We are a locally owned and operated company with over 22 years of industry experience. We value honesty and integrity in all aspects of our business. We offer a variety of Home Improvement services that are customizable to each individual project. We specialize in handyman/carpentry work and a variety of related service and repair projects. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships with our clients and guarantee your satisfaction!
"Great service and good work!"
Franklin F on February 2023
We are a locally owned and operated company with over 22 years of industry experience. We value honesty and integrity in all aspects of our business. We offer a variety of Home Improvement services that are customizable to each individual project. We specialize in handyman/carpentry work and a variety of related service and repair projects. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships with our clients and guarantee your satisfaction!
"Great service and good work!"
Franklin F on February 2023
We are committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.
"The owner is very professional , the gave me a great price and the quality of work is amazing"
Eli G on February 2024
We are committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.
"The owner is very professional , the gave me a great price and the quality of work is amazing"
Eli G on February 2024
Continuing my longstanding service of over 20 years in property management on residential and commercial properties, Ive launched my own business in the home improvement field. Maintaining my honest standards, dependability, and reliability track record with clients, I’m able to continue to fulfill my vision independently. This is my life's passion and I look forward to servicing your home soon.
"Mr. Cook came immediately both times I called him and took care of the issue that was causing the blockage in the main drain. He’s very professional."
Jessica H on January 2025
Continuing my longstanding service of over 20 years in property management on residential and commercial properties, Ive launched my own business in the home improvement field. Maintaining my honest standards, dependability, and reliability track record with clients, I’m able to continue to fulfill my vision independently. This is my life's passion and I look forward to servicing your home soon.
"Mr. Cook came immediately both times I called him and took care of the issue that was causing the blockage in the main drain. He’s very professional."
Jessica H on January 2025
Betterliving sunroom of the Capital area is sub division of Deck Soldier - family own business, over 14 years we spetialise in Deck building , restoration and screen porch constractions. December 2023 is time when we get opportunity to be come dealer for one of the best Sunroom manufactory -Betterliving sunrooms. Beginning of 2024 was education time. We spent 2 weeks with crew leaders on factory in PA - learning new materials and installation process. Another 2 weeks our sales team learned history of 70 years company and saw how every detail of sunroom is made, learn why Betterliving Sunrooms is best quality sunrooms on market. We proud that we build over 30 Sunrooms and screen porches in 2024 and all our customers happy with their final rooms. We sustain our business on quality and integrity. We look forward to earning your business -sunrooms (3 or 4 season , vinyl or aluminum) -screen rooms -porches -deck building -deck remodeling -deck restoration( washing, staining) -paver patio/retaining walls
"Deck Soldier (aka Betterliving) did a fantastic job of powerwashing and then sealing my deck, installing new handrails, and staining the swingset in the yard. Very pleased with their work and their professionalism."
Andrew H on October 2024
Betterliving sunroom of the Capital area is sub division of Deck Soldier - family own business, over 14 years we spetialise in Deck building , restoration and screen porch constractions. December 2023 is time when we get opportunity to be come dealer for one of the best Sunroom manufactory -Betterliving sunrooms. Beginning of 2024 was education time. We spent 2 weeks with crew leaders on factory in PA - learning new materials and installation process. Another 2 weeks our sales team learned history of 70 years company and saw how every detail of sunroom is made, learn why Betterliving Sunrooms is best quality sunrooms on market. We proud that we build over 30 Sunrooms and screen porches in 2024 and all our customers happy with their final rooms. We sustain our business on quality and integrity. We look forward to earning your business -sunrooms (3 or 4 season , vinyl or aluminum) -screen rooms -porches -deck building -deck remodeling -deck restoration( washing, staining) -paver patio/retaining walls
"Deck Soldier (aka Betterliving) did a fantastic job of powerwashing and then sealing my deck, installing new handrails, and staining the swingset in the yard. Very pleased with their work and their professionalism."
Andrew H on October 2024
BasementRemodeling.com / Basement Masters - licensed and insured, award winning Basement Remodeling and Finishing company. Highest rated basement renovation contractor in Maryland. Finished Basements are our specialty. We specialize in custom basement remodeling and finishing and other large-scale remodels. We offer free in home and over-the-phone estimate and consultation. Here at BasementRemodeling.com we believe that QUALITY AND EXCEPTIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP must always come along with AFFORDABILITY. keywords: finished basement basements remodeling.
"Job was performed in a timely manner. Great communication throughout project. Site kept clean during construction."
Erin K on October 2024
BasementRemodeling.com / Basement Masters - licensed and insured, award winning Basement Remodeling and Finishing company. Highest rated basement renovation contractor in Maryland. Finished Basements are our specialty. We specialize in custom basement remodeling and finishing and other large-scale remodels. We offer free in home and over-the-phone estimate and consultation. Here at BasementRemodeling.com we believe that QUALITY AND EXCEPTIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP must always come along with AFFORDABILITY. keywords: finished basement basements remodeling.
"Job was performed in a timely manner. Great communication throughout project. Site kept clean during construction."
Erin K on October 2024
At Misha’s Home Improvement Inc, we treat your home as if it were our own. We pride ourselves on exceeding customer expectations. We provide the highest quality remodeling services, unsurpassed customer service, and an experienced and skilled team of professionals. We pull the highest-quality products together with the most cost-efficient solutions to execute your interior and exterior home improvement projects. Our staff is cautiously picked to fit the business philosophy and dedication to the highest of customer expectations. As a result we have maintained a family atmosphere in the office, in the field, and now in your home. We strive to provide the best home improvement and remodeling services in the industry and we guarantee our work.
"We hired Misha and his team to remodel our 1975 ranch house, which needed a lot of care and attention. This is one of the best decisions we have made! After bad experiences with other reno projects in the past, we were very worried about taking on another project. Misha put us to ease after our first meeting, and our respect for him grew every day. Misha’s team showed up every weekday and even on weekends until the project was done. My neighbor, who is a real estate agent, told us she had never seen such a professional and reliable crew. His men were friendly and very accommodating, they began to feel like family. Their incredible craftsmanship exceeded our expectations, including installing a huge customized master walk-in closet and a living room built-in unit. Misha provided great counsel when we were planning the reno, had wonderful suggestions, and was open to all our ideas. Their prices were very reasonable in comparison with other area contractors. We cannot recommend them highly enough!"
Amy C on March 2023
At Misha’s Home Improvement Inc, we treat your home as if it were our own. We pride ourselves on exceeding customer expectations. We provide the highest quality remodeling services, unsurpassed customer service, and an experienced and skilled team of professionals. We pull the highest-quality products together with the most cost-efficient solutions to execute your interior and exterior home improvement projects. Our staff is cautiously picked to fit the business philosophy and dedication to the highest of customer expectations. As a result we have maintained a family atmosphere in the office, in the field, and now in your home. We strive to provide the best home improvement and remodeling services in the industry and we guarantee our work.
"We hired Misha and his team to remodel our 1975 ranch house, which needed a lot of care and attention. This is one of the best decisions we have made! After bad experiences with other reno projects in the past, we were very worried about taking on another project. Misha put us to ease after our first meeting, and our respect for him grew every day. Misha’s team showed up every weekday and even on weekends until the project was done. My neighbor, who is a real estate agent, told us she had never seen such a professional and reliable crew. His men were friendly and very accommodating, they began to feel like family. Their incredible craftsmanship exceeded our expectations, including installing a huge customized master walk-in closet and a living room built-in unit. Misha provided great counsel when we were planning the reno, had wonderful suggestions, and was open to all our ideas. Their prices were very reasonable in comparison with other area contractors. We cannot recommend them highly enough!"
Amy C on March 2023
We are a local remodeling company that has been deeply rooted in this area for over 4 generations. Our family has been in real estate building and remodeling for decades and we continue to serve our local community. We handle the entire home, from foundation repairs, framing, roofing, siding, painting, flooring, kitchens and bathroom remodeling. Our team is family focused and work hard everyday to provide excellent service for a fair price. Call or email today to become one of our Happy homeowners. We do listen to messages left during the weekend.
"They did a great job and were quick! They finished in record time and their prices are reasonable. We did a pretty major renovation to our living room, dining room and stairs. They communicated at each step of the way, were professional and we couldn't be happier with how it turned out!"
Amanda B on February 2023
We are a local remodeling company that has been deeply rooted in this area for over 4 generations. Our family has been in real estate building and remodeling for decades and we continue to serve our local community. We handle the entire home, from foundation repairs, framing, roofing, siding, painting, flooring, kitchens and bathroom remodeling. Our team is family focused and work hard everyday to provide excellent service for a fair price. Call or email today to become one of our Happy homeowners. We do listen to messages left during the weekend.
"They did a great job and were quick! They finished in record time and their prices are reasonable. We did a pretty major renovation to our living room, dining room and stairs. They communicated at each step of the way, were professional and we couldn't be happier with how it turned out!"
Amanda B on February 2023
First Impression Hardscapes is the premier hardscape artisan in the D.C. metro area, serving Maryland and Washington D.C. We take a custom approach to designing your driveway, walkway, patio, or pool deck in elegant flagstone or stunning, durable pavers. First Impression’s will turn your hardscape fantasies into a First Impression reality! - OUR MISSION: To provide lifestyle changing hardscapes that are aesthetically pleasing, durable, and have eternal value. - OUR VISION: To be the leading hardscape installer in Maryland and Washington D.C. by becoming home and property owners’ first choice for all of their hardscape needs. - OUR HISTORY: First Impression Hardscapes has over 20 years combined experience in serving the D.C. metro area. Our quality of construction is second to none, and we also pride ourselves in having superior customer relations. All of our crews are completely “in house”; we do not use sub-contractors. We are licensed and insured for all of your hardscape needs. No matter how large or small, we are pleased to transform your hardscape fantasies into a First Impression reality! -- Additional email: info@firsthardscapes.com.
"Outstanding estimator, who gave us a few different options for the work. Cost estimate was very competitive, and they had the best 'vision' for the work, and were available to start fairly quickly. Work was completed very rapidly, but with top-notch quality and precision in their work. Highly recommended!"
Stuart L on December 2024
First Impression Hardscapes is the premier hardscape artisan in the D.C. metro area, serving Maryland and Washington D.C. We take a custom approach to designing your driveway, walkway, patio, or pool deck in elegant flagstone or stunning, durable pavers. First Impression’s will turn your hardscape fantasies into a First Impression reality! - OUR MISSION: To provide lifestyle changing hardscapes that are aesthetically pleasing, durable, and have eternal value. - OUR VISION: To be the leading hardscape installer in Maryland and Washington D.C. by becoming home and property owners’ first choice for all of their hardscape needs. - OUR HISTORY: First Impression Hardscapes has over 20 years combined experience in serving the D.C. metro area. Our quality of construction is second to none, and we also pride ourselves in having superior customer relations. All of our crews are completely “in house”; we do not use sub-contractors. We are licensed and insured for all of your hardscape needs. No matter how large or small, we are pleased to transform your hardscape fantasies into a First Impression reality! -- Additional email: info@firsthardscapes.com.
"Outstanding estimator, who gave us a few different options for the work. Cost estimate was very competitive, and they had the best 'vision' for the work, and were available to start fairly quickly. Work was completed very rapidly, but with top-notch quality and precision in their work. Highly recommended!"
Stuart L on December 2024
You’ll get both in S&J. As a family owned and operated business located in Howard County, MD we have been helping homeowners in all of Howard County MD, parts of Carroll County, Baltimore County and Northern Anne Arundel County Maryland and surrounding areas with their home improvement needs for over 20 years.
"They did a wonderful job installing floor tiles, a new vanity, shelving, and various metal hooks and towel racks."
Kimberley H on November 2024
You’ll get both in S&J. As a family owned and operated business located in Howard County, MD we have been helping homeowners in all of Howard County MD, parts of Carroll County, Baltimore County and Northern Anne Arundel County Maryland and surrounding areas with their home improvement needs for over 20 years.
"They did a wonderful job installing floor tiles, a new vanity, shelving, and various metal hooks and towel racks."
Kimberley H on November 2024
At River View our renovations stands out for its comprehensive services, expert team, customized solutions, quality assurance, proactive communication, attention to detail, timely completion, and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. Let us turn your renovation dreams into reality request a quote today!
"We write this review as a sigh of relief now that our renovation project with River View is finally complete. The quality of the final work is excellent, and the construction crew, architect, and county inspector were all great to work with. The original crew we worked with, led by Edwin, were so hardworking, friendly, thorough, and fast. That's what really pushed us from 2 to 3 stars. However, the process getting here was frustrating and unnecessarily chaotic. Timeline & Communication Issues: Initial promise: We were clear that the renovation had to allow us to live in our home during construction and be completed before Christmas. Early communication: Our original project manager, Cris, was personable, and early communication seemed fine, if a bit informal and sometimes inappropriately personal. Major miscommunication: Near the holidays, we discovered that the plans submitted included cutting into the roof — something we explicitly said we didn’t want. This contradicted verbal assurances and caused major last-minute changes. Project Management Failures: Poor planning and oversight: Cris and the architect’s plan didn’t align with the construction work. We had to get involved directly with the county to fix errors. Paperwork errors: Incorrect submissions to the county added delays and confusion, which we had to monitor ourselves. Last-minute scramble: We were cleaning up dust on Christmas Eve due to these planning failures. Personnel Turnover & Lack of Handoff: Cris leaves the company: No proper handover to James, the new PM, who was unfamiliar with our project. Crew replaced: The original crew, who were great, were gone; new crew had no context or direction. James leaves: Another handoff with no context — the third PM had no idea about our project or its outstanding items. Escalation mishandled: When we raised our concerns with Kyle, the CEO, the response felt dismissive, with no accountability for the previous missteps. In summary, it's a beautiful end result... but we’re glad it’s over. The process left us frustrated, confused, and frankly, exhausted."
Brian M on April 2025
At River View our renovations stands out for its comprehensive services, expert team, customized solutions, quality assurance, proactive communication, attention to detail, timely completion, and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. Let us turn your renovation dreams into reality request a quote today!
"We write this review as a sigh of relief now that our renovation project with River View is finally complete. The quality of the final work is excellent, and the construction crew, architect, and county inspector were all great to work with. The original crew we worked with, led by Edwin, were so hardworking, friendly, thorough, and fast. That's what really pushed us from 2 to 3 stars. However, the process getting here was frustrating and unnecessarily chaotic. Timeline & Communication Issues: Initial promise: We were clear that the renovation had to allow us to live in our home during construction and be completed before Christmas. Early communication: Our original project manager, Cris, was personable, and early communication seemed fine, if a bit informal and sometimes inappropriately personal. Major miscommunication: Near the holidays, we discovered that the plans submitted included cutting into the roof — something we explicitly said we didn’t want. This contradicted verbal assurances and caused major last-minute changes. Project Management Failures: Poor planning and oversight: Cris and the architect’s plan didn’t align with the construction work. We had to get involved directly with the county to fix errors. Paperwork errors: Incorrect submissions to the county added delays and confusion, which we had to monitor ourselves. Last-minute scramble: We were cleaning up dust on Christmas Eve due to these planning failures. Personnel Turnover & Lack of Handoff: Cris leaves the company: No proper handover to James, the new PM, who was unfamiliar with our project. Crew replaced: The original crew, who were great, were gone; new crew had no context or direction. James leaves: Another handoff with no context — the third PM had no idea about our project or its outstanding items. Escalation mishandled: When we raised our concerns with Kyle, the CEO, the response felt dismissive, with no accountability for the previous missteps. In summary, it's a beautiful end result... but we’re glad it’s over. The process left us frustrated, confused, and frankly, exhausted."
Brian M on April 2025
Converting a garage is worth it because it can significantly increase your home's value while providing additional living space for your family or guests. Adding a bedroom or bathroom enhances your property's appeal to potential buyers, and creating a guest suite or apartment can even generate passive rental income while you still own the house.
A garage conversion can take between two and six weeks for the construction work, depending on the size and complexity of the project. Before construction begins, you need to secure the proper building permits and hire a contractor. Keep in mind that contractors are often in high demand and might schedule several weeks out. If your garage conversion is extensive or involves significant structural changes, the timeline could extend to eight weeks or more. For attached garages, the proximity to your living space may cause some disruption during construction.
To make your garage livable, at a minimum, you need to insulate the walls, add in legally required egress windows, install flooring, put up drywall, and add in air conditioning and heating. If you intend to use the space as a bedroom, office, bathroom, or kitchen, you will need to consider additional electrical and plumbing needs.
A garage conversion counts as living space when it meets certain criteria. The converted garage must be attached to your home and include permanent features like proper insulation, finished walls and ceilings, and adequate ventilation. It should be suitable for year-round living, with heating and cooling systems to maintain comfortable temperatures in all seasons. Meeting these standards allows the converted space to be included in your home's total square footage, potentially increasing its value.
In most cases, you do not need to hire an architect for a garage conversion. An experienced garage conversion contractor usually has the skills to help create your desired design and ensure the project meets building codes. However, if your conversion involves complex structural changes or a large-scale redesign, hiring an architect can be beneficial. An architect can provide detailed plans and oversee the design to maximize space and functionality, ensuring the conversion aligns with your vision and complies with all regulations.