Insulation
Absolute Insulation (David Sampson) - (703) 361-7600 - Easy to work with, quick turn-around, provided all information needed for the energy tax credit, and great results (energy bills cut by an average of 45%).
Ironwork
Bethesda Iron Works - 650 Lofstrand Lane, Rockville, MD 20850, Tel: 301/762-9100. “Used for front steps.”
Kitchen and Bath Renovations
Bill Ripple, Cricket Creek Fine Kitchens and Baths - 301-956-1148, [email protected], www.cckb.net “Did a complete top to bottom remodel of our Glover Park kitchen – taking down the wall between kitchen and dining room, new cabinets, flooring, electric, appliances, the works. Did a fantastic job at a competitive price and gave us a beautiful and functional kitchen that fits the character of the rest of our house. Got the job done in a timely fashion; good communicator who showed up when he said he would; neat, organized, and easy to work with. Highly recommended.”
Do Not Use: Bill Ripple, Cricket Creek. "We had a terrible experience with Bill Ripple from Cricket Creek. We were extremely disappointed, and ultimately had to let him go and we are still in the process of finding individual contractors to finish our bathroom renovation. Frankly, I believe he's capable of very low end renovations, but he is utterly incapable of doing tile work, he's resistant to letting the customer select the brand and style of the finishings, and his estimates for additional work were all over the place. He charged us $1900 extra to drywall the bathroom even though the original quote was to remove and replace "everything" in the bathroom. I have plenty more detail I could provide, but the fact that we couldn't even see it through to the end of the renovation is probably all someone needs to hear."
Laundry
Wash Club DC - (301) 683-7220, www.WashClubDC.com
Wishy WashyToo - (301) 975-7005, www.WishyWashyToo.com
Lead Abatement
Whitehall Associates Inc - (301) 879-5622, [email protected] "They have gone over and above to help me understand what was necessary to meet city requirements for lead found in our home when my child had elevated blood lead levels. They then helped negotiate the paperwork process with the city."
Locksmith
Udi of DC Locksmith, (202) 569-2294. "I just had all the deadbolts changed on our doors by Udi, of DC Locksmith. I'm totally happy with his service (and now we are up to fire code!)"
David (don't have his last name) (202) 568-9208. "This guy was great! He was recommended by our neighbor." (Dec. 2021)
Masonry/Stone Work
WC Weakley - 301-323-3424
"Excellent masonry work - stone and brick. I have a very long corner wall and I hire him whenever it needs a touch up. He is semi-retired so does not charge market rates. Good deal!"
Andy - 301.370.5327 or 301.670.6155 “Stone work is exceptional and has not required maintenance for 2+ years.”
Mr. Herring - Tel: 240-461-9764
James Killingsworth - Fieldstone Masonry Co, (301) 514-5916
Terry Sellheim - TR Sellheim Construction “I recently used TR Sellheim Construction to repair the exterior brick on a house and would definitely recommend him based on my experience. His price was well below another estimate, his guys did very nice work, started when they said they would, finished when they said they would, and cleaned up afterwards. He's also just pleasant to deal with - answers his phone, returns calls. Sounds like what you would expect, but don't often find with contractors.”
Winston Services - (also do gutter work), www.winstonsservices.com
Goldy Brick Construction - 703-250-6231
- “I highly recommend Mr. Goldy with Goldy Brick Construction. He replaced our flag stone front porch steps and walkway for a very reasonable price on short notice, and his work is amazing.”
- “Mr. Goldy with Goldy Brick Construction. He specializes in brick, flagstone, and concrete walkways, patios, and driveways, and he works efficiently and with great skill. He reworked our weathered flagstone walkway and front porch stairs for 20% less than the other estimates we received, and he did a fantastic job.”
Do Not Use - Renaissance Development “They are a nightmare, particularly the owner. She cancelled three appointments at the last minute and then never showed up to do the work after we gave her the green light.”
Massage
Georgetown Massage and Bodywork - 1737-A Wisconsin Ave. NW, (202) 215-8062
Medical Services
Cataract Surgeon
Dr. Marwa Adi, Washington Eye Center, 5454 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 950, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, (301) 657-5700 - Excellent.
Pediatrician
Francis J. ("Frank") Palumbo, Spring Valley Pediatrics, (202) 966-5000, www.springvalleypediatrics.net/dr-palumbo.html "Frank is a wonder with children and saw my step-son through many tough times; a god send through all difficulties.”
Neurosurgeon
Dr. Jeff Jacobson - Bethesda
www.hopkinsmedicine.org/profiles/results/directory
Movers
Kelvin Davis – (240) 432-4774. "Good freelance guy, will hire a truck for what you need or just be an extra set of hands."
Signature Movers - (202) 882-8442 “My family and several friends have used Signature Movers with excellent results. They are reliable, and have great prices too.”
Notary Public
Bryan Onweazuekwu, (202) 569-9721, [email protected] “Bryan came to our house over the winter holidays and charged just a nominal fee!”
Melissa Terzis, [email protected]
Organizing
Your Life Simplified, LLC - Silvia Balderas, (301) 442-5543 [email protected], www.ylsimplified.com "Silvia is a great organizer who will work with you to get systems in place so that you can stay organized. Super helpful and reasonably priced!"
Elizabeth Jessup – Home & Estate Management Services, 202-965-4369. “I might as well plug myself as well. My company is Home & Estates Management Services, and we work with families who need to clean out a property, from hoarding, or for just organization, to help a person prepare their home for sale, or just to live a better life. I have recommendations from Estate lawyers, and many homeowners I have helped and worked with.”