Photo by washingtonydc
“Dear PoPville,
I could use the collective architectural savvy of the commentariat. We have a fairly typical end-unit brick rowhouse, approximately 1,000 sqft above grade. We need to get the brick tuck-pointed/repaired on two sides (the rear was done shortly before we moved in). This seems straightforward, but we’ve been having a fair bit of trouble.
There are two main issues and associated questions for the hivemind: (more…)
Photo by Caroline Angelo
“Dear PoPville,
We just bought a house in Cap Hill / H St Corridor area and are moving in in two months. Since this is our first home (always rented), we don’t have a lot of repairman connections. There are some minor repairs we need to make in the house–nothing major, but stuff I want fixed before we move in. For example, there are some gaps and deteriorated mortar on the exterior, we want to relocate the AC unit, the deck bannister is loose and needs to be fixed, etc.
Do you have any recommendations for a good, trustworthy handyman in the area?”
Photo by Eric P.
“Dear PoPville,
Can we revisit the roll up door installer topic?
As far as I can tell, the only installer who is willing to file permits is Alan Pooner (I checked the active permits at DCRA), but he’s got a 59 week(!) backlog.
I’ve contacted at least a dozen other companies, and nobody else wants to touch permits…
Does anyone have guidance on how to find a roll up door installer who will file a permit, or any suggestions on how to get a permit yourself?”
Somehow when I searched “deck” this photo came up and how could I not post it. Photo by Mr.TinDC
“Dear PoPville,
With the weather turning nice again (finally!) I’m pumped to hit my deck again, but it’s gotten all sad and peel-y. Do readers have any suggestions for individuals who do deck refinishing?”
Photo by angela n.
“Dear PoPville,
The last post on mini splits was from 2014. I’m unsure if it’s too soon, but I wanted to request another post on recommendations for mini splits and local installers. I’d really like to find local dealers/installers and avoid big box stores, and I’m unsure how serious to take the few Yelp reviews I’ve found.”
Photo by Phil
“Dear PoPville,
I’m a Columbia Heights resident looking to do a relatively small upgrade to my condo in the form of a washer/dryer addition, however I’ve hit a wall finding a good DC-area mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) engineer who is willing to take on a small project. I’d even pay extra to make up for the limited size of the project – would you be willing to post and see if anyone has suggestions of MEP engineers they’ve worked with? Clearly this is a thing that someone, somewhere must have accomplished!”
Photo by LaTur
“Dear PoPville,
I’m looking to do a basement renovation to get a C of O and trying to find contractors.
Like a lot of DC rowhome basements, mine is cramped, dated, and has exposed pipes that are low. I’d like to do all of the things to get a C of O or if the cost/benefit doesn’t make sense, at the very least make it more attractive for a tenant. (more…)
Photo by Miki Jourdan
“Dear PoPville,
I was wondering if readers might have places they’d recommend for clothing repair? In particular I’m looking for some place where I can have socks darned. I’m trying to waste less and figure this is one way to do it while also hopefully supporting a local business.”
and
“I bought a home for the first time in November. (more…)
“Dear PoPville,
Has anyone added wood and painted your concrete front porch steps? (more…)
Photo by Annie Miller
“Dear PoPville,
I’m looking for a contractor to replace the wood front porch of our Petworth rowhouse. Due to some bad structural work and rotting railings, we’re looking at a complete replacement job but we do want to keep to the original style (i.e. no metal railings). Anyone have good experiences with a contractor for this kind of work, or any decking work?”
