“Dear PoPville,
We would like to install a fence for my dogs to keep them from ruining our garden. They just recently pulled by newly potted plants! Any ideas?”
Photo by PoPville flickr user Erin
“Dear PoPville,
My husband and I are under contract for purchasing a 1938 house in need of rehabilitation through a Homestyle Renovation Mortgage (similar to FHA 203k). The house needs a significant amount of work from different trades to become habitable (e.g. all new plumbing and electrical, structural and non-structural masonry work, asbestos tile removal, exterior grading, roofing repair, window and door repair, plaster repair, wood floor repair, etc). Everything in the house is original to 1938, which is what we like about the house and want to keep to the extent possible. Does anyone have experience with a general contractor for a rehabilitation/restoration of an old house that does not include any remodeling or design work? The general contractor needs to have enough experience with jobs similar in scope in order to be approved by the lender.”
Photo by PoPville flickr user DCbmyers
“Dear PoPville,
Our deck is old and beat up. I was hoping to hire someone to strip the peeling paints and stain it. Any recommendations?”
Photo by PoPville flickr user Eric P.
“Dear PoPville,
Petworth homeowner with a question: Can anyone recommend a reliable contractor with experience building brick or stone retaining walls for row house front yards? Thanks so much.”
Also for those who’ve had it done, how much did it cost?
“Dear PoPville,
My front porch is supported by two columns.
The base of one of the columns (which I think is wood) seems to be deteriorating — sort of “sinking in.” (Possibly termite damage?? I haven’t had it looked at yet.)
Regardless of what’s causing the damage… what kind of contractor (or contractors?) do I get to look at it and possibly fix it? I’m worried that if the column itself has sunk — and/or continues to sink — it could make the porch roof imbalanced and possibly strain it. (more…)
Photo by PoPville flickr user fromcaliw/love
“I’m hoping to convert my small back yard (roughly 12′ x 12′) into a patio, and am hoping to have the work done in the next 4-6 weeks. I live in Kingman Park. Does anyone have a good recommendation for a contractor or handyman they’ve used?
Thanks!”
You can see all forum topics and add your own here. If you are having trouble uploading your question please email me at princeofpetworth(at)gmail Please Note this is NOT an events calendar.
“Dear PoPville,
I know you posted about this a few years ago, but I haven’t seen anything lately. I love our neighborhood, but as our family expands we’d like a little more room and I’m afraid that we’re fully priced out of the surrounding area. I’m thinking a third floor pop up might be the answer, but have no idea what that would realistically cost. If anyone has insight, it would be greatly appreciated.”
Photo by PoPville flickr user Josh
“I need to get all the the electrical and plumbing rerouted in my basement so that I can get several joists sistered. It’ll also help down the line if/when we finish the basement properly.
Any recommendations for architects would do something relatively small like this?
Thanks!”
You can see all forum topics and add your own here. If you are having trouble uploading your question please email me at princeofpetworth(at)gmail Please Note this is NOT an events calendar.
Photo by PoPville flickr user Jordan Barab
“Dear PoPville,
We are in the process of doing a significant amount of work to our house. We did a ton of research, interviews, checked on work, etc. Things had been moving along swimmingly and then near Thanksgiving started to slow up. Now there is little to no work being done, we are two months behind schedule, and I’m getting no response from my builder.
I’ve stopped writing checks but we’ve already paid roughly 35k in work (finish utilities and drywall) that hasn’t been done and I’m getting worried that my builder is literally getting ready to leave town this summer (without getting overly specific I’m quite certain he is relocating out West). (more…)
Photo by PoPville flickr user Beau Finley
“Dear PoPville,
Question for the community: does anyone have recommendations for a contractor to soundproof my condo? I saw previous posts in years past on the subject but not a lot of people responded to the posts with names of contractors and instead gave noise cancelling suggestions like earplugs, fans, and materials. I’m looking for contractor referrals specifically. Do you mind posting the question to the community? Thanks a ton!”
You can see all forum topics and add your own here. If you are having trouble uploading your question please email me at princeofpetworth(at)gmail Please Note this is NOT an events calendar.
