contractors

Dear PoPville – Bathroom Gut Renovation Contractors?

By Prince Of Petworth

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Photo by PoPville flickr user bajidc

“Dear PoPville,

We have a bathroom in need of a gut renovation. We have been receiving estimates from local contractors but they are all over the board. We don’t want to sacrifice quality for price but some of the estimates blow our mind and some make us feel that they are low-balling without a clue.

Has anyone used a local contractor for a mid-range bathroom gut with very little plumbing changes and is happy with the value and result? What range should we expect to pay for a fairly standard remodel (i.e. double vanity, shower/tub, and mid-range fixtures and tiling – approximately 50 sq/ft ) in DC?”

From the Forum – Looking for General Contractor Recs and Insulation of a converted sleeping porch?

By Prince Of Petworth

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Photo by PoPville flickr user nevermindtheend

General Contractor Recommendations:

“We’re looking to install some small-ish built-in shelving, install a bathroom vanity, and to help us complete some other smaller projects around the house. Can anyone recommend a good general contractor or contracting firm in DC?”

Insulation of converted sleeping porch?

“Before we bought our rowhouse, the old exterior wall was expanded out to include the sleeping porch. The basement was not dug out, so the hardwood floor on the main floor in the old sleeping porch is significantly colder than the rest of the floor. I presume they put some amount of insulation below the sleeping porch, but I’m wondering if anyone else has the same issue? I knew the floor would be somewhat colder, but I’m surprised at how significant the difference in temperature is.”

You can see all forum topics and add your own here. If you are having trouble uploading your question to the forum please try clearing your cache. If it still doesn’t work please email me at princeofpetworth(at)gmail

Dear PoPville – Anyone Have Solar Panels?

By Prince Of Petworth

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Photo by PoPville flickr user Barbara.K

“Dear PoPville,

A question for PoPVilles readers who have had solar panels installed on their roofs. Which contractor did you use (or who would you recommend?)? How long was the permitting and installation process? With the installation credit from DC eliminated, but the 30% federal tax credit intact, are these still worth the investment?”

Dear PoPville – General Contractor for “small” Basement Renovation

By Prince Of Petworth

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Photo by PoPville flickr user clif_burns

“Dear PoPville,

My husband and I are looking to turn our already renovated basement into a rental unit. Although the basement is renovated, we would need to make a few adjustments like taking out an interior staircase and adding in plumbing/electrical for a kitchen area. Most of the general contractors we have talked to though said they wouldn’t take on a “small” job such as this, and they only work on jobs in the $50-$100K area. I’m wondering if anyone has worked with a good general contractor they can recommend, or know of any that would take on a job of this size.”

Dear PoPville – Looking for Advice on a Kitchen Renovation

By Prince Of Petworth

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Photo by PoPville flickr user pablo.raw

“Dear PoPville,

I am planning to renovate my kitchen soon but I am on a tight budget. I will be replacing all appliances and cabinets. I have a pretty good idea of what I want. I wanted to get help from popville readers who went through this process.

1- Did you get an architect to do the drawing before hiring a contractor?
2- If you didn’t have a drawing, was it easy for your contractor to understand exactly what you wanted, how did you communicate what you wanted?
3- Do I need a permit?
4- Did you work with any contractor you like to recommend?”

From the Forum – Contractor to replace A window

By Prince Of Petworth

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Photo by PoPville flickr user ekelly80

Contractor to replace A window:

“I live in a 100 year old rowhouse in Pleasant Plains. I need to a replace a single double hung wood frame window. I’d like to replace it since it’s a rear window, the sash is busted up and it’s pretty drafty. A few of the companies that advertise on local TV and radio have told me that they have an order minimum ranging from 3 to 5 windows. Since I only need one replaced I would prefer to save money and just get what I need done. Do you know of any contractors willing to take on a small job like this?”

You can see all forum topics and add your own here.

Dear PoPville – How do I find the Name of the Builder?

By Prince Of Petworth

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Photo by PoPville flickr user NCinDC

“Dear PoPville,

My husband and I put in an offer on a townhouse and lost to higher bidder. The house next door (a shell) is now for sale. We would love to find out the name of the contractor or builder who did the renovation on the house we lost and hire them to renovate that property. We contacted the realtor and she did not know the name of the contractor. Is there any other way to track it down — building permits, etc.?”

Dear PoPville – Pop Up Advice

By Prince Of Petworth

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Ed. Note: Our 4pm post will show how the house above looks today.

“Dear PoPville,

I am in the final stages of design and permitting for a partial third floor addition to my house (yes, the dreaded pop-up, but hopefully the community will like our design).

I’m wondering if anyone in PoPville has personal recommendations on contractors for the work that I should research and/or get bids from. If so, please share!

Also, if you have any tips, suggestions or horror stories for things I should watch out for in doing this project I’m definitely interested in hearing them. I have a great architect but there is always something else to learn and keep in mind.”

From the Forum – Fencing

By Prince Of Petworth

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Photo by PoPville flickr user fromcaliw/love

Fencing:

“I’m hoping to add a fence across the back of my backyard (on the sides I share fences with neighbors). Has anyone used a fence company they can recommend? It’s about 13 feet across including space for a gate and the first estimate I got was around $3,000. Hello, sticker shock.”

You can see all forum topics and add your own here.

Dear PoPville – Pest Control

By Prince Of Petworth

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“Dear PoPville,

Does anyone in the DC area have recommendations for a pest control company that can remove squirrels and/ or other wildlife from a DC row house attic? Any best practices to know about? We’ve lived in our Shaw row house for 5 plus years now and this is the first year we seem to have issues (or at least loud scratching coming from the attic).”

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