Super Service Award annually since 2007. Roof Right is A+ Rated by the BBB and was named 80th largest replacement contractor in the US by Remodeling Magazine.
Employee Information: Employees drive marked vehicles and wear uniforms.
Services Not Offered: Roof Right does not offer masonry work, patios, or decks.
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) MHIC-49631
Verified General Liability Insurance
Verified Workers’ Comp
Best Pick Guaranteed The
Best Pick Reports recommends:
■ Spartan Junk Removal
10th year as a Best Pick | The company does not provide dumpster rentals.
• Household junk removal and disposal
• Household junk sorting, recycling, and donating
• Residential-use dumpster rental and haul-away
• Most junk removal companies prefer to give estimates on-site. This is because their charges are often based on the volume of material to haul. By seeing in person everything that needs to be removed, the crew can give you a more accurate estimate. There are several factors that can affect the cost of having your items removed. You might pay more if the crew will need to travel a long way or haul items that are especially heavy or hard to reach. There could also be extra fees for multiple trips or a bigger crew than normal. If any of the items need to be taken to a landfill or recycling center that charges fees, you’ll likely be charged for that, too. Even with extra fees, the convenience of having professionals take away your junk and clutter is well worth it.
• Junk removers will take almost anything, but there are some restrictions. Most companies can’t haul hazardous materials, like oil-based paint, car batteries, or pesticides. For those types of items, contact your county’s solid
waste department. Many areas have community hazardous waste disposal days a few times per year.
• Many contractors will come ready to do the job the day they give the estimate. If you need them to come back on a different day, plan to be present. The crew will need you to confirm what needs to be removed and give them access to storage areas or sheds. The removal team will do the work of retrieving and moving everything into the truck. For safety reasons, you should not take part in the moving process.
• Almost all junk removal contractors will sweep up the cleared area as part of their services. It’s a helpful step, especially if the junk removal is simply one piece of a larger process, like getting your house ready for sale or renovation.
• Some junk removal companies also offer dumpster rental services. Renting a dumpster is a cost-effective choice for DIY home renovation projects or major house and yard cleanup jobs. When you rent a dumpster, the company will bring the receptacle to your house and pick it up when you’re ready. Most residential rental dumpsters are 12-cubic-yard dumpsters. This is smaller than the standard commercial size, but still plenty large enough for most home projects.
Neither the state of Maryland nor the District of Columbia issue or require a trade license for companies in this service category.
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“At Spartan Junk Removal, we know decluttering can be overwhelming for our customers, and nobody wants useful things to end up in a landfill. We believe junk removal should be simple, easy, and eco-friendly. That’s why we make decluttering easy and donate and recycle what we can so everyone can flourish.” Christopher
Weir | President & CEO
Services Offered: Spartan Junk Removal provides debris and junk removal services for residential and commercial customers, including yard debris, appliance, and furniture removal. The company also offers clean-out and foreclosure services, hoarding solutions, pickups for hazardous materials, and recycling or donating services for removed items.
Warranty: The company offers a $25 on-time guarantee.
Company History: Spartan is a local company that was founded in 2012 by Christopher Weir.
Distinctions: The company is a member of the Maryland Green Registry.
Employee Information: Employees wear uniforms, drive marked vehicles, and undergo background checks and drug testing.
Services Not Offered: The company does not provide dumpster rentals.
Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Trade License(s) Not Required
Verified General Liability Insurance
Verified Workers’ Comp
Best Pick Guaranteed
“The Best
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• Kitchen remodeling and renovation
• Bathroom remodeling and renovation
• Cabinet replacement and refacing
• Countertop and flooring replacement
• Fixture installation
• Tile installation
• Design services
• Request written estimates from several remodeling firms, and explain in detail the work you want done to help clarify expectations.
• Remodeling is a great opportunity to make a space more functional. Improve the layout of your kitchen, for example, or update the look of your bathroom and save on utility costs at the same time. Think realistically about your needs and wants for the new space.
MD
• Home renovation work can be inconvenient, but the results are worth it. A spot with a microwave, coffee maker, and mini fridge in another room can make a kitchen remodel less disruptive.
• Project requirements differ, but common bathroom remodeling steps include demolition, structural carpentry work, roughing out utilities, and installing drywall. Painting comes last.
• Keep the lines of communication open during the project. If the project’s scope changes, get written documentation of the changes, cost differences, and schedule updates.
“House to Home Solutions is a trusted luxury design/build firm serving discerning homeowners for 20 years. Our award-winning company partners with homeowners to translate dreams into uniquely beautiful whole-house renovations, additions, kitchens, bathrooms, and other living spaces that fit each client’s unique lifestyle.” Daniel
Carrero | President
Services Offered: Through its VisionBuilder design/build process, House to Home Solutions transforms outdated kitchens with upscale design and function to suit individual homeowners. House to Home Solutions designs bathrooms with details that create a spa experience at home. The company also designs and builds for any room or space in or outside the home.
Warranty: The company offers a 2-year workmanship warranty and a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.
Company History: Founded in 2005, House to Home Solutions is family owned and operated.
Distinctions: The company is a member of the NKBA, PRO Mid Atlantic, MBIA, and Remodelers Advantage and was named Kitchen & Bath Design News magazine’s Top Innovator 2024; a Customer Satisfaction Industry Leader by Qualified Remodeler 2020-2024; earned GuildQuality’s Guildmaster Award 2023 and 2024; and a variety of additional industry awards.
Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Trade License(s) MHIC-91361
Verified General Liability Insurance Verified Workers’ Comp Best Pick Guaranteed
“At Metropolitan Bath and Tile, we take pride in everything we do. Big or small, basic or fancy; we love what we do, and that is reflected in every bathroom we remodel.” Richard McKenzie | President
Services Offered: Metropolitan Bath and Tile offers a full range of residential bathroom remodeling services. The company installs and repairs plumbing and plumbing fixtures; tile walls, floors, and showers; vanity cabinets; countertops; lighting and ventilation; tubs and showers; and safety features for homeowners with impaired mobility. Metropolitan also performs tub-to-shower conversions.
Warranty: The company guarantees materials for up to ten years and provides a one-year warranty on labor.
Company History: The local, family-owned-and-operated company was founded in 1979.
Additional Information: Metropolitan does not use subcontractors. The company carries products from many brands, including Kohler, American Standard, WOLF, Moen, Delta, and Jacuzzi.
Services Not Offered: Metropolitan does not reglaze or recover bathtubs and does not remodel kitchens.
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) MHIC-129895
Verified
Verified
“Whether you’re redoing your kitchen, bathroom, or any other room in your home, you want to work with a company that will deliver a well-built space that looks great and meets your family’s needs. Thanks to our extensive experience and commitment to service, your remodel is in good hands when you choose Kitchen & Bath Depot.” Ron Tucker | President
Services Offered: Kitchen & Bath Depot, Inc., designs, builds, and remodels kitchens and bathrooms. The company also designs and builds home additions.
Warranty: The company offers a one-year warranty on workmanship.
Company History: Locally owned Kitchen & Bath Depot was established in 1989.
Employee Information: Employees wear company-branded shirts, and all team members are directly employed by the company.
Additional Information: Kitchen & Bath Depot offers free consultations in the company’s showroom.
“We opened our doors in 1979, establishing the business on the core values of a family-run company. Since then, we’ve become known for our incredible craftsmanship and unwavering dedication to excellence, and we’ve amassed a long list of satisfied customers.”
Brett Cohen | Owner
Services Offered: Kitchen Saver provides a custom cabinet renewal process for kitchen makeovers. The company uses high-quality materials and premium finishing methods for every job completed. Kitchen Saver also offers free estimates.
Warranty: Kitchen Saver provides a ten-year warranty on labor and material.
Company History: The family-owned company was started in 1979 by Andy Snyder.
Employee Information: Employees wear uniforms and shoe covers, drive marked vehicles, and undergo background checks and drug testing.
Services Not Offered: Kitchen Saver does not offer flooring services.
Minimum Job: The company requires a project minimum of eight cabinet doors or drawer fronts.
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“We understand that your home is a reflection of your style and personality. That’s why we work closely with
client to bring their vision to life.” Reggie Danage | General Manager
Services Offered: Remodel Now is a design/build remodeling firm specializing in bathroom, kitchen, and basement remodeling projects. Services include design, plumbing and electrical work, fixtures, lighting, appliances, carpentry work, and window and door installation. Financing is available, and estimates are free.
Warranty: All bathrooms are eligible for Schluter’s lifetime waterproof warranty. All Kohler products carry the manufacturer’s lifetime warranty. Comprehensive labor warranty coverage is offered on all projects.
Company History: The local company was established in 2001.
Employee Information: Uniformed employees wear shoe covers, drive marked vehicles, and undergo background checks and drug testing.
Additional Information: The company works with brands such as Kohler, Moen, Schluter, and Graf.
Minimum Job: Projects begin at $5,000.
Rating: 4.6 out of 5
“At Bee Construction, we’re redefining construction and remodeling with fresh ideas and a commitment to excellence. From everyday home repairs to complete renovations, we deliver exceptional customer service and create spaces that inspire while keeping your vision at the heart of our work. Above all, we build trust first.” Pedram
Fouladian | Owner
Services Offered: Bee Construction offers general home repairs and improvements and specializes in kitchen and bathroom remodeling and basement finishing and remodeling. Services include interior and exterior remodeling, aging-in-place modifications, carpentry, deck and fence repair and installation, drywall work, plumbing and electrical work, painting, flooring, custom closets, and masonry. Estimates are free.
Warranty: Bee Construction offers a one-year written labor warranty, honors manufacturer-based warranties up to ten years, and is dedicated to delivering complete customer satisfaction.
Company History: The local, family-owned company was established in 2022.
Distinctions: The company is A+ Rated with the BBB.
Employee Information: Employees drive marked vehicles, wear uniforms and shoe covers, and undergo background checks and drug testing.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) MHIC-154080
Verified General Liability Insurance
Verified Workers’ Comp
Pick Reports recommends:
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10th year as a Best Pick
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2nd year as a Best Pick Educational Content
• Landscape design and installation
• Landscape lighting installation
• Water features
• Retaining walls
• Irrigation and drainage
• Arbors, pergolas, and gazebos
• Walkways and pavers
• Fire pits and fireplaces
• Outdoor kitchens and living areas
• Landscape designs often include both hardscaping and softscaping. Hardscaping is made up of permanent structures, like a patio, pergola, walkway, or retaining wall. Softscaping refers to the plants, flowers, shrubs, and trees.
• Work shouldn’t start until you’ve approved a fully detailed design and signed a contract. Before you sign the contract, make sure that document matches what is included in the design drawings.
• Landscaping projects typically follow this order: The landscaping plan is approved; permits are pulled; and buried utility lines are marked. Then, hardscaping and trees are installed, followed by drainage, soil work, and irrigation, and then shrubs and small plants are added. Sod and landscape lighting are usually installed last.
• Good yard drainage is crucial for a successful landscaping project. Drainage solutions can include everything from grading and French drains to catch basins and swales (and more).
• Water restrictions are a fact of the present and likely the future, so include native plants in your plan. Native plants are acclimated to your region’s climate and won’t need special care.
MD companies are required to hold a Home Improvement Contractor License issued by the MD Home Improvement Commission. DC does not issue or require a trade license for companies in this service category.
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“East Coast delivers beauty, new outdoor experiences, and exceptional value to your life and home with inspiring landscapes, hardscapes, and drainage solutions. Our clients benefit from elegant design and meticulous craftsmanship, covering small spaces or complete backyard makeovers. We bring your outdoor dreams to life!” Mark Simpson | President
Services Offered: East Coast Landscape Design delivers custom landscape and hardscape services, including plantings and gardens, patios and gathering spaces, fire pits, outdoor kitchens, walkways and driveways, permeable pavers, outdoor lighting, retaining walls, and drainage and erosion control solutions.
Warranty: The company offers warranties of ten years on hardscape work and one year on landscape work.
Company History: The company began in 1979.
Distinctions: East Coast received an Excellence in Landscape award from the LCA as well as Super Service Awards. Owner Mark Simpson is a certified Segmental Retaining Wall Installer, a Permeable Interlocking Concrete Paver Specialist, and a certified contractor for the Montgomery County RainScapes program. The company is a Techo-Pro Contractor, member of CMHA, and participates in the DC RiverSmart program.
Minimum Job: A $4,000 minimum job is required.
“Since 1989, we’ve provided clients with personalized service through all phases of project design and installation. Our approach to each job is to do the best work possible by paying careful attention to details every step of the way. We are committed to giving our customers the highest-quality services.” Jeff Potter | President & MD Licensed Landscape Architect
Services Offered: J&G Landscape Design specializes in all aspects of residential landscaping, including design, planting, and construction. The company incorporates drainage correction and sustainable landscape practices in every project.
Warranty: J&G offers a one-year warranty on plant materials and a fiveyear warranty on hardscapes.
Company History: Founded by Jeff Potter in 1989, J&G continues to serve the local community. Jeff maintains daily involvement with the J&G team.
Distinctions: J&G employs three licensed Landscape Architects, a Maryland Licensed Tree Expert, a Certified LEED Green Associate, and an ICPI Certified Concrete Paver Installer. J&G is a RainScapes Landscape Professional, a certified Techo-Pro Contractor, and an ICPI member. J&G received multiple Excellence in Landscape Awards from the LCA MD-DCVA, where Paul Jester is the immediate past president.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5
Verified Workers’ Comp
“At Green Future Construction, we treat every project and investment as if it were our very own, and we are committed to delivering high-quality projects. With a company-wide dedication to unparalleled craftsmanship and customer service, we look forward to becoming the company of choice for all your outdoor needs.” Ilie
Services Offered: Green Future Construction offers a variety of landscaping services and builds hardscapes such as decks, patios, retaining walls, walkways, stairways, driveways, outdoor kitchens, and fire pits. In addition, Green Future provides 24-hour emergency tree removal, tree trimming, crane services, stump grinding, and lot cleaning. The company also offers drainage solutions, including grading, French drains, rock swales, dry wells, and sump pumps.
Company History: The company has been in business for over 20 years.
Distinctions: Owner Ilie G. Pintilie is an ISA Certified Arborist and an ICPI Certified Installer.
Services Not Offered: The company does not offer waterproofing, lawn mowing, lawn care, leaf removal, or snow removal services.
Minimum Job: The company requires a job minimum of $5,000 for construction and $1,000 for tree services.
Pintilie | Owner
“Hometown Landscape: Rooted in Family, Blossoming in Excellence. Our commitment to quality landscaping is a testament to our enduring values. We’re a family-owned business that takes pride in cultivating gardens alongside relationships with our clients. Discover the difference of passion, precision, and personalized service.” John Polizos | President
Services Offered: Hometown Landscape & Lawn is a landscape design and installation firm. The company’s services include fullservice landscaping, hardscape and outdoor living space design and construction, deck and fence installation, outdoor lighting, tree services, and roll-off dumpsters. Estimates are free.
Warranty: The company offers a variety of warranties on hardscape installations, paver products, landscaping, and construction workmanship and materials.
Company History: The company began in 1997.
Distinctions: Hometown Landscape won Distinction in Craftsmanship from the 2023 LCA Excellence in Landscape Awards Program. The company has a Certified Concrete Paver Installer and Landscape Industry
Certified Landscape Technician on staff.
Services Not Offered: Residential lawn mowing, tree health diagnoses, and gutter work are not offered.
Minimum Job: Jobs require a four-hour minimum.
Rating: 4.6 out of 5 Verified
Verified
“AE Quality Landscaping stands out as a family-owned-and-operated landscape installation and maintenance company committed to delivering unparalleled customer service and exceptional attention to detail.”
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Services Offered: AE Quality Landscaping specializes in commercial and residential landscaping, lawn maintenance, and tree services. The company’s landscaping services include landscape design and installation, grading, and planting. AE Quality Landscaping also offers a full range of lawn maintenance and tree services, including mowing, tree and bush pruning and trimming, aeration, seeding, watering, edging, tree removal, and stump grinding. Estimates are free.
Warranty: Landscape installations carry a one-year warranty.
Company History: The family-owned company was established in 2018.
Employee Information: Employees wear uniforms, drive marked vehicles, and undergo background checks and drug testing.
Services Not Offered: AE Quality Landscaping does not offer lawn treatment services.
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) MHIC-151668
Verified General Liability Insurance
Verified Workers’ Comp
Best Pick Guaranteed
■ AE Quality Landscaping LLC 240-219-2778 2nd year as a Best Pick
• Lawn mowing and maintenance
• Fertilization, including custom blends
• Weed control
• Seeding
• Aeration
• Overseeding
• Shrub pruning
• Proper mowing is key to a healthy lawn. Since different grass types should be cut to different heights, consult your lawn maintenance professional about your grass type and its ideal mowing height.
• Shrubs and bushes need to be pruned periodically and at the right time of year. Shrubs need to be trimmed approximately five times per year. Over-pruning increases the chance of insect and disease problems.
• Most grasses are classified as either warm or cool season. Some grasses go dormant and turn brown in the winter, but depending on where you live, you might be able to seed your yard with a mix of grasses for a lawn that stays green.
• Warm-season grasses originated in tropical regions. They’re well-suited for the intense sun
and heat of the southern US. As the weather cools in the fall and winter, these grasses turn brown and go dormant. They green up and start growing again in the spring. Common warmseason varieties include Bermuda, centipede grass, St. Augustine, and zoysia.
• Cool-season grasses have a high tolerance for freezing winters and warm summers. They’re commonly found in the northern and western parts of the US. Popular cool-season grass varieties are Kentucky bluegrass, ryegrass, and tall fescue.
• The Transition Zone forms a band that stretches across the midsection of the country. It’s a region where both cool- and warm-season grasses thrive. This is due to the area’s more moderate weather. Tall fescue is a great transition zone grass because it tolerates heat and dry weather.
• The key to easy flowerbed maintenance is a layer of mulch. Mulch helps prevent weed growth and soil erosion. Mulch is a natural product, so it does decay over time. Your lawn maintenance company should refresh it periodically to keep your plants protected. Refreshing the mulch once or twice per year helps maintain an adequate layer of coverage.
The state of Maryland does not issue or require a trade license for companies in this service category. Scan for additional educational content
“AE Quality Landscaping stands out as a family-owned-and-operated landscape installation and maintenance company committed to delivering unparalleled customer service and exceptional attention to detail.” Antonio
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Services Offered: AE Quality Landscaping specializes in commercial and residential lawn maintenance services, landscaping, and tree services. The company’s lawn maintenance services include mowing, leaf removal, mulching, weeding, pruning, and tree and bush trimming. AE Quality Landscaping also offers aeration, seeding, watering, and edging in addition to comprehensive landscaping and tree services. Estimates are free.
Warranty: Landscape installations carry a one-year warranty.
Company History: The family-owned company was established in 2018.
Employee Information: Employees wear uniforms, drive marked vehicles, and undergo background checks and drug testing.
Services Not Offered: AE Quality Landscaping does not offer lawn treatment services.
License(s) Not Required
Verified General Liability Insurance
Verified Workers’ Comp Best Pick Guaranteed
■ Blades of Green
14th year as a Best Pick
• Lawn maintenance and treatments
• Fertilization, including custom blends
• Weed control
• Pre- and post-emergent treatments
• Insect, mite, and disease control and treatments
• Seeding
• Aeration
• Overseeding
• Soil analysis
• Early fall months are generally considered the best time for seeding. If your area has acidic soil, your lawn crew might recommend a lime application to balance pH levels. Balancing the pH of the soil will give your grass seed a better chance to flourish.
• Discolored grass during the growing season is generally a sign of trouble. Common causes are underwatering, a nutrient deficiency, or a disease. The grass could also be injured or stressed. Your best bet is to have a lawn care professional assess your yard, diagnose the issue, and recommend remedies.
• Two common lawn diseases are Dollar Spot Disease and Brown Patch Disease. Dollar Spot shows up as a series of brown spots, each about the size of a silver dollar. To fix the problem, a lawn
treatment professional will fertilize the affected area. The symptom of Brown Patch Disease is brown circular patches of grass. It’s usually treated with a fungicide.
• Weeds fall into two main classes: grassy weeds and broadleaf weeds. Grassy weeds include crabgrass, goosegrass, and Dallis grass. These types of weeds are most common in the spring and summer. Broadleaf weeds include thistle, dandelion, and chickweed. They’re most common in the fall, winter, and spring months.
• A thick, healthy lawn prevents weeds by starving them of both nutrients and sunlight, but getting grass to grow thick enough can be hard. To help, your lawn treatment company can apply a preemergent to stop weeds from growing. If weeds are already growing, a post-emergent can control them. To limit stress on the grass, post-emergents should be used sparingly during hot weather.
• Core aeration removes plugs of soil and grass and puts them on top of the lawn. Spike aeration pokes holes into the ground so the air and water can move into the soil. If your lawn is seeded first, the spike aeration process will drive the grass seed into the ground. Both aeration methods loosen the soil, allowing water to flow in and fresh air to oxygenate the soil.
MD companies are required to hold a Pesticide Business License and a Professional Fertilizer Applicator License issued by the MD Department of Agriculture.
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“Your lawn is more than a plot of land, it’s an extension of space where you live, work, and play, and you should be getting the most out of it. Our highly trained and certified specialists get to know your property by starting with a soil test so they can partner with you to build a better lawn from the ground up.” The Blades of Green Team
Services Offered: Blades of Green offers organic-based lawn care; aeration/seeding; tree and shrub care; mosquito, flea, and tick programs; and mole and vole programs.
Company History: The company is a local, family-owned business that has been serving the Maryland and Northern Virginia area for 36 years.
Distinctions: Blades of Green has appeared on Inc. 5000’s list of America’s Fastest Growing Companies for a fifth time.
Employee Information: Lawn care and pest control technicians wear uniforms and drive marked vehicles. All team members are required to pass background checks and drug screening prior to employment.
Additional Information: The company’s lawn care program is phosphorous-free and 100 percent organically based, consisting of custom-blended fertilizers. This excludes weed control treatments.
Rating: 4.4 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) 25099, PFA 0197
Verified General Liability Insurance
Verified Workers’ Comp
Best Pick Guaranteed
“I have used Best Pick Reports a couple of times, and everyone has been great.”
14th year as a Best Pick
9th year as a Best Pick
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6th year as a Best Pick
■ Great Nation Moving
1st year as a Best Pick
• Local moving services
• Long-distance moving services
• Interstate moving services
• Packing and unpacking
• Packing and moving supplies
• Loading and unloading
• Furniture assembly and disassembly
• Short- and long-term storage services
• Piano, artwork, and antique furniture moving
• Request written estimates from a couple of moving companies so you can compare options. Mention any stairs, elevators, or particularly heavy or delicate items, as well as outbuildings or storage units so the movers will know if they’ll need to bring any special equipment to your job.
• Moving estimates are usually either binding or nonbinding. A binding estimate is a set price covering only the goods and services listed on the estimate. You will pay that price even if
the shipment’s weight or the job hours end up being different from the estimate. A nonbinding estimate is an estimated price that is finalized at the end of the job, based on the weight of the shipment or the length of the job. A nonbinding estimate is often lower than a binding estimate, but the final cost can be more than the quote.
• Understand the damage claims process up front, including the time period for submitting a claim. Some liability coverage, usually $0.60 per pound per item relocated, is included in the price of a move. Moving companies do sell extra liability coverage. Some homeowners’ insurance policies cover goods in transit, so check your policy first.
• Combine items you will need immediately upon arriving at your new home into one or two boxes and have them loaded last so they can be unloaded first. Always take medications, important paperwork, cherished items, and a few days’ worth of clothing with you in your car.
MD and DC companies must hold a USDOT # (as well as an MC # for interstate movers) issued by the US Department of Transportation. Intradistrict movers must also hold a Moving and Storage License issued by the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs.
“Whether you are moving locally or long distance, we strive to make your move as smooth as possible. Our philosophy is that every client deserves exceptional service. We will work with you to plan a stress-free transition and give you the best advice possible on how to make your move a success.” Matthew
Services Offered: McKendree Moving & Storage, Inc., is a moving company that offers a variety of relocation and storage services.
Company History: The company is a second-generation family business founded in 1981 by the husband-and-wife team of Edward and Mary McKendree.
Employee Information: Employees must pass regular drug tests. Employees wear uniforms and drive marked vehicles.
Additional Information: McKendree Moving & Storage offers full replacement-value coverage and exclusive direct delivery for interstate shipments.
McKendree | President
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“Our primary focus is to accommodate all customers’ needs and to personally tailor a move based upon your specific project. We settle for nothing less than excellence and the absolute highest level of service. We will personally walk you through the entire process to ensure absolute customer satisfaction.”
Services Offered: 495 Movers offers local and long-distance residential and commercial moving services, packing, loading, unloading, assembly, disassembly, and storage. 495 Movers accommodates special handling needs for pianos and antiques that require extra care and offers direct delivery for interstate shipments.
Company History: The company was started in 2009.
Distinctions: 495 Movers is a member of the Maryland Motor Truck Association.
Employee Information: Employees undergo drug testing and background checks and must participate in the company’s training program and pass the AMSA certification test.
Additional Information: The company offers free on-site estimates, free packing materials with every move, and various insurance coverage options, including Full Value Protection coverage.
Nate Segal | Founder
4.8 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) USDOT-1893270, MC-681362, 420620000005
Verified General Liability Insurance
Verified Workers’ Comp
“Our motto is to provide superior service at an affordable cost. We will go above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction with our professionalism and diligent team. From the first employee all the way to the owners of the company, we’re fully committed to our customers from start to finish.” Moti
Kachlon | CEO
Services Offered: Excalibur Movers Inc offers local and long-distance residential and commercial moving services, including packing, unpacking, disassembly, reassembly, junk removal, office moves, interstate moves, piano moving, and on-site storage. The company provides free estimates.
Warranty: Excalibur Movers offers basic coverage or full-value protection.
Company History: The local company was founded in 2011.
Employee Information: Employees wear uniforms, drive marked vehicles, and undergo background checks.
Additional Information: Excalibur Movers offers senior, student, and military discounts.
“Great Nation Moving is a family-owned-and-operated moving company that delivers the best possible moving experience with the most reasonable price.” David Yanoff | CEO
Services Offered: Great Nation Moving offers local and long-distance moving services, storage solutions, trash removal, and staging. Estimates are free.
Warranty: The company offers full value protection (FVP) insurance plans and more.
Company History: The local, family-owned business was established in 1983.
Distinctions: Great Nation Moving is A+ Rated and Accredited with the BBB and is a HomeAdvisor Top Rated and Elite Service professional.
Employee Information: Employees drive marked vehicles, wear uniforms and shoe covers, and undergo background checks and drug testing.
4.8 out of 5
Best Pick Reports recommends:
■ Allmaster Home Services
1st year as a Best Pick
• Outdoor living space design and installation
• Outdoor kitchens and living areas
• Walkways and pavers
• Patios and pool decks
• Arbors, pergolas, and gazebos
• Patio covers
• Outdoor living design/build firms can handle your project from beginning to end. They usually have landscaping experience, too, which means they can give you ideas and recommendations for both the structural elements of your project and the plant-related ones. Outline your needs, wants, and budget for the project so the company you choose can draw up a plan that fits what you have in mind.
• A seating area or gathering spot, like a deck or covered patio, makes a great anchor for an outdoor living space. Think about how you’ll use your new space. If you entertain often, a roomy deck or patio will give you plenty of space for guests. If you want privacy from neighbors, ask your contractor about a fence or privacy screen.
• If your goal is an outdoor entertaining space, think about adding an outdoor kitchen. This
could be as simple as a grill and small prep area. Depending on your space and budget, you could even add a sink and some cabinetry. Functionality is important when you’re designing a new space, especially a kitchen, so be sure to think about how your indoor and outdoor kitchens might work together. Are the two areas on the same side of the house? What is the traffic pattern between them? The location of your gas, water, and electrical supply lines will also impact the design of your outdoor kitchen.
• Landscape lighting is practical, but you can also use it to create ambiance. Use lighting to highlight your house and yard. Nice outdoor lighting also means that the party won’t need to move indoors once the sun goes down.
• A pond, fountain, or other water feature brings calming white noise to your outdoor space. Keep in mind that water features typically need some level of maintenance a few times per year.
• If you get more warm weather than cold, you’ll be able to use your outdoor living space almost year-round. If you live in an area with lots of cold weather, ask your contractor about ways to make the space usable for longer. Outdoor heaters and fireplaces, for example, can make a world of difference during a chilly winter.
Companies are required to hold a Master Plumber License issued by the Maryland Board of Plumbing. Scan for additional educational content
“We are a family-operated, veteran-owned company with extensive experience in outdoor living enhancements. Since 1987, we have provided excellent customer service from start to finish on every job. Allmaster Home Services offers outdoor living solutions to residential customers.” Nicholas Locantore | Executive Vice President
Services Offered: Allmaster Home Services provides outdoor living solutions, including options for outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, fire pits, pergolas, and more. The company also offers custom deck and patio installation as well as installation and design services for driveways, pavers, and walkways.
Warranty: Allmaster Home Services offers structural warranties based on the product.
Company History: Allmaster Home Services has been serving the local residential community since 1987. The company is veteran owned and family run. Company president John Locantore has over 40 years of experience in the construction and home improvement industry. His sons and other key personnel also have decades of experience in the industry.
Employee Information: Employees wear uniforms and undergo background checks.
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) MHIC-121436
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• Interior and exterior painting
• Color consultations
• Carpentry and wood repair
• Drywall repair
• Cabinet painting
• Faux and decorative finishes
• Wallpaper installation and removal
• Popcorn ceiling removal
• Garage floor painting
• Fence and deck painting and staining
that the entire surface is clean and dry. Exterior work includes repairing wood rot and fixing damaged siding. Primer and paint adhere best to clean, smooth surfaces, so good prep work is worth the cost.
• Choose a paint finish that fits the space being painted. Shinier finishes are durable and easy to clean, so choose high or semi-gloss for kitchens, window trim, doors, and bathrooms. Eggshell and matte finishes are best for low-traffic areas.
• The estimates you consider should include the same scope of work and materials so you can make a fair comparison. Also check the quality of the paint in the estimate and the number of coats proposed.
• Make sure the painter you hire includes proper prep work in the estimate for your job. Preparing an area to paint involves patching holes, sanding patched areas and uneven spots, and ensuring
• If you are not sure of which paint color to use, ask for a color consultation. Another option is to buy small samples of colors you like and paint swatches on the walls.
• Quality matters. Cheaper paints are formulated differently from more expensive options, so they often require more coats to get the same result as higher-quality paints. The cost of paint is usually lower than the cost of labor, so cheap paint often means that the job will cost more in the end.
MD companies are required to hold a Home Improvement Contractor License issued by the MD Home Improvement Commission. DC companies are required to hold a Home Improvement Contractor or General Contractor License issued by the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs.
“We’re committed to delivering high-quality work with reliable, professional service. Our success is built on trade expertise, keeping our word, and handling every detail as promised. All work is done by trained, in-house pros. That consistency has earned us our reputation as one of the most trusted names in the industry.” James Nicolson | VP, Residential Division
Services Offered: Tech Painting Co. offers residential services, including interior and exterior painting, drywall/plaster repair, wall covering installation/removal, kitchen cabinet painting, wood repair/refinishing, staining, power washing, and faux and high-gloss finishes.
Warranty: Workmanship carries a two-year warranty.
Company History: Scott Burr and James Nicolson founded Tech Painting in 1987. Today, Scott serves as the company’s president and owner, while James leads as VP of residential services. More than 90 percent of the company’s business is repeat clients and referrals.
Distinctions: The company is a member of the International Furnishings and Design Association and the Capitol Hill Association of Merchants and Professionals.
Employee Information: Employees wear uniforms and shoe covers, drive marked vehicles, and are background checked.
Minimum Job: A $2,100 minimum is required.
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“Since 1989, we have put you, the customer, first. That means fair pricing, prompt service, and the quality you deserve. Our trained painters do things the Klappenberger & Son way. We strongly believe in the benefits of ‘best practices’ and doing things right the first time.” David Klappenberger | Owner
Services Offered: Klappenberger & Son is a full-service painting company offering residential and commercial customers interior and exterior painting, power washing, wallpaper removal, deck and fence sealing and staining, and lead paint encapsulation.
Warranty: Klappenberger & Son offers a 100 percent customer satisfaction guarantee.
Company History: David Klappenberger founded the company in 1989. Jean Klappenberger began contributing to the business in the mid 90’s and has been a full-time partner in the business for over two decades.
Employee Information: Klappenberger & Son has four carpenters on staff. According to the company, all painters are field trained and tested prior to working in customers’ homes.
Minimum Job: The company requires a $1,200 minimum.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) MHIC-119936
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“As busy homeowners, it’s hard to get time to give your home a fresh new look or just replace some rotten wood. As professional, trained painters, we will provide a clean, prompt service with high-quality paints and materials. Call today and join other happy homeowners with a fresh, new-looking home.”
Andrew McBride | President
&
Owner
Services Offered: Image Painting offers a variety of services, including interior and exterior painting, staining, drywall repair, rotten wood replacement, and pressure washing. The company also offers door refinishing, carpentry services, cabinet painting, color consultation, floor coatings, deck and fence staining, and crown molding installation.
Warranty: The company provides a three-year warranty on labor and materials.
Company History: Founded in 2001, Image Painting is local and family owned.
Employee Information: Employees wear uniforms, drive marked vehicles, and undergo criminal background checks.
Minimum Job: A $2,155 job minimum is required.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) MHIC-130738, 70101102
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“We are veteran owned and operated. Clients trust us with protecting and enhancing the value of their homes and businesses. Our goal is to provide the longest-lasting paint job and finest carpentry work with unsurpassed craftsmanship and service. It’s not just paint. It is your home, your workplace, where you dwell, how you dwell.” Tom Chervek | President
Services Offered: Blue Sky Painting & Carpentry, LLC, offers interior and exterior painting services, including wallpaper installation and removal, drywall installation and repair, and deck staining. Additional services include pressure washing; carpentry services; wood replacement and repair; door and window replacement; siding, trim, crown molding, baseboard, and chair rail installation; remodeling; and wood floor refinishing. Blue Sky offers free estimates.
Warranty: The company offers a three-year warranty on labor and manufacturers’ warranties on materials.
Company History: Blue Sky was founded in 2009.
Distinctions: The company is an EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm. Blue Sky supports several local community projects and foundations.
Employee Information: Employees wear uniforms and shoe covers.
Minimum Job: A $1,200 job minimum is required.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) MHIC-129365
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COMMON PAVER INSTALLATION SERVICES
• Paver installation
• Paver design
• Paver surface cleaning and sealing
• Pavers are bricks of high-density concrete. In terms of design, they’re a step up from standard gray poured concrete. The size and shape of each paver is controlled by the manufacturing process, so a paver surface is neat and uniform in appearance. Paver installations are usually more expensive than poured concrete slabs of similar size. They are, however, less costly than a surface paved with brick or natural stone.
• The first step in a paver installation is excavating the area to be paved. Then, the crew will tamp down the dirt with a compaction machine to create a stable base. Next, the crew will put down a foundation of crushed stone, compacting each layer. After the final layer of crushed stone is in place, a layer of granite sand is tamped down
to fill the gaps between the crushed stone and create a smooth surface for the pavers. Once the base is fully prepared, the crew will lay the pavers, using spacers to keep everything lined up. After the pavers are laid, they are tapped firmly into place with the compaction machine.
• Pavers are not mortared in place. Instead, a layer of polymeric or regular sand is swept into the cracks between the pavers. Polymeric sand binds together when sprayed with water, which makes the sand permanent.
• A penetrating sealer protects the pavers from stains from motor oil, tire marks, or grease and makes them look deeper and richer in color. Penetrating sealer prevents water from entering the pavers and weakening them over time.
• Permeable pavers have joints filled with small stones. This feature lets water flow into the ground underneath, which reduces runoff and puddling on walkways, patios, and driveways.
MD companies are required to hold a Home Improvement Contractor License issued by the MD Home Improvement Commission. DC companies are required to hold a Home Improvement Contractor or General Contractor License issued by the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs.
“East Coast delivers beauty, new outdoor experiences, and exceptional value to your life and home with inspiring landscapes, hardscapes, and drainage solutions. Our clients benefit from elegant design and meticulous craftsmanship, covering small spaces or complete backyard makeovers. We bring your outdoor dreams to life!” Mark Simpson | President
Services Offered: East Coast Landscape Design delivers custom landscape and hardscape services, including plantings and gardens, patios and gathering spaces, fire pits, outdoor kitchens, walkways and driveways, permeable pavers, outdoor lighting, retaining walls, and drainage and erosion control solutions.
Warranty: The company offers warranties of ten years on hardscape work and one year on landscape work.
Company History: The company began in 1979.
Distinctions: East Coast received an Excellence in Landscape award from the LCA as well as Super Service Awards. Owner Mark Simpson is a certified Segmental Retaining Wall Installer, a Permeable Interlocking Concrete Paver Specialist, and a certified contractor for the Montgomery County RainScapes program. The company is a Techo-Pro Contractor, member of CMHA, and participates in the DC RiverSmart program.
Minimum Job: A $4,000 job minimum is required.
Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Verified Trade License(s) MHIC-42490, 410513000257
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“We are a family-operated, veteran-owned company with extensive experience in structural repair and water management issues. Since 1987, we have provided excellent customer service from start to finish on every job. Allmaster Home Services offers foundation repair services to residential customers.” Nicholas Locantore | Executive Vice President
Services Offered: Allmaster Home Services provides paver installation and design services for patios, driveways, and walkways as well as foundation repair and waterproofing.
Warranty: The company offers structural warranties based on the product.
Company History: Allmaster Home Services has been serving the local residential community since 1987. The company is veteran owned and family run. Company president John Locantore has over 45 years of experience in the construction and home improvement industry. His sons and other key personnel also have decades of experience in the industry.
Employee Information: Employees wear uniforms and undergo background checks.
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) MHIC-121436
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“Since 1989, we’ve provided clients with personalized service through all phases of project design and installation. Our approach to each job is to do the best work possible by paying careful attention to details every step of the way. We are committed to giving our customers the highest-quality services.” Jeff Potter | President & MD Licensed Landscape Architect
Services Offered: J&G Landscape Design specializes in all aspects of residential landscaping, including design, planting, and construction. The company incorporates drainage correction and sustainable landscape practices in every project.
Warranty: The company offers a five-year warranty on craftsmanship concerns.
Company History: Founded by Jeff Potter in 1989, J&G continues to serve the local community. Jeff maintains daily involvement with the J&G team.
Distinctions: J&G employs three licensed Landscape Architects, a Maryland Licensed Tree Expert, a Certified LEED Green Associate, and an ICPI Certified Concrete Paver Installer. J&G is a RainScapes Landscape Professional, a certified Techo-Pro Contractor, and an ICPI member. J&G received multiple Excellence in Landscape Awards from the LCA MD-DCVA, where Paul Jester is the immediate past president.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5
Trade License(s) MHIC-92847, 410518000159 Verified General Liability Insurance
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“ABS offers a variety of exterior remodeling services performed around your schedule. We take great pride in the workmanship our company provides for every job we do. We offer 100 percent customer satisfaction and stand behind our work. From beginning to completion, we see that your job will be performed on time and on budget.” Gary Ross | Owner
Services Offered: Advanced Building Services provides paver and hardscape installation services for custom patios, driveways, outdoor firepits, steps, retaining walls, swimming pool and hot tub surrounds, walkways, and underdecks. The company also offers roof installation, repair, and replacement; siding repair and replacement; window installation; water mitigation; interior remodeling; financing options; and free estimates.
Warranty: Advanced Building Services offers one-, five-, and ten-year service warranties depending on the service.
Company History: Gary and Susan Ross established the company in 2006.
Distinctions: The company is an IICRC Certified Firm.
Additional Information: Advanced Building Services works with GAF and CertainTeed products.
Rating: 4.7 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) MHIC-130833
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Educational Content COMMON PEST & TERMITE CONTROL SERVICES
• Pest control services
• Pest removal
• Pest exclusion services and repairs
• Scheduled pest treatments
• Termite protection
• Mosquito control services
• Eco-friendly options
• Disinfectant services
• Whole-house fumigation services
• To avoid attracting pests indoors, don’t let food, drinks, or pet food sit out overnight. Stack firewood on blocks or a concrete pad away from your foundation, and clear debris from your yard. Termites need moisture to breed, so keep gutters and downspouts clear. Have leaks repaired promptly and watch for dripping outdoor faucets, puddling, or damp areas around the foundation.
• Many pest control companies take a comprehensive approach to pest problems. This means that the exterminator will use natural pesticides and humane traps or pest exclusion methods first. If needed, they will also use synthetic pesticides, but carefully and sparingly. This holistic approach to pest management is effective and safer for the environment.
• Discourage mosquitoes and other outdoor pests by taking steps like dumping out standing water, caulking foundation cracks, and filling open tree holes with sand. Add these tasks to your normal yard maintenance routine to make them a habit.
• Don’t use insecticides on bees and wasps. While their stings hurt and can be dangerous, these pollinators are vital to our ecosystem. A pest control professional will know how to safely and humanely control the swarm and move the nest.
MD companies are required to hold a Pesticide Business License issued by the MD Department of Agriculture. DC companies are required to hold a Pesticide Operator License issued by the DC Department of the Environment.
“Our clients really love our environmentally friendly approach and quick response time. Whatever the pest problems are, we help provide a solution.” Brad Leahy |
Vice President
Services Offered: B.O.G. Pest Control offers Integrated Pest Management services targeting ants, termites, stink bugs, mosquitoes, moles, and other pests. In addition to pest control, the company offers organic-based lawn care. The company serves residential and commercial customers.
Company History: B.O.G. Pest Control is a local, family-owned business that has been serving the Maryland area for 36 years.
Distinctions: B.O.G. Pest Control is a National Pest Management QualityPro company.
Employee Information: Employees of the company wear uniforms and drive marked vehicles. Technicians are required to pass background checks prior to employment.
Additional Information: B.O.G. offers environmentally friendly, green pest control products.
“Pests thrive year-round. Mice, ants, roaches, and termites can invade your home and wreak havoc on your livelihood. Backed by our pest-free pledge, our general pest control plans provide coverage for over 30 pests and are designed with each season in mind, so you can stop worrying about insects and focus on what matters most.” Kevin Poland | President
Services Offered: American Pest offers eco-friendly pest control services to address pests such as ants, beetles, cockroaches, crickets, mice, silverfish, spiders, and stinging insects. The company provides termite elimination, mosquito control, tick mitigation services, Anticimex SMART rodent control solutions, and consultations. American Pest specializes in bedbug thermal remediation, canine bedbug detection, insect identification, and LEED solutions.
Warranty: The company offers a Pest Free Pledge.
Company History: The company started in 1925.
Distinctions: American Pest has employees with PhDs in Entomology, 3 Board Certified Entomologists, and 13 Associate Certified Entomologists on staff. American Pest is a NPMA QualityPro and GreenPro company as well as an Authorized Operator of the Sentricon Termite Colony Elimination System.
Services Not Offered: Wildlife services are not offered.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) 31802, 10150
Verified
Verified
“CroppMetcalfe was built on and continues to provide high-quality service, high-quality products, and complete customer satisfaction. Our most loyal customers have stayed with us for over 30 years. Our vision is to serve our customers with the goal of creating customers for life.” Tim Cropp | General Manager
Services Offered: CroppMetcalfe offers residential and commercial termite and pest control treatment and prevention services, including mosquito, bedbug, and stink bug services, wildlife removal, and rodent exclusion.
Company History: CroppMetcalfe was founded in 1979 by Mitchell Cropp and has remained a regional, family-operated company ever since. The company has three locations in the Washington, DC, area.
Distinctions: CroppMetcalfe is a member of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA).
Employee Information: Technicians are rigorously trained and have an average of 15 years of field experience. CroppMetcalfe employees wear uniforms and drive fully stocked vehicles.
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) 32673, 10050
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“We’re committed to providing safe and environmentally conscious options to tackle even the toughest pest problems. Our methods are effective against everything from year-round intruders to seasonal pests, and our follow-up guarantees that pest problems remain solved. We’re proud to offer this level of service.” Jared Borg & Kyle Woodbury | Co-owners
Services Offered: Green Pest Services’ residential pest management service features full inspections, interior treatments, and exterior work, including removal of spiderwebs and wasp nests on first- and secondstory eaves. The company also treats for a wide variety of insects and arachnids, eliminates rodents, and makes exclusion repairs to prevent reentry. The company specializes in eliminating bedbugs and mosquitoes as well as discouraging mosquito breeding.
Company History: The company started in 2006.
Additional Information: The company follows Integrated Pest Management protocols, combining nonchemical solutions with pesticides. The company offers green products by EcoSMART.
Services Not Offered: Green Pest Services does not provide service east of I-95.
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) 33308, 10076
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“Environmental Pest Control has been serving customers in MD, VA, and WV since 2006. Every day, we aim to deliver the highest level of customer service through our core values of humility, integrity, passion, and performance. We offer free estimates and inspections for all pest control and wildlife removal issues. Contact us today!” Nate
Ripley | President
Services Offered: Environmental Pest Control specializes in pest exclusion, elimination, and prevention services. Additional services include wildlife removal. The company also offers protection plans, ecofriendly solutions, and free inspections.
Warranty: Quarterly preventative pest control services, wildlife removal exclusions, and termite treatments carry a 1-year warranty. One-time services are covered by a 30-day warranty.
Company History: The local, family-owned company was established in 2006 by Nate Ripley, Ryan Garrison, and Tommy Kellogg.
Distinctions: The company is a NWCOA member.
Employee Information: Uniformed employees drive marked vehicles and are background checked.
Services Not Offered: Fumigation, trapping, and removal of dead animals, snakes, groundhogs, and deer are not offered.
Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) 32204
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9th year as a Best Pick ■ My Plumber PLUS
7th year as a Best Pick
• General plumbing installation, replacement, maintenance, and repairs
• Plumbing remodeling services
• Water heaters
• Toilets, faucets, and fixtures
• Garbage disposals
• Drain cleaning
• Water and sewer line repair and replacement
• Septic services
• Sump pumps
TOP CONSUMER TIPS
• Low water pressure can signal a water line problem or sediment buildup. Test the water pressure at the faucets, then remove faucet aerators to look for sediment. Also check for a full swirl of water as a sink or basin drains.
• Most drain clogs are avoidable. Cover drains with screens, and don’t pour grease down the kitchen sink. Chemical drain cleaners can weaken pipes with repeated use, so try to avoid them.
• The Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association recommends setting your water heater no higher than 120 to 125 degrees Fahrenheit for safety.
• Know the location of the main water shutoff valve for your house. This valve is usually indoors, near the water heater or wherever utility supply lines enter the house.
• Frost-proof outside spigots can prevent costly repairs. The spigot’s valve is installed deep in the wall, which keeps the water in the pipe from freezing.
MD companies are required to hold a Master Plumber License issued by the MD Board of Plumbing. DC companies are required to hold a Plumbing Contractor License issued by the DC Board of Industrial Trades.
“CroppMetcalfe was built on and continues to provide high-quality service, high-quality products, and complete customer satisfaction. Our most loyal customers have stayed with us for over 30 years. Our vision is to serve our customers with the goal of creating customers for life.” Tim Cropp | General Manager
Services Offered: CroppMetcalfe offers the repair, service, and installation of faucets, water heaters, garbage disposals, main water lines, drains, sinks, toilets, and sump pumps. The company also specializes in video sewer inspection.
Company History: CroppMetcalfe was founded in 1979 by Mitchell Cropp and has remained a regional, family-operated company ever since. The company has three locations in the Washington, DC, area.
Distinctions: CroppMetcalfe is a member of the Plumbing and Mechanical Professionals of Virginia (PMPV) and the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC). The company was recognized as a 2018 National Contractor of the Year by the PHCC.
Employee Information: Technicians are rigorously trained, wear uniforms, and drive fully stocked vehicles.
4.8 out of 5
Trade License(s) 107322, PC1000456
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“We pride ourselves on listening carefully to the needs of our customers. When clients call us with a plumbing issue, they’re looking for a skilled, trusted plumber to help as quickly as possible. Our offices throughout the Mid-Atlantic region let us act with urgency while sending the most skilled, highly trained professionals to get the job done right.” Jeff Cooper | CEO
Services Offered: Len The Plumber Heating & Air is a full-service plumbing company offering drain cleaning; sewer, water, and gas line work; and water heater repair and replacement. The company also specializes in sump pumps, wells, video sewer inspections, trenchless sewer line repair, boilers, and water purification.
Company History: The company started in 1996 and proudly serves the local communities of the Mid-Atlantic region.
Distinctions: Len the Plumber Heating & Air is A+ Rated with the BBB.
Employee Information: Employees wear uniforms, drive marked, fully stocked vehicles, and undergo background checks and drug testing prior to being hired.
Additional Information: The company offers same-day service seven days a week with no extra charge for evening or weekend appointments.
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) 73100, PGM955
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“From our beginnings as a one-man shop on K Street, we’ve grown to become one of the largest and most successful plumbing and HVAC service companies in the area. For 91 years, we’ve delivered quality service and products and have established ourselves through integrity, trust, and respect for our customers.”
Michael A. Vito | Owner
Services Offered: Vito Services offers residential plumbing services, including installation and repair of water heaters, sump pumps, well systems, garbage disposals, toilets, faucets, and whole-home water filters. Vito also specializes in drain cleaning, repiping, water and gas line service, and sewer cleaning, repair, and replacement. Licensed plumbers do WSSC backflow prevention tests and clean pipes with a hydro-jet vehicle.
Company History: The fourth-generation company was founded by James Vito, Sr., in 1934.
Distinctions: Vito is part of the Nexstar Network.
Additional Information: Vito Services also provides residential and commercial HVAC services, such as new high-efficiency air conditioning, UV lights, and more. Vito HVAC offers free estimates, senior citizen and military discounts, and financing with approved credit.
Services Not Offered: Vito Services does not offer electrical, solar, or roofing services.
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) 7488, PC437
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“As a family-owned-and-operated company, we strive to provide you with the best service because we are attaching our personal name to that service. Our honest, thoroughly trained, certified technicians pay special attention to each job. We are small enough to know your name, but large enough to handle any problem you have.” Michael Wheat | President
Services Offered: James A. Wheat & Sons (JAWS) is a full-service residential plumbing company offering service, sales, replacement, and installation of water heaters, tankless water heaters, boilers, faucets, toilets, sinks, and garbage disposals. The company specializes in gas and water line installation, sump pumps, sewer drain cleaning, trenchless sewer line inspection and repair, water treatment purification systems, and home energy evaluations. JAWS also offers gas fireplace installation and complete HVAC service.
Warranty: JAWS offers a one-year warranty on service repairs and up to ten years on replacements or new installations. All work is backed by a 100 percent customer satisfaction guarantee.
Company History: The company was founded in 1978 by James and Barbara Wheat. Sons Michael and Jeffrey currently operate the family business.
Distinctions: JAWS is a member of the WSMPA.
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) 3099, PC798 Verified
Verified
“For 71 years, Stang Plumbing has provided homeowners with top-notch, quality service and fair pricing. Our friendly staff continues to delight every homeowner we meet. We love what we do, and we do what we say.”
Jon Hershberger | Vice President
Services Offered: Stang Plumbing specializes in plumbing repairs, installations, and maintenance. The company performs work on water heaters, toilets, faucets, sinks, pipes, boilers, sewer lines, septic tanks, hydronic radiant heating systems, and ejector pumps. Stang also provides drain cleaning, water treatment, and well pump services.
Warranty: Warranties vary by product and installation, ranging from 30 days to 10 years.
Company History: The locally owned company has served the community for 71 years.
Employee Information: Employees wear uniforms, drive marked vehicles, and undergo background checks and drug testing.
Additional Information: Stang Plumbing sells and services most brands of plumbing equipment, including American Standard, Moen, Grohe, and KOHLER.
“My Plumber PLUS is committed to being the company of choice for all of our customers’ needs. We strive to exceed the expectations of our customers on every visit. We respond to our clients’ needs diligently, quickly, and honestly with the highest regard for customer satisfaction.” Wendell Presgrave | President
Services Offered: My Plumber PLUS provides residential and commercial plumbing services, including drain cleaning, leak detection, pipe rerouting, water heater services, water services, and emergency plumbing repair. The company installs and repairs faucets, garbage disposals, and toilets. Additional services include heating and cooling system repair and replacement, duct cleaning, and electrical.
Warranty: The company offers a variety of parts-and-labor warranties and honors manufacturers’ warranties.
Company History: My Plumber PLUS began in 1982.
Distinctions: The company is a member of the PHCC and the Prince William Chamber of Commerce and was named a Business Excellence Award nominee by the Chamber. Founder Wendell Presgrave was Virginia’s PHCC Plumbing Contractor of the Year in 2015.
Employee Information: Uniformed employees drive marked vehicles and are background checked.
out of 5
13th
13th
10th
• Roof installation and replacement
• Roof repair and maintenance
• Fascia and soffit repair
• Roof inspections
• Storm damage assessments
• Roof ventilation is critical. Without it, hot air will become trapped in your attic and strain your HVAC system, among other problems. Roof replacement is an ideal time to improve ventilation. Ridge vents and soffit vents are a great, cost-effective solution.
• Most roof leaks are caused by failed or improperly installed flashing. These leaks can sometimes be fixed with caulking, but for a long-term fix, the flashing will need to be completely removed and replaced.
• Try to minimize roof traffic. Contractors working on other parts of your house can damage the roof if they aren’t careful. For example, a gutter or window cleaning contractor shouldn’t use any type of nailed bracing on a pitched roof. They could accidentally nail into the roof, which increases the chances of a leak in that spot.
• Normal settling of the house can make shingles look wavy. You may also see waves if new shingles were installed over existing shingles. Rotted decking can also cause a wavy look, as can asphalt shingles that haven’t completely bonded. Time and warm weather will fix waves caused by shingles that haven’t fully adhered.
MD
“We supply our customers with top-level service, excellent products, professional crews, and quality workmanship, as their recommendations and referrals provide us with a network of new customers.”
Joseph Jones & Jeffrey Thomas | President & Vice President
Services Offered: Metropolitan Exteriors, Inc., offers residential and commercial installation and repair of all types of roofing, including asphalt, wood shake, slate, and metal. The company also replaces windows and doors and installs gutters, siding, trim, and soffit for residential and commercial properties.
Warranty: Metropolitan Exteriors honors manufacturers’ warranties and offers a warranty on labor.
Company History: Vice President Jeffrey Thomas founded Metropolitan Exteriors in 1988. He currently spearheads Metropolitan’s customer relations. The company is local and family owned, with Jeffrey’s stepbrother Joseph Jones serving as the president.
Distinctions: Jeffrey Thomas is certified as an EPA Lead Renovator.
“Central Exteriors has been serving the Washington, DC, area since 1956. The quality of our workmanship, attention to detail, and treatment of our customers have been huge keys to our success. We treat every home as if it’s our own.” Terry Greenberg | President
Services Offered: Central Exteriors installs and replaces a variety of residential roofing types, including asphalt shingles, cedar shakes, synthetic shakes, synthetic slate, and flat roofing. The company also offers roof inspection documentation as well as flashing maintenance.
Warranty: The company offers a 100 percent customer satisfaction guarantee.
Company History: Central Exteriors is a third-generation family business that was founded by Murray Greenberg in 1956. Bill Greenberg, a past NARI national chapter president, has recently retired, and now Terry Greenberg serves as president.
Distinctions: The company is a member of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) and has a NARI Certified Remodeler Specialist on staff.
Services Not Offered: Central Exteriors does not repair slate or flat roofs.
Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Verified Trade License(s) MHIC-1871, 68003370
“Every job we do is supervised, and the work is performed by experienced employees who provide our clients with beautiful, trouble-free roofs. We only use premium, top-quality materials. There’s no better way to protect your home than by keeping a good roof over your head.”
Harry Kalashian | Owner
Services Offered: Harry & Sons Roofing replaces and repairs shingle, slate, standing seam, copper, and flat roofs in addition to gutters, downspouts, and flashing detail around chimneys for residential clients. Harry & Sons offers commercial clients maintenance packages and replaces and repairs built-up systems, TPO systems, and shingle and standing seam metal roofs.
Warranty: The company offers a variety of warranties depending on the work performed.
Company History: The family-owned-and-operated company has been serving the area for over 40 years.
Distinctions: Harry & Sons is a GAF Master Select Roofing Contractor and received the 2023 GAF Commercial Chairman’s Circle award, the 2022 GAF President’s Club Master Select award, and the GAF President’s Club award 2013 and 2015-2021. The company is also a CertainTeed ShingleMaster as well as a member of the National Roofing Contractors Association.
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) MHIC-95013, 420220000038
Verified General Liability Insurance
Verified Workers’ Comp
“Roof Masters has provided thousands of homeowners with the security and peace of mind that comes with knowing their homes and families are protected from the elements by a rugged, dependable, and long-lasting roofing system. We focus on 100 percent customer satisfaction. At Roof Masters, the ‘Proof is in the Roof.’” Howard Rittenberg | President
Services Offered: Roof Masters is a full-service roofing and exterior home improvement contractor. The company provides a wide range of products and materials for customers to choose from, including gutters, downspouts, siding, windows, doors, and skylights.
Warranty: The company offers a lifetime warranty on most new installations.
Company History: Roof Masters has been serving the Washington metro area since 1994.
Distinctions: The company has been recognized by Qualified Remodeler as a Top 500 remodeler and a Top 200 exterior remodeler.
Rating: 4.2 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s)
MHIC-50663, 410515000651
Verified General Liability Insurance
Verified Workers’ Comp Best Pick Guaranteed
“For 33 years, Power Home Remodeling has been the most trusted name in exterior remodeling: trusted because we care about our products being energy efficient and cost effective; trusted because we value integrity, honesty, and true craftsmanship; and trusted because we believe in total customer satisfaction.”
Adam Kaliner | Founding Partner
Services Offered: Power Home Remodeling specializes in exterior remodeling services, offering roof and siding replacement, window and door replacement, and attic insulation.
Warranty: Roof installations are backed by a 50-year full manufacturer warranty. Power Home also offers a lifetime labor warranty on all products and services.
Company History: Established in 1992, Power Home Remodeling serves customers in 22 states nationwide and Washington DC.
Distinctions: Power currently ranks third on Qualified Remodeler’s 2023 Top 500 list and first among full-service remodelers. The company ranked first on Qualified Remodeler’s 2020 Home Improvement Professionals list. Power also ranks 13th on Fortune Magazine’s 2023 list of 100 Best Companies to Work For and appears on PEOPLE Magazine’s 2023 list of Companies That Care.
“We want working with Integrity Home Pro to be the best experience you have ever had with a contractor. We are built on the Golden Rule, and we continue to stand on it: ‘Do unto others as you would have them do to you.’”
Danny Peterson | President
Services Offered: Integrity Home Pro is a full-service home improvement company that serves residential customers. The company offers full roof replacements and installs skylights. Integrity Home Pro also provides siding, window, door, and gutter replacement as well as kitchen, bathroom, and basement remodeling services.
Warranty: The company offers a transferable 20-year labor warranty on all exterior replacement services.
Company History: The company started in 2003.
Distinctions: Integrity Home Pro is a GAF Certified Roofer. Owner Danny Peterson is an Enviroshake Factory Trained Contractor.
Employee Information: Crews wear uniforms and undergo background checks and drug testing.
Additional Information: Integrity Home Pro installs roofing products by GAF, Enviroshake, and CertainTeed.
Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) MHIC-136556
Verified
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7th year as a Best Pick Educational Content COMMON SIDING SERVICES
• Siding installation
• Siding replacement and repair
• Vinyl and insulated vinyl siding
• Fiber cement siding
• Engineered wood siding
• Cedar siding
• Exterior home remodeling and renovation
TOP CONSUMER TIPS
• Signs that you need to replace your siding include warped planks, rotten areas, holes, bubbling paint, and persistent mold or mildew growth.
• Siding replacement takes one to two weeks, and exterior painting takes two to four days. Before siding work begins, remove art and wall hangings and move furniture toward the middle of the room.
• Find out if your homeowners’ association has restrictions on siding materials, styles, and colors. The homeowners’ association may also have guidelines about remodeling projects that you and the contractor will need to follow.
• With proper installation and maintenance, most siding products will last decades. Fiber cement, composite, and vinyl siding are easy to maintain and typically need only an annual rinse to wash away dirt and grime.
• Request estimates from several contractors, but don’t make your decision only on price. Hire an experienced, reliable contractor that offers robust warranties. Siding can be installed year round, but it’s typically easier in moderate temperatures.
MD
“We supply our customers with top-level service, excellent products, professional crews, and quality workmanship, as their recommendations and referrals provide us with a network of new customers.”
Joseph Jones & Jeffrey Thomas | President & Vice President
Services Offered: Metropolitan Exteriors, Inc., offers installation and repair of most major brands of vinyl and James Hardie siding and matching trim. The company also replaces windows and doors and installs gutters, roofing, trim, and soffit for residential and commercial properties.
Warranty: Metropolitan Exteriors honors manufacturers’ warranties and offers a warranty on labor.
Company History: Vice President Jeffrey Thomas founded Metropolitan Exteriors in 1988. He currently spearheads Metropolitan’s customer relations. The company is local and family owned, with Jeffrey’s stepbrother Joseph Jones serving as the president.
Distinctions: Jeffrey Thomas is certified as an EPA Lead Renovator.
“At Thompson Creek, we are completely accountable to our customers from their initial inquiry through installation and warranty of our products and services. All of our work is backed by 45 years in business and our No-Hassle Warranty and Buyer Protection Guarantee. Our focus continues to be delivering 100 percent satisfaction.” Rick Wuest | President
Services Offered: Thompson Creek Window Company offers energyefficient vinyl siding in a variety of styles and colors to residential customers. The company specializes in manufacturing, selling, and installing products developed specifically for the mid-Atlantic climate.
Warranty: The No-Hassle Warranty and Buyer Protection Guarantee protects homeowners for up to 50 years.
Company History: The company was started in 1980.
Additional Information: Thompson Creek windows and gutters are manufactured in their own local factory in Maryland. According to Thompson Creek Window Company, their siding has the ability to weather all conditions in the mid-Atlantic climate. The company offers siding options in a variety of colors.
Rating: 4.3 out of 5
Verified
License(s) MHIC-125294, 420213000015
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“For 33 years, Power Home Remodeling has been the most trusted name in exterior remodeling: trusted because we care about our products being energy efficient and cost effective; trusted because we value integrity, honesty, and true craftsmanship; and trusted because we believe in total customer satisfaction.” Adam Kaliner | Founding Partner
Services Offered: Power Home Remodeling specializes in exterior remodeling services, offering roof and siding replacement, window and door replacement, and attic insulation.
Warranty: The company offers a limited lifetime warranty on siding products in addition to a lifetime labor warranty on all products and services.
Company History: Established in 1992, Power serves customers in 22 states nationwide and Washington DC.
Distinctions: Power currently ranks third on Qualified Remodeler’s 2023 Top 500 list and first among full-service remodelers. The company ranked first on Qualified Remodeler’s 2020 Home Improvement Professionals list. Power also ranks 13th on Fortune Magazine’s 2023 list of 100 Best Companies to Work For and appears on PEOPLE Magazine’s 2023 list of Companies That Care.
Employee Information: Power has Vinyl Siding Institute Certified Installers on staff.
Rating: 4.6 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) MHIC-49706
Verified General Liability Insurance
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“We want working with Integrity Home Pro to be the best experience you have ever had with a contractor. We are built on the Golden Rule, and we continue to stand on it: ‘Do unto others as you would have them do to you.’” Danny Peterson | President
Services Offered: Integrity Home Pro is a full-service home improvement company that serves residential customers. The company installs siding in a variety of siding materials, including vinyl, wood, and fiber cement. Integrity also provides window, door, roof, and gutter replacement as well as kitchen, bathroom, and basement remodeling.
Warranty: The company offers a transferable 20-year labor warranty on all exterior remodeling services.
Company History: Integrity was founded in 2003.
Employee Information: Crews wear uniforms and undergo background checks and drug testing.
Additional Information: Integrity installs siding products by all vinyl siding manufacturers as well as James Hardie fiber cement siding and trim.
Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) MHIC-136556
Verified General Liability Insurance
Verified Workers’ Comp Best Pick Guaranteed
“We pledge to service our clients with honest and thorough needs assessments tailored to each home’s unique requirements. Through experience, industry-leading knowledge, superior building practices, and stellar customer service, Exterior Medics is committed to restoring faith in the home improvement industry.” Mark Watson & Joe LeVecchi | Co-owners
Services Offered: Exterior Medics, Inc., installs and repairs vinyl, fiber cement, cedar, and wood siding in a variety of colors and textures; repairs and replaces gutters, chimneys, and all types of roof systems; and offers window and door replacement and masonry services.
Warranty: Exterior Medics honors manufacturers’ warranties and provides a full lifetime workmanship warranty on all new installations.
Company History: The company started in 2008.
Distinctions: Exterior Medics is a GAF Master Elite Roofer and a James Hardie Preferred Contractor. The company holds a contractor’s license in Washington DC, Virginia, and Maryland. Exterior Medics was named a 2020 and 2021 NARI Contractor of the Year and appeared on the 2020 Inc. 5000 list of America’s Fastest Growing Companies, the 2020 Qualified Remodelers Top 500 list, and the 2020 Roofing Contractor Top 100 Roofing Contractors list.
Rating: 4.7 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s)
“Alco Products is a third-generation, family-owned-and-operated home improvement company serving the Washington, DC, metro area. Founded in 1956, we have over 65 years of experience to help remodel your home. We stand behind our work and pride ourselves on our customer service and consultative approach.” Zak Kreisman | President
Services Offered: Alco Products Inc provides installation and replacement of fiber cement and vinyl siding for residential customers. The company also offers roof, window, and door replacement in addition to trim, fascia, gutter, and deck installation.
Warranty: Alco Products offers a lifetime labor warranty and honors manufacturers’ warranties.
Company History: The company started in 1956.
Distinctions: Alco Products is a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor and a CertainTeed Select ShingleMaster. The company was a NARI Metro DC Contractor of the Year winner in 2016 and 2017 and has appeared on Qualified Remodeler’s Top 500 list and Remodeling Magazine’s Top 550 list since 2018.
Employee Information: Employees wear uniforms and undergo background checks and drug testing.
Services Not Offered: Alco Products only offers siding repairs on installations performed by the company.
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 Verified
MHIC-87, 410516000169 Verified
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9th year as a Best Pick ■ American Home Contractors,
3rd year as a Best Pick
• Solar panel system design
• Solar panel system installation
• Solar batteries
• Real-time solar panel system monitoring
• A solar panel system can save you anywhere from 20 to 100 percent on your electricity costs compared to traditional power sources. Electric utility tier rates directly affect how quickly you will recoup your investment. A smaller system that satisfies part of your energy needs may be more cost effective if it avoids higher-tier rates.
• Solar panel systems are low maintenance and have warranties of 10 to 25 years. Be sure the system you purchase will pay back your initial investment before the warranty expires.
• Your system’s size will depend on how much energy you want to generate (and how much space you have available). Many people start out with a smaller system and increase the size modularly over time.
• When your solar panel system produces less electricity than you need, the system uses
municipal power to make up the difference. This is the electricity you pay for. During a surplus, your system makes more energy than you need. That extra electricity feeds back into the municipal power grid, and you are credited for the surplus. This utility buy-back benefit is called Net Metering (NM). It’s a billing arrangement that credits you for the full retail value of the extra electricity your system generates.
• To adhere to state and federal regulations, energy producers that use fossil fuels have to meet a clean energy quota. In some states, energy companies meet this quota by giving Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) to solar panel system owners. These SRECs are then claimed by the energy company as proof of clean energy production. SRECs have a monetary value that differs from state to state. You only benefit from SRECs if you own your system. Leased solar panel systems aren’t eligible for SRECs.
• Your state may offer other incentives for solar panel systems, like property tax breaks or exemptions and/or sales tax waivers. The Residential Clean Energy Credit is a 30 percent federal income tax credit available to those who invest in solar energy systems.
MD companies must hold a Home Improvement Contractor License issued by the MD Home Improvement Commission. Companies that connect solar panels to electrical systems must hold a Master Electrician License. DC companies must hold a Home Improvement Contractor or General Contractor License issued by the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs. Scan for additional educational content
“I became interested in renewables in general, and solar power specifically, when I learned about the risk posed by climate change. There was a time when the only reason to go solar was to help the environment. Today, the economics have changed dramatically, and solar power is not just cleaner power, it is also cheaper power!”
Peter Belman | CEO
Services Offered: Solar Energy World provides customized solar panel system design and installation for homeowners.
Warranty: The company offers varying warranties depending upon the product.
Company History: Founded in 2009, Solar Energy World is a locally owned-and-operated company headquartered in Laurel, Maryland.
Employee Information: Field employees wear uniforms, drive marked vehicles, and undergo drug testing and background checks.
Additional Information: Solar Energy World offers services in Maryland, DC, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, and Florida.
of
“American Home Contractors has been in business for over 35 years, providing exterior services and upgrades to Maryland, Washington D.C., and Northern Virginia homes. American Home prides itself in customer satisfaction and guarantees to do the best job possible when remodeling your home.” Steve Lozinsky | Brand President
Services Offered: American Home Contractors installs solar roofing, solar panels, home battery backups, and EV chargers. The company provides additional exterior household services, including roofing, gutter, window, entry door, and siding installation and replacement.
Warranty: The company offers ten-year to lifetime warranties on labor and materials.
Company History: American Home Contractors was established in 1986.
Distinctions: American Home Contractors is a Tesla Certified Solar Roof and Powerwall Installer, a GAF Energy Solar Roof Installer, and a Maxeon Select Partner. The company is A+ Rated and Accredited with the BBB.
Additional Information: The company works with products by Tesla, GAF, IKO, James Hardie, Mastic by Ply Gem, Alside, Pella, ProVia, Andersen, Marvin, Sunrise, and Interstate.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) MHIC-31337, 22891, 410522000809
Verified General Liability Insurance
Verified Workers’ Comp
Best Pick Guaranteed
Best Pick Reports recommends:
■ Metropolitan Bath and Tile 301-605-1144 9th year as a Best Pick
• Tile installation for bathrooms, kitchens, floors, and backsplashes
• Specialty tile work
• Tile repair
• The most popular types of tile are ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone. Ceramic tile can be glazed or unglazed. Glazed ceramic tile is a popular choice because it’s stain- and moistureresistant. Unglazed tile typically isn’t used for flooring or countertops because it’s susceptible to stains. Porcelain tile is a type of ceramic tile. It comes in an almost endless variety of colors, designs, and textures. Natural stone tile is unique and visually interesting with its varied colors and textures. Natural stone tile needs to be sealed on a regular basis to protect it from stains.
• Tile comes in a wide range of prices, so you’ll be able to find something you like regardless of your budget. Sometimes, a higher price indicates better durability, but in most cases, it just means that the tile is detailed and needs a skilled installer. Cheaper tile is just as water resistant and easy to clean as expensive tile.
• Different areas of your house may require slightly different tiling processes. Since tile is often
installed in bathrooms and kitchens, contractors typically use either greenboard or blueboard drywall as the tile backer board. Greenboard drywall is moisture resistant, while blueboard has slightly more water-resistant qualities. Waterproof cement board is another common option, especially for bathrooms.
• In a tiled space that will get wet often, it’s normal for some water to permeate the grout. The key to preventing water damage is installing waterproof backer board and vapor barrier. The backer board and vapor barrier must be installed (and installed correctly) before the tile goes up.
• Cracking is the most common problem with tile floors. Tile is strong, but it can crack if it isn’t installed on a solid, even surface. A tile floor must have a solid subfloor. Conventional wooden subfloors flex slightly when they’re walked on. This means that these types of subfloors might need reinforcement before installing tile on top.
• Many contractors bid their jobs with a tile allowance. This means that you don’t necessarily need to select your tile before signing a contract for home remodeling work. You can select the tile later, and the price of the job will be adjusted accordingly.
MD companies are required to hold a Home Improvement Contractor License issued by the MD Home Improvement Commission.
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“At Metropolitan Bath and Tile, we take pride in everything we do. Big or small, basic or fancy; we love what we do, and that is reflected in every bathroom we remodel.” Richard McKenzie | President
Services Offered: Metropolitan Bath and Tile installs stone, glass, and ceramic tile on walls, floors, and showers in addition to offering a wide range of full and partial residential bathroom remodeling services.
Warranty: Metropolitan Bath and Tile guarantees materials for up to ten years and provides a one-year warranty on labor.
Company History: The local, family-owned-and-operated company was founded in 1979.
Employee Information: Metropolitan Bath and Tile does not use subcontractors. Employees wear uniforms, drive marked vehicles, and undergo drug testing and background checks.
Services Not Offered: The company does not reglaze or recover bathtubs and does not remodel kitchens.
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–Nancy G. | Deerfield, IL
6th year as a Best Pick ■
4th year as a Best Pick
3rd year as a Best Pick
• Tree pruning and trimming
• Tree removal
• Cabling and bracing
• Root fertilization
• Stump grinding
• Insect and disease control
• Tree planting
• Tree care consultations
• Tree health and risk assessments
damage accidentally during projects that involve soil grading or digging.
• Mulching over a tree’s root system conserves soil moisture, but the tree’s roots still need to be able to breathe. The mulch layer should be only three to four inches thick. Too much mulch starves the roots of oxygen and causes more harm than good.
• Tree disease diagnosis and treatment plans
• Never allow anyone to climb your trees with climbing spikes unless the tree is being removed. Climbing spikes create wounds that can expose the tree to fatal disease and insect attacks.
• Consult a professional arborist prior to starting construction activities around trees. Most of a tree’s feeding roots are in the top six to eight inches of the soil and extend beyond the canopy spread. This means that the root system is easy to
• Tree topping, or cutting off the top of the tree, is a common practice, but tree care experts do not recommend it. Crown reduction is a healthier, safer option. This technique involves removing specific branches at or near the treetop. While tree topping can kill the tree, crown reduction is less damaging. Experts recommend removing no more than a quarter of a tree’s branches at one time.
• Mushroom growth on or around your trees is a sign of trunk or root decay. Decay weakens a tree and makes it more likely to fall or split. If the problem is caught early, an arborist may be able to save the tree.
MD companies are required to hold a MD Tree Expert License issued by the MD Department of Natural Resources. DC does not issue or require a trade license for companies in this service category.
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“Mulheron Tree Experts strives to offer top-notch, professional customer service and workmanship from the point of initial contact through the duration of the customer’s project. We want to earn our customers’ trust and confidence and keep them coming back to us year after year.” Edward Mulheron | President
Services Offered: Mulheron Tree Experts, Inc., provides services in all phases of tree work and preservation. The company specializes in 24/7 emergency response service. All equipment and cranes are company owned, allowing Mulheron Tree Experts to respond quickly.
Company History: Mulheron Tree Experts was founded by Edward S. Mulheron in 1991. Edward oversees daily operations and customer service.
Distinctions: The company employs an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist, an ISA Certified Tree Risk Assessor, and an ISA Certified Utility Specialist.
“At Green Future Construction, we treat every project and investment as if it were our very own, and we are committed to delivering high-quality projects. With a company-wide dedication to unparalleled craftsmanship and customer service, we look forward to becoming the company of choice for all your outdoor needs.”
Ilie Pintilie | Owner
Services Offered: Green Future Construction offers 24-hour emergency tree removal, tree trimming, crane services, stump grinding, and lot cleaning. In addition, Green Future provides a variety of landscaping services and builds hardscapes such as decks, patios, retaining walls, walkways, stairways, driveways, outdoor kitchens, and fire pits. The company also offers drainage solutions, including grading, French drains, rock swales, dry wells, and sump pumps.
Company History: The company has been in business for over 20 years.
Distinctions: Owner Ilie G. Pintilie is an ISA Certified Arborist and an ICPI Certified Installer.
Services Not Offered: The company does not offer waterproofing, lawn mowing, lawn care, leaf removal, or snow removal services.
Minimum Job: The company requires a job minimum of $5,000 for construction and $1,000 for tree services.
Rating: 4.9 out of 5
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Verified
“’Best Price and Service Guaranteed!’” Tim Ballard | CEO
Services Offered: Ballard Enterprises - Lawn, Landscape, & Tree Professionals provides a full range of tree services, including tree removal, tree pruning, stump grinding, crane service, health and risk assessments, tree health repair, and more. The company also offers a full range of landscaping and lawn services.
Warranty: Ballard Enterprises provides warranties for all materials and workmanship offered.
Company History: The local, family-owned company was founded in 2003 by Tim Ballard.
Distinctions: Ballard Enterprises employs ISA Certified Arborists, an ISA Tree Risk Assessor, and an ISA Certified Tree Worker Climber Specialist. The company is accredited by the Tree Care Industry Association.
Employee Information: Employees wear uniforms, drive marked vehicles, and undergo background checks and drug testing.
“Hometown Landscape: Rooted in Family, Blossoming in Excellence. Our commitment to quality landscaping is a testament to our enduring values. We’re a family-owned business that takes pride in cultivating gardens alongside relationships with our clients. Discover the difference of passion, precision, and personalized service.” John Polizos | President
Services Offered: Hometown Landscape & Lawn is a tree services and landscaping firm serving residential and commercial customers. The company’s services include tree and stump removal, pruning and trimming, mulching, and lot clearing. Hometown also offers emergency tree services. Estimates are free.
Warranty: The company offers a variety of warranties on hardscape installations, paver products, landscaping, and construction workmanship and materials.
Company History: The company began in 1997.
Distinctions: Hometown Landscape won Distinction in Craftsmanship from the 2023 LCA Excellence in Landscape Awards Program. The company has a Certified Concrete Paver Installer and Landscape Industry Certified Landscape Technician on staff.
Services Not Offered: Residential lawn mowing, tree health diagnoses, and gutter work are not offered.
Minimum Job: Jobs require a four-hour minimum.
Rating: 4.6 out of 5
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■ Leaf Home Water Solutions
1st year as a Best Pick
FILTRATION
• Whole-home water filtration system installation and maintenance
• Point-of-entry systems
• Point-of-use systems
• Water softening and conditioning systems
• Well water treatment
• Salt-free softening systems
• UV systems
• Repiping
• Before you invest in a whole-house water treatment and filtration system, determine the contaminants you may need to treat for or filter out. If you have well water, you can either test your water supply on your own or have a water quality specialist run the test. If your water comes from the municipal supply, contact your local water treatment or environmental protection office and request a copy of your area’s most recent water quality index (WQI) report.
• The next step is to determine the flow rate of the various plumbing fixtures around your house. This includes faucets, toilets, showerheads, and even your dishwasher and water heater. The pros can help you with this calculation, but the general guidance is to opt for a whole-house water filter with a flow rate of around one to two gallons per minute higher than your home’s average. This will ensure that you don’t have issues with water pressure or inconsistent flow rates once the filtration system is installed.
• Don’t forget about filter cartridges as you research different system options. How much are replacements? How often will you need to replace the filter? Replacing the filter cartridge on schedule is essential to maintaining your water quality and keeping the system in good shape.
• If your initial water quality test showed high levels of calcium and magnesium in the water, look into a whole-house water softening system. Hard water can cause problems over time, including limescale buildup, pipe clogs, and reduced water heater efficiency.
• Most water softening systems use salt to soften hard water. Water runs from the household supply line through a tank where a chemical process swaps the magnesium and calcium for sodium. The water that leaves the tank has been softened. Salt-based softeners don’t result in salty tasting water, but they do leave a trace amount of sodium in the water. If that’s a concern, opt for a salt-free system.
MD companies are required to hold a Master Plumber License issued by the MD Board of Plumbing. DC companies are required to hold a Plumbing Contractor License issued by the DC Board of Industrial Trades.
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“Leaf Home Water Solutions empowers homeowners to take control of their drinking water quality and safety with over 250 customizable solutions. Bringing our Leaf Home excellence, we start with a free water test to learn your needs and budget. Our trusted experts design custom solutions for your home.”
Robert Erickson | Director of Business Operations
Services Offered: Leaf Home Water Solutions provides a variety of services, including water filtration, water softening, water conditioning, reverse osmosis, UV system defense, and whole-home water systems. Free estimates are offered.
Warranty: Leaf Home Water Solutions offers a limited warranty. Terms and conditions apply.
Company History: The local company started in 2020.
Distinctions: Leaf Home Water Solutions was listed on the 2023 Companies to Watch List.
Employee Information: Employees are background checked.
4.5 out of 5
Trade License(s)
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Best Pick Reports recommends:
■
1st year as a Best Pick
COMMON WATER, MOLD, FIRE & STORM DAMAGE RESTORATION SERVICES
• Water damage restoration
• Water extraction
• Structural drying
• Mold remediation
• Smoke damage restoration
• Fire damage restoration
• Carpet removal and cleaning
• Odor removal
• Reconstruction services
• Personal property packing, evaluation, and restoration
• Disaster recovery companies often offer 24/7 emergency services, so you can get help quickly. Be sure to also reach out to your home insurance agent as promptly as possible. Your insurance agent will explain what your policy covers and how much you can expect to pay out of pocket for repairs.
• If the damage is the result of a large-scale natural disaster, your insurance company may
be handling many claims at once. The volume of claims can mean that an adjuster might not be able to get to you immediately. Nonetheless, most insurance policies require you to prevent further damage to your property to maintain your coverage. A restoration company can help you meet this requirement.
• Let your insurance company and restoration team know if you have photos or videos of your belongings from before the disaster. This documentation helps with the accuracy of the claim and the restoration work.
• It takes about three to five full days for a structure to dry completely, with the proper equipment. Although the affected area may seem dry, there is often hidden moisture that should be resolved before restoration work begins.
• Smoke damage leaves behind soot and odor. Soot must be thoroughly cleaned before a house is suitable for occupation. In some cases, flooring, drywall, and insulation may need to be replaced to get rid of the odor completely.
Some services, including water damage repair and reconstruction, require a Home Improvement Contractor License issued by the MD Home Improvement Commission. In DC, these services require a license from the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs. Companies that do not offer these services are not required to hold a trade license.
“From your initial phone call to the completion of your project, we will show you why The Best Air Quality and Restoration is the environmental contractor of choice for so many home and business owners in Washington, Baltimore, Maryland, and the surrounding areas.” Valid Salikhov | Manager
Services Offered: The Best Air Quality and Restoration provides water damage mitigation and remediation services, including expert water cleanup, extraction, and assessment. The company also offers mold removal, testing, and cleanup; mold remediation in HVAC systems; free estimates; and 24/7 emergency service.
Warranty: The company provides a 100 percent customer satisfaction guarantee and a six-month warranty for mold remediation services.
Company History: The local, family-owned company was founded in 2009.
Employee Information: Employees wear shoe covers and undergo background checks and drug testing.
“For over a decade, Flood Department and Compassion Clean has been Maryland’s trusted specialist in water and fire damage, mold remediation, and duct cleaning. Our commitment to excellence means we’re there for you any time, any day, working directly with insurance companies to streamline the process and ease your stress.” Ken
Braden
| President
Services Offered: Flood Department and Compassion Clean is a water, mold, fire, and storm damage restoration specialist. Services include water removal and damage mitigation, mold remediation, fire and smoke cleaning, structural drying, content pack-out and cleaning, deodorization, sanitization, and duct cleaning. The company offers 24/7 emergency service and free estimates.
Company History: Flood Department and Compassion Clean is a local company founded in 2009.
Distinctions: The company is certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).
Employee Information: Employees wear uniforms and shoe covers, drive marked vehicles, and undergo background checks and drug testing.
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 Trade
Not Required
“Since we opened our doors in 1994, we have offered quick responses and constant communication with our customers.”
Robert Schattner | President
Services Offered: Purofirst of Metropolitan Washington offers water damage mitigation; mold remediation; smoke and soot cleaning; repairs and reconstruction; odor removal; biohazard mitigation and cleaning; contents pack-out; boarding up; and tarping services.
Warranty: Purofirst of Metropolitan Washington offers a one-year warranty on labor.
Company History: The company has been serving customers since its founding in 1994.
Distinctions: Purofirst of Metropolitan Washington is certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). The company is a member of the Indoor Air Quality Association.
Employee Information: Employees of the company wear uniforms, carry identification badges, and drive marked vehicles.
4.3 out of 5
Trade License(s) MHIC-48130
Verified General Liability Insurance
Verified Workers’ Comp
Pick Guaranteed
• Basement waterproofing
• Foundation waterproofing
• Moisture and humidity control systems
• Interior and exterior drainage systems
• Crawl space sealing
• Basement and crawl space water problems are usually caused by hydrostatic pressure, or water in the soil pushing against the walls or floor of the basement or crawl space. Hydrostatic pressure can be caused by poor grading, poor soil drainage, clogged gutters and downspouts, and failed footing drains.
• The fix for a water intrusion issue involves a few systems and tools. First, check that the gutters and downspouts are clear and installed correctly. Foundation cracks should be sealed. Cement block walls and mortar joints are susceptible to leakage and should be sealed and waterproofed.
MD
• Drainage systems can be installed around the exterior or interior perimeter of your house. Interior drainage system installation usually involves digging trenches in the basement or crawl space. Waterproofing experts know how to do this efficiently while minimizing the mess.
• Your contractor might recommend the injection method as a fix for foundation cracks. This method seals foundation cracks with an epoxy or polyurethane material.
• If you have a sump pump, be sure to have it inspected and maintained annually. Sump pumps do not work without a power source. If you have frequent power outages, ask your contractor about a battery-backup sump pump.
“Value Dry transforms wet, humid basements and musty crawl spaces into dry, healthy, livable environments by installing waterproofing and encapsulation systems in homes and businesses in Maryland, DC, Virginia, Delaware, and West Virginia. You can count on our promise of quality combined with professional workmanship.” James Ketterer | President
Services Offered: Value Dry addresses flooding and humidity in basements and crawl spaces by installing drainage and encapsulation systems that include sump pumps, battery backup sump pumps, French drains, and basement air ventilation systems. Egress windows and foundation repairs are also offered.
Warranty: Value Dry offers a lifetime transferable warranty against water seepage of treated areas.
Company History: The company was founded in 2003. Company president James Ketterer has over 25 years of industry experience.
Distinctions: Value Dry is a BHA member. James Ketterer is a BHA certified Waterproofing Specialist and Egress Specialist. The company is also an Indoor Air Quality Association member. Value Dry received a Secretary’s Citation from the MD Department of Commerce in recognition of 15 years of quality work.
“With 39 years of experience, family-owned NV Waterproofing & Foundation Repair is renowned for our superior craftsmanship and products, along with our honest and professional methodology. We are committed to offering homeowners enduring solutions for lasting peace of mind for years to come.” NV Waterproofing & Foundation Repair Team
Services Offered: NV Waterproofing & Foundation Repair provides a range of services, including foundation repair, interior and exterior basement waterproofing, crawl space encapsulation, and mold remediation. Foundation repair solutions address issues such as settling foundations, bowing walls, and sagging floors. NV Waterproofing & Foundation Repair offers financing options and free estimates.
Warranty: The company offers comprehensive warranties on interior and exterior work.
Company History: The family-owned company was established in 1986.
Distinctions: NV Waterproofing & Foundation Repair partners with community aid organizations Youth for Tomorrow and Home Aid and is a Prince William Chamber of Commerce member. The company is a Custom Builders USA (CB/USA) Preferred Vendor and authorized Basement Systems and Supportworks dealer.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) MHIC-129703, 410522000481
Verified
Verified
“We have proudly served the Baltimore and Washington metropolitan areas for over 35 years. Our goal is to create healthy, clean, and dry basements that all homeowners can utilize as valuable living space.”
Richard Carpenter | President
Services Offered: AA Action Waterproofing Inc. specializes in a variety of basement waterproofing and structural issues. The company offers custom solutions for foundation issues. AA Action also provides drain tile systems, sump pumps, exterior waterproofing, excavation, wall sealants, wall pins, carbon fiber straps, steel I-beams, and underpinning as well as total foundation and stairwell wall rebuilding. The company offers interest-free financing on approved credit.
Warranty: AA Action provides lifetime transferable warranties on most services.
Company History: AA Action Waterproofing was established in 1987.
5.0 out of 5
Trade License(s)
70108794
General Liability Insurance
“JES Foundation Repair specializes in helping homeowners with foundation repair, basement waterproofing, crawl space encapsulation, and concrete lifting needs. With 32 years of experience, JES provides high-quality home repair solutions and personalized service across Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and North Carolina.” JES Foundation Repair Team
Services Offered: JES Foundation Repair are experts in resolving foundation repair issues. The company also performs concrete lifting, crawl space encapsulation, and basement waterproofing. Free estimates and financing options are offered.
Warranty: JES Foundation Repair offers nationally backed transferable warranties.
Company History: Jesse and Stella Waltz founded the company in 1993. JES Foundation Repair is part of Groundworks Companies.
Distinctions: In 2022, JES Foundation Repair was named Lynchburg Living Magazine’s Best Basement Waterproofing and Foundation Services Company, Roanoker Magazine’s Best Foundation Repair Company, Coastal Virginia Magazine’s Best Foundation Repair Company, and Virginia Media Best of Virginia Beach’s Local Home Improvement Contractor.
Rating: 4.7 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) MHIC-50637, 410516000653
Verified General Liability Insurance
Verified Workers’ Comp
Best Pick Guaranteed
“All Aspects Waterproofing is committed to excellence with our vision to provide quality service and workmanship. We look forward to exceeding expectations providing healthy, dry basements and peace of mind.” James Kripas | Member
Services Offered: All Aspects Waterproofing provides residential and commercial waterproofing services, including foundation repair; basement and crawl space waterproofing; and installation of French drains, sump pumps, sump pump battery backup systems, egress windows, downspout extensions, and drainage systems.
Warranty: The company offers a transferable lifetime warranty.
Company History: All Aspects Waterproofing was founded in 2006.
Distinctions: The company is a member of the Basement Health Association (BHA) and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). All Aspects Waterproofing appeared on Qualified Remodeler’s Top 500 list for multiple years.
Employee Information: Employees drive marked vehicles and undergo background checks.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) MHIC-124298, 69002082
Verified General Liability Insurance
Verified Workers’ Comp
Best Pick Guaranteed
“I will keep using the Best Pick Reports guidebook. I’d give it 5 out of 5.”
–James G. | Sugar Hill, GA
■ Critter Control
7th year as a Best Pick
■ Environmental Pest
3rd year as a Best Pick
• Wildlife removal
• Wildlife management
• Exclusion services and repairs
• Humane removal and control of birds, rats, squirrels, snakes, bats, opossums, raccoons, skunks, coyotes, foxes, gophers, and more
• Dead animal removal
• Space deodorization
• Insulation removal and replacement
• General pest control
• Wild animals enter your home looking for shelter and safety, and they don’t take kindly to being evicted. They may bite or scratch out of fear. Always call a professional to handle the issue. Wildlife removal specialists know how to safely and humanely remove nuisance animals.
• Reputable wildlife removal companies use humane methods of animal control. In most cases, nuisance wildlife is captured using humane live traps. Once the animal is captured, state regulations largely dictate the next steps. In some cases, the animal must be released in the same area in which it was captured. In others, the animal may be relocated elsewhere.
• Mice and rats live in groups and multiply rapidly. If you see one, it is likely that you have many more. Getting rid of mice and rats usually involves baiting and trapping them, removing them, and then preventing their reentry by finding and sealing up all gaps larger than a dime.
• Once the animal has been removed, it is important to seal the entry points they used so more pests do not enter the home. These exclusion repairs are essential to resolving the problem. Your technician will do a thorough inspection to determine the pest’s point of entry, identify other potential points of entry, and recommend methods to prevent reentry of other unwanted pests in the future.
• Exclusion work often includes tasks like installing a chimney cap, sealing gaps at the fascia and around vents and pipes, and patching siding holes. To finish up the exclusion work, trim any tree limbs overhanging your roof and prune shrubs that grow too close to the house. If you have bird feeders in your yard, move them as far away from your house as possible. Don’t give birds reasons to get close to your house.
The state of Maryland does not issue or require a trade license for companies in this service category.
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“Founded in 1983, Critter Control resolves nuisance wildlife and pest problems. We practice safe and humane wildlife management while providing the highest quality of customer service. Our services focus on getting rid of nuisance wildlife, repairing damage, then keeping them from re-entering your home or business.” Company Representative
Services Offered: Critter Control handles nuisance wildlife that includes, but is not limited to, flying and gray squirrels, raccoons, opossums, rats, mice, snakes, birds, moles, voles, groundhogs, chipmunks, and skunks. In addition, the company treats for bees, yellow jackets, and hornets. Critter Control performs safe and humane removal of wildlife, preventative recurring services, insulation replacement, dead animal removal, and exclusion services.
Company History: With over 100 offices in the US and Canada, Critter Control is the nation’s leading wildlife control company and has been resolving wildlife issues for customers for over 40 years.
Employee Information: Employees must pass background checks and drug tests. The company’s technicians wear uniforms and drive marked vehicles.
Services Not Offered: The company does not provide services for domestic animals, termites, or bedbugs.
“Environmental Pest Control has been serving customers in MD, VA, and WV since 2006. Every day, we aim to deliver the highest level of customer service through our core values of humility, integrity, passion, and performance. We offer free estimates and inspections for all pest control and wildlife removal issues. Contact us today!” Nate Ripley | President
Services Offered: Environmental Pest Control specializes in removal of wildlife such as rodents, squirrels, bats, moles, and birds. Additional services include pest exclusion, elimination, and prevention services. The company also provides protection plans, eco-friendly solutions, and free inspections.
Warranty: Quarterly preventative pest control services, wildlife removal exclusions, and termite treatments carry a 1-year warranty. One-time services are covered by a 30-day warranty.
Company History: The company was started in 2006 by Nate Ripley, Ryan Garrison, and Tommy Kellogg.
Distinctions: The company is a NWCOA member.
Employee Information: Employees drive marked vehicles and are background checked and drug tested.
Services Not Offered: Fumigation, trapping, and removal of dead animals, snakes, groundhogs, and deer are not offered.
4.9 out of 5 Trade
Not Required
Verified
Verified
• Door installation and replacement
• Window installation and replacement
• Energy-efficient windows and doors
• Impact or storm windows and doors
• Vinyl, fiberglass, steel, aluminum, wood, and engineered wood windows
• Sliding glass, patio, and French doors
• Entryway and interior doors
• Wood, insulated steel, and fiberglass doors
TOP CONSUMER TIPS
• Nearly one-third of all residential energy loss occurs through windows and doors. The worst culprits are old, poorly insulated windows and doors. The windows and doors on today’s market are more energy efficient than ever, so if one of your goals is lowering your energy costs, replacing old windows and doors is smart.
• Multi-pane windows are more expensive than single-pane windows, but the energy savings over time typically outweighs the extra cost. The insulating gas, usually argon or krypton, that fills the space between the glass panes reduces the amount of heat transferred through the window.
• Different coatings applied to the glass pane during manufacturing can further reduce heat transfer. Low-emissivity (or Low-E) glass is manufactured with a very thin coating that reflects infrared light and UV rays from the sun, keeping your house cool in the summer.
• Fiberglass doors and windows are popular because of their durability, ease of maintenance, and energy efficiency. Wood doors and windows are elegant and classic, but they need regular maintenance to prevent rot and warping.
MD
“We use the finest-quality materials and labor in every job, and we complete each project as if we were working on our own homes. In short, we are an owner-operated, friendly, hardworking company that will stand behind our work 100 percent.” Mike Rogers | Owner
Services Offered: American Windows & Siding installs vinyl, wood, fiberglass, and bay windows; sliding, French, and front doors; and siding for residential and commercial customers. The company also offers roof replacement and gutter and gutter guard installation.
Warranty: The company provides transferable lifetime warranties in combination with complete lifetime labor warranties. Additionally, most products are backed by a manufacturer’s lifetime warranty.
Company History: American Windows & Siding’s three owners, Edward Dunn, Charlie Gunn, and Mike Rogers, founded the company in 1991.
Additional Information: All of American Windows & Siding’s products are ENERGY STAR qualified.
Minimum Job: A six-window minimum is required.
Rating: 4.7 out of 5 Verified Trade License(s) MHIC-49743, 68007763
“Our goal is always 100 percent total customer satisfaction. We eliminate the middleman by manufacturing the windows ourselves. We are completely accountable to our customers from their initial inquiry to project completion, and it’s backed by 45 years in business and our No-Hassle Warranty and Buyer Protection Guarantee.” Rick Wuest
| President
Services Offered: Thompson Creek Window Company designs, builds, and installs replacement windows in a variety of styles developed specifically for the mid-Atlantic climate. The company’s window installers guide homeowners through the window design process and provide in-home estimates.
Warranty: The No-Hassle Warranty and Buyer Protection Guarantee protects homeowners for up to 50 years.
Company History: Thompson Creek Window Company is family owned and operated and has been manufacturing and installing custom vinyl replacement windows and doors in the mid-Atlantic area for 45 years.
Additional Information: Thompson Creek windows and gutters are manufactured in their own local factory in Maryland.
Rating: 4.3 out of 5
420213000015 Verified
Verified
“We offer premium windows and doors specifically designed for the DC climate. All products are installed by highly skilled professionals and are covered by one of the most comprehensive warranties in the industry. We’re best known for the attention we pay to every detail.” Harley Magden | CEO & Co-owner
Services Offered: Window Nation installs custom vinyl windows and doors for residents of Northern Virginia, Maryland, DC, Northern Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
Warranty: Window Nation offers a 100 percent customer satisfaction guarantee.
Company History: Window Nation is owned by brothers Harley and Aaron Magden, third-generation window experts. The company has installed over 1 million windows in more than 125,000 homes.
Distinctions: The company is an EPA Lead-Safe Certified Firm. Window Nation was ranked 5th on Remodeling’s 2020 list of the largest replacement contractors in the US.
Services Not Offered: The company does not install glass block or repair products that it did not install.
Minimum Job: A three-window minimum is required.
Rating: 4.6 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) MHIC-124358, 420221000121
Verified General Liability Insurance
Verified Workers’ Comp
Best Pick Guaranteed
“For 33 years, Power Home Remodeling has been the most trusted name in exterior remodeling: trusted because we care about our products being energy efficient and cost effective; trusted because we value integrity, honesty, and true craftsmanship; and trusted because we believe in total customer satisfaction.” Adam Kaliner | Founding Partner
Services Offered: Power Home Remodeling specializes in exterior remodeling services, offering roof and siding replacement, window and door replacement, and attic insulation.
Warranty: The company offers a limited lifetime warranty on window and door products in addition to a lifetime labor warranty on all products and services.
Company History: Established in 1992, Power Home Remodeling serves customers in 22 states nationwide and Washington DC.
Distinctions: Power currently ranks third on Qualified Remodeler’s 2023 Top 500 list and first among full-service remodelers. The company ranked first on Qualified Remodeler’s 2020 Home Improvement Professionals list. Power also ranks 13th on Fortune Magazine’s 2023 list of 100 Best Companies to Work For and appears on PEOPLE Magazine’s 2023 list of Companies That Care.
Rating: 4.6 out of 5
Verified
Verified
Verified
“Alco Products is a third-generation, family-owned-and-operated home improvement company serving the Washington, DC, metro area. Founded in 1956, we have over 65 years of experience to help remodel your home. We stand behind our work and pride ourselves on our customer service and consultative approach.” Zak
Kreisman | President
Services Offered: Alco Products Inc offers residential installation of vinyl, fiberglass, wood, and aluminum windows; storm windows; and vinyl, fiberglass, wood, French, sliding glass, patio, and storm doors. The company also offers roof and siding replacement in addition to trim, fascia, gutter, and deck installation.
Warranty: Alco Products offers a lifetime labor warranty and honors manufacturers’ warranties.
Company History: The company started in 1956.
Distinctions: Alco Products is a Marvin Authorized Replacement Contractor, a Marvin Certified Installing Retailer, and a ProVia Authorized Retailer. The company won NARI Metro DC Contractor of the Year in 2016 and 2017. Alco Products has appeared on Qualified Remodeler’s Top 500 list and on Remodeling Magazine’s Top 550 list since 2018.
Minimum Job: A three-window minimum is required.
Rating: 4.7 out of 5
Verified Trade License(s) MHIC-87, 410516000169
Verified General Liability Insurance
Verified Workers’ Comp
Best Pick Guaranteed
• Interior and exterior window cleaning
• Pressure washing
• House washing
• Low-pressure roof cleaning
• Deck and fence cleaning
• Driveway, patio, and pool deck cleaning
• There are a couple of common techniques for washing windows, and both work well when done by an experienced, conscientious team. Some residential window cleaners hand-wash windows. This method lets the cleaner work with a lot of attention to detail. Water-fed pole cleaning is quicker and lets the cleaner stay on the ground for most residential jobs. For this method, the cleaner washes the windows with a long tube that sprays high-pressure purified water.
• Be sure to ask about the cleaning solutions the company uses. It’s very important that they not use anything with hydrofluoric acid. Hydrofluoric acid is used in some commercial cleaning solutions, but it can cause etching or pitting on glass.
• Many window cleaning companies offer other related services, like recaulking and screen replacement, and can do all your seasonal window work at one time.
• Over time, mildew, algae, and dirt can dull siding, concrete, and paved surfaces around your house. Stains and discoloration are hard to remove by hand, and a pressure washer can clean a larger area in less time than one person can accomplish with a scrub brush and soapy water.
• A pressure washer can spray a jet of water with enough force to do a lot of damage in inexperienced hands. For most residential jobs, however, the full power of a pressure washer isn’t needed. Low-pressure power washing, or soft washing, works well for jobs like roof cleaning and house washing.
• Window cleaning and pressure washing require skill, experience, and knowledge of chemicals. Because of the potential for damage and injury, be sure that the company you hire has plenty of experience as well as state-required general liability and worker’s compensation insurance policies. This coverage protects you and the crew members working at your house.
Neither the state of Maryland nor the District of Columbia issue or require a trade license for companies in this service category.
“At Clearly Amazing, we offer the ease and convenience of a single source for a full menu of exterior cleaning and holiday lighting services. We deliver superior-quality services, consistent results, and an exceptional experience. Our team takes enormous pride in their work and views it as much more than just a job.”
Services Offered: Clearly Amazing offers professional residential and commercial window cleaning; pressure washing; gutter cleaning and brightening; roof, siding, and deck soft washing; solar panel cleaning; and holiday light installation.
Company History: The company started in 1999.
Distinctions: Clearly Amazing holds the Seal of Security & Confidence from The Seal.
Employee Information: The company employs full-time, year-round technicians, with subcontractors only used for specialized applications. Employees are background checked, undergo rigorous training, and meet the company’s experience requirements.
Greenblatt | COO
“A Better View Inc. is a local, family-owned-and-operated company that strives to provide high-quality services at reasonable prices. We are a Virginia corporation, licensed and insured. We have a $1 million insurance policy against any accidents at your home or business. Let us bring ‘A Better View’ to your home or business.” Melvin Aldana | Owner
Services Offered: A Better View Inc. offers residential window cleaning; power washing; roof soft washing; gutter cleaning, repair, and whitening; gutter guard installation; dryer vent cleaning; screen repair; and chandelier cleaning. The company provides free estimates.
Warranty: A Better View offers a 100 percent customer satisfaction guarantee.
Company History: The family-owned company was founded in 2018. Owner Melvin Aldana has worked in the industry for over 15 years.
Employee Information: Employees drive marked vehicles, wear uniforms and shoe covers, and undergo background checks.
Services Not Offered: A Better View does not offer duct vent cleaning, rodent or pest removal from dryer vents, or painting services.
Minimum Job: The minimum job requirement ranges from $150 to $200, depending on the service location.
Rating: 5.0 out of 5
Trade License(s) Not Required
Verified
Verified
• Best Pick Reports, LLC, is a free reference for local homeowners that has informed home service buying decisions since 1997.
• Our mission is to create meaningful connections between service-based businesses and consumers by recognizing the best local providers and sharing these names with homeowners via free, easy to use, and trustworthy resources.
• We track businesses across dozens of home service categories and showcase Certified Best Pick companies in our semiannual report, which is posted online and mailed to homes in metropolitan communities across the nation.
• Our qualification process incorporates annual review analysis to ensure every Best Pick company maintains a high quality of workmanship and customer service.
• Our report features companies that have consistently received positive reviews from their customers, so you can be confident that they’ve been vetted by homeowners like you. We also verify that companies in our guide hold proper licenses and insurance.
• Companies cannot buy a good rating; they must earn it by having many satisfied customers and good reviews. Our extensive research makes us the most reliable resource for finding reputable home service companies.
• We know we’re not the only organization that rates home service providers. So what makes us different? In short, it’s our commitment to identifying the best companies through ongoing, verifiable research.
• We rely on a combination of customer surveys, Google reviews, proper insurance and licenses, and company financial data to inform our ratings.
• We’ve spent over 25 years refining the way we do research so that our ratings remain exceptionally reliable.
• Another way we’re different: companies cannot buy their way into our report. We do not sell advertising space, improved ratings, or better placement in our report; instead, companies are listed in order based on their longevity as a Certified Best Pick company.
• Inclusion is by invitation alone, and that invitation is extended only if a company has met our strict qualifying criteria.
• In the same way that homeowners benefit from Best Pick Reports, qualifying companies also benefit from the promotion, which creates a win-win environment for the company and potential customer.
• Most participating companies pay a fee each time they receive a new customer from Best Pick Reports, though some companies instead pay a percent of the completed job amount. These payments cover the cost of our vetting process and allow us to distribute our publication at no cost to homeowners.
• For each Best Pick Reports publication, we conduct independent consumer satisfaction surveys every year with homeowners who had firsthand experience with home service providers. If needed, we also analyze Google reviews.
• Our internal surveying is an independent process conducted through our own phone surveying platform or through our sister research company GuildQuality, an industry leader in consumer satisfaction surveying.
• We develop a company’s rating according to the survey and review data we have about that company spanning the past three years; the company’s financial standing; and proper insurance and licenses, which we verify through the issuing bodies.
• Every Best Pick company must maintain extremely high satisfaction rates. At least 80 percent of a company’s customer responses through in-house surveying must be positive (on a scale of 1-5, a positive experience is a rating of 4 or 5). If Google reviews are referenced, the company must have an overall 4.0 or greater rating over the past three years.
• Once the research process is complete, companies excelling in each category have the option of participating in the Best Pick program, authorizing us to include their name in our semiannual publication and on our website.
• Companies new to Best Pick Reports must meet our qualification standards and have a minimum of one year of service in the book area or a strong franchise history.
• Companies must maintain the same satisfaction rates every year after qualifying to continue their inclusion in the Best Pick program.
• The exact review count spanning the last three years of review data for each company can be found to the left of the company’s profile on bestpickreports.com.
• When we list a company as a Best Pick, we absolutely believe it to be the case, and that belief is continuously confirmed by the enormously positive experiences that homeowners report.
• The Best Pick Guarantee provides homeowners with security and confidence when hiring Best Pick companies, which are the best of the best; however, we also know that no company is perfect.
• In the event that the work of a Best Pick company is unsatisfactory, the Best Pick Guarantee gives registered homeowners the ability to seek remediation in the form of additional service to resolve the issue and, when appropriate, financial restitution.
• Throughout the remediation process, we will act as third-party mediator, advocating for a satisfactory solution for all parties. In the event that an issue requires monetary reimbursement, we will determine the amount and the method of the guarantee payment, up to $2,500.
• To register and see full terms and conditions, please visit bestpickreports.com/guarantee.
• Prior to publication, we verify general liability insurance and, when required by the state, workers’ compensation insurance for all Best Pick companies.
• We also verify trade licenses required by the state by referring directly to the appropriate state authority.
• If a company does not have the proper licenses or insurance, it is not eligible to be a Best Pick participant—even if its reviews justify such designation.
• If you complete a customer satisfaction survey, your responses may appear on the company’s public profile.
• Names are listed in a first name, last initial format.
• We will not share your specific survey response information or contact information with any party outside of the company for which you completed a survey without your consent or unless directed to do so by a court of law.
• There are many reasons why a company may not be listed in our report. It is possible the company did not receive a good rating, does not conduct a considerable amount of business in the geographic area, or chose not to participate in the Best Pick program.
• We may also not be familiar with all companies in a metro area and would be happy to consider a nomination. If you would like to nominate your favorite service provider, please visit bestpickreports.com/ nominate-a-company.
• If a specific category is not listed in Best Pick Reports, you can visit our blog at bestpickreports.com/blog to learn about various home projects, tips on hiring a contractor, and more.
Prices that seem too good to be true usually are. Some companies that offer “great deals” provide low-quality work or use substandard materials, while others engage in questionable business practices like tax dodging or working without insurance. Some companies will raise the price or add items after the homeowner commits to the project.
Be wary of a company selling door to door. Some contractors have well-rehearsed, door-to-door scams designed to quickly separate you from your money. They travel from city to city preying on unsuspecting homeowners; unfortunately, many of these scam artists target elderly residents. Reputable contractors rely more on referrals than door-to-door sales.
Resist high-pressure sales. Some companies offer “today only” incentives to encourage you to make a quick decision. Avoid companies practicing this high-pressure sales technique. If a company tries to force you to make a decision before you can do your homework, they probably do not want you to inspect them too closely.
Avoid moonlighters. A moonlighter is an employee who steals a customer from his or her employer. Moonlighters are not as concerned about their reputations as established companies may be. Furthermore, to offer a lower price, the moonlighter often avoids such things as insurance, taxes, licenses, and other overhead.
Check for licenses and insurance. Research the company to make sure that they have the required trade licenses and insurance for their line of work. Never rely on a company for insurance or license verification; instead contact the issuing authority directly to ensure validity. Licenses and insurance can expire at any time, so verify this information before making a hiring decision.
Make sure you’re on the same page with the contractor. All project details and verbal commitments should be in writing before signing a contract. Reliable companies use written contracts to clarify terms and set mutual expectations.
Only compare apples to apples. Educate yourself about the quality of what you are buying, or taking the lowest price may cost you more in the end. Some companies knowingly deliver low quality at a low price. In sales calls, these companies do not stress the low quality as much as a low price. Always get the details in writing when comparing companies.
Avoid business on a handshake. If a company representative or contractor claims his or her handshake is as good as a contract, keep looking. Reputable companies that sell large-ticket items and services insist on contracts.
Avoid paying for everything up front. If you make a large, up-front cash payment to a company that promptly goes out of business or skips town, you will lose that money. If an up-front payment is unavoidable, consider charging the payment to a credit card. Your credit card company may allow you to dispute the charge if services are not rendered.
Be wary of the vocal minority. The small percentage of customers who submit online reviews tends to skew to extremes. You will typically find reviews that provide overwhelming praise for the company or a harsh recounting of the homeowner’s experience. The validity of these reviews is not in question, but the two extremes are not truly representative of a company’s overall performance.
Never open an account in your name for a contractor. Some individuals or contractors request an account at a local store in the homeowner’s name to allow the contractor to charge the homeowner’s materials directly to this account. If a contractor’s credit is not good enough to open an account, you should probably stay away.
Never make the final payment until you are completely happy. Contractors could be much less interested in making you happy after they have been paid in full. Some less-reputable individuals will present many seemingly plausible reasons why you should pay them now instead of waiting until the end of the project. Do not be pressured into paying early.
Thoroughly check references. Before hiring a contractor for a major project such as remodeling, interview a few of the company’s references. When talking with references, ask questions about quality, schedule adherence, cleanup, communication, and disagreement resolution. For an accurate idea of the company’s overall performance, check more than one reference.
Request lien releases. A lien is a claim made against a homeowner’s property by an individual or company that has supplied labor or materials and has not been paid. A subcontractor can legally place a lien on your property if the general contractor fails to pay him or her. To avoid a lien on your house, make the receipt of lien releases from the contractor and all subcontractors a condition of payment.
Avoid cash payments. Some contractors and service providers demand cash payments or offer substantial discounts for cash payments to avoid bounced checks and garnished wages. Cash payments are hard to track, but checks and other non-cash payment forms leave a paper trail, which is very useful if you ever need to prove you actually paid a bill.
Clean out junk and debris from house and yard
Clean carpets and upholstery
Clean air ducts
Check air filters for cleaning or replacement
Set ceiling fan blades to run counterclockwise
Scalp lawn
Aerate lawn, fertilize cool-season grass, and apply pre-emergent herbicide
Mow lawn at least once a week
Inspect for termites
Check roof for leaks and damaged shingles
Clean gutters and downspouts
Start up sprinkler system and pool
Clean outside structures such as awnings, walkways, and storage sheds
Wash windows
Clean HVAC condenser
Lubricate garage door and check door alignment
Inspect basement or crawl space for leaks, standing water, and mold
Check plumbing for leaks, rust, and damaged pipes
Drain and refill water heater
Check air filters for cleaning or replacement
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Test GFCI outlets
Clean refrigerator coils
Fertilize warm-season grass
Water lawn—average one inch of water per week
Mow lawn every seven to ten days
Inspect trees for dead branches as well as pest and disease issues
Pressure wash siding and fence
Touch up paint
Restain or reseal deck
Disclaimer: If you live in an area that experiences extremely warm or cold temperatures, consult with a local Best Pick for customized home maintenance suggestions.
Inspect and clean fireplace and chimney
Pest-proof home in anticipation of colder weather
Inspect and clean furnace
Check air filters for cleaning or replacement
Set ceiling fan blades to run clockwise
Check insulation levels in attic and basement or crawl space
Organize closets and garage
Seed lawn, fertilize cool-season grass, and apply pre-emergent herbicide
Check windows and doors for gaps; caulk or weatherstrip as needed
Prune trees and remove dead branches
Check roof for missing, loose, or damaged shingles
Clean gutters and downspouts
Wash windows
Shut down pool and sprinkler system
Remove leaves from and clean outside structures such as awnings, walkways, and storage sheds
Lubricate garage door and check door alignment
Check bathrooms and basements for mold and moisture
Check air filters for cleaning or replacement
Inspect electrical system
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Clean refrigerator coils
Make sure family members know winter storm plan
Insulate exposed pipes and spigots
Check for cracks in driveway, home foundation, and patio
Check for leaning trees near home
Inspect landscaping and prepare for spring
Inspect fence and replace loose or rotten boards as well as rusty or worn gate hardware
Disclaimer: If you live in an area that experiences extremely warm or cold temperatures, consult with a local Best Pick for customized home maintenance suggestions.
The majority of our Best Pick companies are identified through our due diligence research. We also accept nominations from homeowners and companies. All companies must qualify through our rigorous vetting process to be awarded the Best Pick status and invited to the Best Pick program. A company cannot buy its way in. Because of our qualification method and invitation-only certification process, you can be confident that every Best Pick has been rated as exceptional in quality and customer service.
We develop a company’s rating based on review and survey data; the company’s financial standing; and proper licenses and insurance. Every Best Pick company must maintain extremely high satisfaction rates. At least 80 percent of a company’s customer responses through in-house surveying must be positive (on a scale of 1-5, a positive experience is a rating of 4 or 5). If Google reviews are referenced, the company must have an overall 4.0 or greater rating over the past three years. Only qualified companies are invited into the Best Pick program.
To send Best Pick Reports to the areas that our companies service, we obtain basic homeowner information like name and address from publicly available sources such as county records and property data providers, similar to how sites like whitepages. com or zillow.com obtain data. We
take your privacy very seriously and will never share or sell this data.
The rigorous nature of our qualification process means that many companies do not qualify. Since all Best Pick companies must requalify each year, it is also possible for a company to lose its Best Pick status if it fails to meet our standards during our annual qualification cycle.
A particular company may not be listed in Best Pick Reports for a variety of reasons. It is possible the company did not receive a good rating, does not conduct a considerable amount of business in the geographic area, does not have the required insurance and licenses, or chose not to participate in the Best Pick program. Additionally, we may not be familiar with every company in a market, in which case we’d be happy to consider a nomination.
Companies that meet our requirements have the option of participating in the Best Pick program. Those that choose to participate receive the designation and authorize us to include their name in our semiannual publication and on our website. These companies pay a fee that covers the cost of our qualification research and allows us to distribute our publication at no cost to homeowners. Companies cannot buy their way in. Participation in the Best Pick program is by invitation only and is completely voluntary.
We’ve been matching top-quality companies with homeowners since 1997, and our research shows that the Best Pick companies we recommend have extremely high satisfaction rates from their customers. Through Best Pick Reports, you can also access useful information on home repairs and home service companies, so you can be educated when reaching out to companies for your next project.
All Best Pick companies are covered by our Best Pick Guarantee. Register for free at bestpickreports.com/guarantee, and we will step in and mediate a solution if you have any problems with the quality of work provided by your Best Pick. If no agreeable solution can be achieved, we will refund your purchase up to $2,500. Read full terms at bestpickreports.com/terms.
To ensure we’re matching homeowners in our service areas with Best Pick companies, we use tracking numbers in our publications. Also, when you call a company from our book or website, the company will know that you’re calling through Best Pick Reports due to this unique number.
Phone: 877-906-7575
Mail: 225 Ottley Dr NE #200 Atlanta, GA 30324
Email: helpdesk@bestpickreports.com
Best Pick Reports is a free, annual guide that features independently qualified and recommended local home service providers. With Best Pick Reports, you receive free, objective, third-party data that enables you to identify top-quality companies servicing your neighborhood.
For more information, please visit www.bestpickreports.com
Our sister company GuildQuality is the building and home improvement industry’s leader in third-party customer satisfaction surveying. For each Best Pick Reports publication, GuildQuality conducts extensive consumer satisfaction research to review home service providers, and we use the data collected to provide testimonials and objective, third-party ratings of companies in dozens of categories.
For more information, please visit www.guildquality.com.
Our parent company, EverCommerce, is the nation’s leading service commerce platform, supporting the success of B2B technology and service companies as well as the tens of thousands of home improvement businesses they serve across the country.
For more information, please visit www.evercommerce.com
Best Pick Reports Staff
Operations
Christopher Brady
Lauren Barron
Patrick Recchia
Ryan LaMotte
Latasha Roberson
Production
Bekah Goudy
Cate Lightburn
Research & Qualification
Amber Davis
Brittany Mahaffey
Malone Walker
Editors
Julia Mann
Designer
Omar Ghuzlan
Your Service Team
Customer Experience
Sarah Blackington
Victoria Cheshire
Account Managers
Adam Greene
Amanda McClellan
Brandy Coble
Kaley Whitenton
Rachel Bowers
Homeowner Support
Bria Claiborne
877-906-7575
helpdesk@bestpickreports.com
