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
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
OVER 100 YEARS COMBINED EXPERIENCE AS YOU PATIO AND HARDSCAPE EXPERTS! SBC Outdoor Services was founded in 2015 by Brad Crist. Brad had over 15 years of experience in the industry and wanted to create a landscaping company that could hold true to the concept of “quality landscaping.” Ever since then we've been constantly growing as a high-end hardscape, landscape design, and commercial maintenance business. Over the course of our existence, we've earned a great reputation for quality service and we aim to not just maintain our reputation for excellence but to constantly improve it. That's why we only hire the best of the best. Our management team alone has over 30 years of experience in the industry and members of management used to maintain the White House. The rest of our team is similarly qualified and has over 100 years of combined experience. At SBC Outdoor Services we believe that landscaping is an art, not just a skill. We not only teach our employees proper installation methods but also encourage them to take initiative and to completely pour their imagination and skill into their work. Our design and installation divisions make sure that the product will be very functional as well as attractive while our maintenance division employees take great pride in the ongoing beauty of your property.
"I hired them to do landscaping and a driveway, my drive way is crumbling and have holes in it."
Cynthia R on December 2023
OVER 100 YEARS COMBINED EXPERIENCE AS YOU PATIO AND HARDSCAPE EXPERTS! SBC Outdoor Services was founded in 2015 by Brad Crist. Brad had over 15 years of experience in the industry and wanted to create a landscaping company that could hold true to the concept of “quality landscaping.” Ever since then we've been constantly growing as a high-end hardscape, landscape design, and commercial maintenance business. Over the course of our existence, we've earned a great reputation for quality service and we aim to not just maintain our reputation for excellence but to constantly improve it. That's why we only hire the best of the best. Our management team alone has over 30 years of experience in the industry and members of management used to maintain the White House. The rest of our team is similarly qualified and has over 100 years of combined experience. At SBC Outdoor Services we believe that landscaping is an art, not just a skill. We not only teach our employees proper installation methods but also encourage them to take initiative and to completely pour their imagination and skill into their work. Our design and installation divisions make sure that the product will be very functional as well as attractive while our maintenance division employees take great pride in the ongoing beauty of your property.
"I hired them to do landscaping and a driveway, my drive way is crumbling and have holes in it."
Cynthia R on December 2023
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
WE offer Senior, Teachers, Military and First Responders discounts! ONE-STOP- SHOP, with over 15 years of professional experience covering all your home improvement needs. Our specialties include: Bathroom and Kitchen Remodel, Home Renovations, Interior and exterior Painting, Decks, Gutter Installation, Flooring Installation. Our quotes are ALWAYS FREE! We are licensed and insured to deliver superior service. We guarantee great quality results on all projects offering fair and competitive prices. We take great pride in pleasing our customers! Give us a call today, we look forward to serving you!
"Awesome. The DMV Pro team were extremely professional and informative every step of the way."
Wayne G on April 2025
WE offer Senior, Teachers, Military and First Responders discounts! ONE-STOP- SHOP, with over 15 years of professional experience covering all your home improvement needs. Our specialties include: Bathroom and Kitchen Remodel, Home Renovations, Interior and exterior Painting, Decks, Gutter Installation, Flooring Installation. Our quotes are ALWAYS FREE! We are licensed and insured to deliver superior service. We guarantee great quality results on all projects offering fair and competitive prices. We take great pride in pleasing our customers! Give us a call today, we look forward to serving you!
"Awesome. The DMV Pro team were extremely professional and informative every step of the way."
Wayne G on April 2025
The Cabinet Restoration Company is your cabinetry expert specializing in the restoration of cabinetry. It is our commitment to provide the highest level of customer service and quality to our clientele. Our highly skilled staff of craftsman have decades of experience each and we use only the highest quality wood products. This allows us to provide our customers with results that are guaranteed to be beautiful, durable, and affordable. "Our job is not done until you are completely satisfied!" The Cabinet Restoration Company can balance budget and artistry to meet your individual needs.
"Cabinet Restoration Co is top notch! It was a very pleasant and easy experience for me. I would do it again in a heartbeat! I wish I could rate it 10 ⭐️! Pete gave me great choices for cabinet doors, moldings, etc. while other companies gave me only one choice. Each door lines up perfectly using the best hinges. The installer, Steve, took his time and created a magnificent look. What an excellent, professional artist he is! He is very talented craftsman and I trusted his judgement 100%, since he has many years of experience. I cannot rave enough about the skill and craftsmanship of my new kitchen! If you choose another company you are making a big mistake. I promise that you will have absolutely no regrets and it will be worth your wait! I promise you that!"
Sue S on February 2025
The Cabinet Restoration Company is your cabinetry expert specializing in the restoration of cabinetry. It is our commitment to provide the highest level of customer service and quality to our clientele. Our highly skilled staff of craftsman have decades of experience each and we use only the highest quality wood products. This allows us to provide our customers with results that are guaranteed to be beautiful, durable, and affordable. "Our job is not done until you are completely satisfied!" The Cabinet Restoration Company can balance budget and artistry to meet your individual needs.
"Cabinet Restoration Co is top notch! It was a very pleasant and easy experience for me. I would do it again in a heartbeat! I wish I could rate it 10 ⭐️! Pete gave me great choices for cabinet doors, moldings, etc. while other companies gave me only one choice. Each door lines up perfectly using the best hinges. The installer, Steve, took his time and created a magnificent look. What an excellent, professional artist he is! He is very talented craftsman and I trusted his judgement 100%, since he has many years of experience. I cannot rave enough about the skill and craftsmanship of my new kitchen! If you choose another company you are making a big mistake. I promise that you will have absolutely no regrets and it will be worth your wait! I promise you that!"
Sue S on February 2025
We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won’t leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Check out all the services we offer below and call -or- click to schedule an estimate today!
"The work was done on time and in a fashionable way he’s an excellent individual above reproach. Very nice guy very respectful."
TED E on August 2024
We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won’t leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Check out all the services we offer below and call -or- click to schedule an estimate today!
"The work was done on time and in a fashionable way he’s an excellent individual above reproach. Very nice guy very respectful."
TED E on August 2024
John Krause Construction, Inc. is an unparalleled team of professionals dedicated to the mission of custom home design and building. Together the John Krause team creates a superlative custom home building and home improvement experience tailored to the needs, wants and dreams of each client. We are passionate about our client relationships and this is reflected in all that we do. From the in-house design process, interior and exterior customization and artisanal craftsmanship to the professional management and accurate fixed pricing, our aim is your total satisfaction with your new home, architectural restoration or home remodeling project.
"I am writing to formally express my deep dissatisfaction with the recent retaining wall replacement project completed by John Krause Construction (JKC) at my property. After reading positive reviews and receiving an estimate that, although over my budget, seemed reasonable for the work involved, I made the decision to hire JKC. Unfortunately, this has proven to be a significant mistake, and I am left extremely disappointed with both the quality of work and the overall experience. Here are the main issues I encountered: 1. Unprofessional Behavior: The crew exhibited unacceptable behavior while working on my property. Not only did I witness them disposing of bodily fluids on-site, but they were also disrespectful and dismissive. when I raised concerns no response was received. I now smell urine when entering and exiting my garage. 2. Unresponsive Ownership: I have attempted to reach out to the owner multiple times to address these concerns and resolve the issues, but my messages have been met with silence. This lack of communication is incredibly frustrating and has only added to my disappointment. The owner refused to speak on the phone since the owner was made aware of the call being recorded. 3. Property Damage: During the construction process, my property was left damaged in multiple areas. This included e.g., landscaping destruction, equipment damage. Personal crew members vehicles being driven through my yard leaving deep tire marks damage. 4. Subpar Quality of Work: Despite the high cost of the project, the final result does not meet the standards outlined in the estimate or contract. No proper grading was completed. Every time it rains pools of water sits in front and behind the wall. The response received was. “we have passed all inspections. There will be some water pooling while it is settling still. Plus the fact of the hard rain today, it will happen.” The wall has been completed for 2 months. Given the extensive problems, stress and anxiety I have faced. I do not recommend John Krause Construction."
B F on April 2025
John Krause Construction, Inc. is an unparalleled team of professionals dedicated to the mission of custom home design and building. Together the John Krause team creates a superlative custom home building and home improvement experience tailored to the needs, wants and dreams of each client. We are passionate about our client relationships and this is reflected in all that we do. From the in-house design process, interior and exterior customization and artisanal craftsmanship to the professional management and accurate fixed pricing, our aim is your total satisfaction with your new home, architectural restoration or home remodeling project.
"I am writing to formally express my deep dissatisfaction with the recent retaining wall replacement project completed by John Krause Construction (JKC) at my property. After reading positive reviews and receiving an estimate that, although over my budget, seemed reasonable for the work involved, I made the decision to hire JKC. Unfortunately, this has proven to be a significant mistake, and I am left extremely disappointed with both the quality of work and the overall experience. Here are the main issues I encountered: 1. Unprofessional Behavior: The crew exhibited unacceptable behavior while working on my property. Not only did I witness them disposing of bodily fluids on-site, but they were also disrespectful and dismissive. when I raised concerns no response was received. I now smell urine when entering and exiting my garage. 2. Unresponsive Ownership: I have attempted to reach out to the owner multiple times to address these concerns and resolve the issues, but my messages have been met with silence. This lack of communication is incredibly frustrating and has only added to my disappointment. The owner refused to speak on the phone since the owner was made aware of the call being recorded. 3. Property Damage: During the construction process, my property was left damaged in multiple areas. This included e.g., landscaping destruction, equipment damage. Personal crew members vehicles being driven through my yard leaving deep tire marks damage. 4. Subpar Quality of Work: Despite the high cost of the project, the final result does not meet the standards outlined in the estimate or contract. No proper grading was completed. Every time it rains pools of water sits in front and behind the wall. The response received was. “we have passed all inspections. There will be some water pooling while it is settling still. Plus the fact of the hard rain today, it will happen.” The wall has been completed for 2 months. Given the extensive problems, stress and anxiety I have faced. I do not recommend John Krause Construction."
B F on April 2025
With over 70 years of experience in home improvement, Long Home Products is the industry-leading company you can trust to give you peace of mind. We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity and treats your home as if it were our own. We are experts in all aspects of roofing, bathroom, window and door 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 and guarantee your satisfaction!
"STAY AWAY!!!! This Company cancelled the initial estimate on me 3 times making me drive 90 minutes to the property each time. They finally showed and gave me the typical hard sell "if you sign the contract today..." They gave us a quote so far over market value we should have walked away. But we agreed because of the "70 year history in the industry" We thought we were buying a service from a company with integrity. They took an immediate $18K deposit on a $55K project. I know, shame on me for agreeing to such an amount. We knew we were over spending, but... One month later, they simply cancelled the contract without explanation and without any work on the project. This contract was binding on us but, in their words, was not binding on them because "there's a clause in the fine print that allows them to cancel" THEY STILL HAVE OUR MONEY and I STILL NEED A ROOF Stay away from this company. No integrity No responsibility Unreliable Over priced Will take your money and keep it"
Michael H on August 2024
With over 70 years of experience in home improvement, Long Home Products is the industry-leading company you can trust to give you peace of mind. We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity and treats your home as if it were our own. We are experts in all aspects of roofing, bathroom, window and door 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 and guarantee your satisfaction!
"STAY AWAY!!!! This Company cancelled the initial estimate on me 3 times making me drive 90 minutes to the property each time. They finally showed and gave me the typical hard sell "if you sign the contract today..." They gave us a quote so far over market value we should have walked away. But we agreed because of the "70 year history in the industry" We thought we were buying a service from a company with integrity. They took an immediate $18K deposit on a $55K project. I know, shame on me for agreeing to such an amount. We knew we were over spending, but... One month later, they simply cancelled the contract without explanation and without any work on the project. This contract was binding on us but, in their words, was not binding on them because "there's a clause in the fine print that allows them to cancel" THEY STILL HAVE OUR MONEY and I STILL NEED A ROOF Stay away from this company. No integrity No responsibility Unreliable Over priced Will take your money and keep it"
Michael H on August 2024
Regular care helps keep the wood looking good and prevents it from absorbing stains from food. Lacquered or epoxy bar top sealed countertops only require regular cleaning. For stained counters, you’ll want to stain again every three to five years.
Oil unfinished butcher block (and any wood) regularly at least once a month for the first year and then at least twice yearly after that. You can use these oils:
Food-grade mineral oil
Pure tung oil
Raw linseed oil
Walnut or almond oil
Coconut oil
Butcher block countertops do require regular upkeep to maintain their beauty and longevity, but with consistent care, they can last for decades. You'll need to clean them regularly with soap and water and apply a food-grade oil or polyurethane sealant once a month to protect against stains and damage. Occasional sanding and refinishing will help preserve a smooth, attractive surface throughout their lifespan, around 20 years.
You can buy butcher block countertops from large home improvement stores like Home Depot, Lowe's, and Menards. You can also find it at kitchen remodeling stores. You can find many online options from large sites and custom work from artisans. However, you’ll likely get the best price through your installer.
Yes, butcher block countertops can be kept sanitary with proper care. Regular cleaning with soap and water—or a mixture of vinegar and salt—helps eliminate bacteria. Applying a food-grade oil regularly preserves the surface, and sealing it with a bar top epoxy provides extra protection. With these practices, your butcher block countertop remains safe and hygienic for food preparation.
With proper maintenance, butcher block countertops can last around 20 years. This lifespan is similar to that of materials like granite and longer than the lifespan of laminate countertops. To keep them in good condition, you'll need to reseal them regularly—ideally once a month—and clean them routinely to prevent surface damage. If you notice deep scratches, stains, or dings, you can resurface them to restore their appearance.
Butcher block countertops cost less than quartz. The average butcher block countertop costs $3,750, while quartz countertops cost $4,500. This cost advantage is coupled with the natural warmth and unique appearance of wood, making butcher block a compelling choice for kitchen design when proper maintenance is applied to preserve its quality.