Photo by PoPville flickr user Wayan Vota

“Dear PoPville,

Moving into a new house with a CARPETED basement. We don’t like the look or feel, and it doesn’t seem to be the right choice for a basement, dry as it may seem.

If we want something with a cool hardwood or stone look that’s moisture resistant and durable, what should we do? Thinking about vinyl block – seems like some of it looks pretty good. Read More

Photo by PoPville flickr user Jenn Verrier

“Dear PoPville,

I am a long-time resident of Capitol Hill but a very recent, first-time homeowner. The house is a contributing property to the historic district, and the front door needs to be replaced (it is heavily rotted and is also not original). I have obtained a permit to replace the door, and I am looking for recommendations for a local carpenter to create an historic reconstruction mahogany door. Read More

July, 2011 photo by PoPville flickr user Mr.TinDC

“Dear PoPville,

End of July seems like a good time to discuss A/C installation. My husband and I are starting to get quotes to install A/C in our 1,500 sq ft, 3 BR, 1 BA rowhouse. We will keep our radiator heating and eventually install a mini-split in the basement for A/C and heat.

There isn’t space on the main floor for conventional horizontal ductwork throughout, or a mini-split unit, so we thought high-velocity was the way to go–but were a bit surprised by Sila’s $25k quote (we were expecting $15-20k).
Read More

Photo by PoPville flickr user Erin

“Dear PoPville,

Am seeking recommendations for someone that can do quality patio work for a reasonable price in DC.”

“Dear PoPville,

Does anyone have recommendations for technicians who can diagnose and repair window air conditioners and provide in home service? I know that it’s often more economical to just buy a new one, but I have a nearly new, ultra quiet high end unit that works great but suddenly got noisy, making me think it could be a simple fan adjustment or something. If I can get it looked at for under $100, I’d like to try it before buying a new one.”

Photo by PoPville flickr user Mr.TinDC. For some reason this photo came up when I was searching for backyards and who am I to refuse a gift from God.

“Dear PoPville,

I’m looking for recommendations for architects or builders (preferably with zoning/permitting expertise as well) for a small project at the backyard of my rowhouse. I’m looking to revamp the parking area and add a new deck. I feel like going straight to an architect who does entire homes isn’t the best option for me, but I don’t really know where else to start. Anybody have any good names? Thanks!”

“Dear PoPville,

We’re looking for recommendations for a company to build a fence around my row house back yard. We had previously booked a well-regarded, but *notoriously* flakey fence builder. And, yeah, he flaked. It’s been months since we hired him and no progress. Bummer, but ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. Moving on with life. Can anyone recommend a well-regarded, non-flakey fence builder? Thanks!”

“Dear PoPville,

This morning, a DC trash truck backed into our retaining wall while trying to make a sharp turn on our street on Quebec Place NW up in Columbia Heights/Petworth. They caused pretty serious damage as you can see from the pictures. The police came and we filed a report with the Dept of Public Works and the WPD but it seems cumbersome and the claim process seems like it’ll be dragged out for weeks/months. Read More

“Dear PoPville,

We’re looking to have the windows in our 4 story condo building professionally cleaned. Does anyone have recommendations for companies they’ve had good experiences with that aren’t exorbitantly priced?”

Photo by PoPville flickr user Tim Brown

“Dear PoPville,

We had some noisy neighbors move next door to our row house. We have the original 1920s wooden and glass paned door and wanted to add a storm door to help curb the noise from their neighboring deck that is next to our back door. Does anyone have any recommendations on companies that install these type of doors?”