We are committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests and make their concerns the basis of our business.
"They replaced my beaten wooden deck with a new composite one. The price was more than fair after shopping around. What I liked from the experience was the cleanliness and speed. Everything we agreed on they did in timely manner."
Charlie H on October 2023
We are committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests and make their concerns the basis of our business.
"They replaced my beaten wooden deck with a new composite one. The price was more than fair after shopping around. What I liked from the experience was the cleanliness and speed. Everything we agreed on they did in timely manner."
Charlie H on October 2023
Character Companies: Crafting Excellence in Construction The driving force behind Character Companies dedicated to a reputation for turning construction dreams into reality. At Character Companies we don't just build; we craft. Our unwavering commitment to precision, innovation, and superior craftsmanship has made us the trusted choice for residential and commercial construction projects in Alexandria, VA and beyond. From homes to renovations and expansions, our residential expertise brings your vision to life, ensuring perfection in every detail. Our portfolio includes, kitchens, bathrooms, house renovations, and home additions - delivered on time and within budget. Our projects are tailored to meet your needs ensures that each project reflects your vision and specifications. With 7 years of industry experience, Character Companies brings unparalleled expertise to every project.
"We recently had the unfortunate experience of working with Character Companies Inc., and as government civil servants and veterans, we were deeply disappointed. The price of renovating two bathrooms and installing new LVP flooring at $70K (original quote: $84K) seemed excessive, but we hoped that the quality of service would justify the cost. Sadly, that was not the case, and it has cost us the chance to rent out our home while we are deployed to Iraq. From start to finish, the experience was a nightmare. The project management was abysmal, with multiple delays that extended the timeline one month beyond the agreed schedule. It took over two months to do just two bathrooms and replace flooring when the original timeline was four weeks. This company demonstrated a shocking lack of professionalism and accountability throughout the process. The design work was utterly incompetent, failing to conform to the existing plumbing structure in our bathrooms. The contractor disregarded our repeated attempts to bring attention to design flaws and forced the installation of bathroom vanities by performing a â carpentry fixâ that left us with two top drawers sealed shut, one bottom drawer with a cutout, and one fully functional drawer. One month after installation, one vanity separated from the wall and had to be reattached. Our allegations of Character charging us for high-end fixtures and installing cheaper ones were ignored. The final straw was the damage done to our marble floors. Instead of offering a repair or replacement, the contractor covered it with LVP and then charged us at the end of the project for the extra costs of the LVP that they incurred to cover up the damage! This was deceitful and completely unacceptable. The CEOâ s disregard for customer satisfaction and maintaining basic work standards is unforgivable. The only thing he did well was apologize profusely, not caring about fixing any problems. During a phone call, he admitted that our project was a â dumpster fireâ yet didnâ t offer any concessions. We strongly advise anyone considering Character Companies Inc. to stay far away. Their poor project management, substandard design, shoddy craftsmanship, and unprofessional conduct have left us with a costly mess that will take more time and money to fix. Protect yourself and go with an experienced, reputable company."
CHAD P on August 2024
Character Companies: Crafting Excellence in Construction The driving force behind Character Companies dedicated to a reputation for turning construction dreams into reality. At Character Companies we don't just build; we craft. Our unwavering commitment to precision, innovation, and superior craftsmanship has made us the trusted choice for residential and commercial construction projects in Alexandria, VA and beyond. From homes to renovations and expansions, our residential expertise brings your vision to life, ensuring perfection in every detail. Our portfolio includes, kitchens, bathrooms, house renovations, and home additions - delivered on time and within budget. Our projects are tailored to meet your needs ensures that each project reflects your vision and specifications. With 7 years of industry experience, Character Companies brings unparalleled expertise to every project.
"We recently had the unfortunate experience of working with Character Companies Inc., and as government civil servants and veterans, we were deeply disappointed. The price of renovating two bathrooms and installing new LVP flooring at $70K (original quote: $84K) seemed excessive, but we hoped that the quality of service would justify the cost. Sadly, that was not the case, and it has cost us the chance to rent out our home while we are deployed to Iraq. From start to finish, the experience was a nightmare. The project management was abysmal, with multiple delays that extended the timeline one month beyond the agreed schedule. It took over two months to do just two bathrooms and replace flooring when the original timeline was four weeks. This company demonstrated a shocking lack of professionalism and accountability throughout the process. The design work was utterly incompetent, failing to conform to the existing plumbing structure in our bathrooms. The contractor disregarded our repeated attempts to bring attention to design flaws and forced the installation of bathroom vanities by performing a â carpentry fixâ that left us with two top drawers sealed shut, one bottom drawer with a cutout, and one fully functional drawer. One month after installation, one vanity separated from the wall and had to be reattached. Our allegations of Character charging us for high-end fixtures and installing cheaper ones were ignored. The final straw was the damage done to our marble floors. Instead of offering a repair or replacement, the contractor covered it with LVP and then charged us at the end of the project for the extra costs of the LVP that they incurred to cover up the damage! This was deceitful and completely unacceptable. The CEOâ s disregard for customer satisfaction and maintaining basic work standards is unforgivable. The only thing he did well was apologize profusely, not caring about fixing any problems. During a phone call, he admitted that our project was a â dumpster fireâ yet didnâ t offer any concessions. We strongly advise anyone considering Character Companies Inc. to stay far away. Their poor project management, substandard design, shoddy craftsmanship, and unprofessional conduct have left us with a costly mess that will take more time and money to fix. Protect yourself and go with an experienced, reputable company."
CHAD P on August 2024
We're here to help every step of the way. From concept to delivery, our team is dedicated to not only building your project, but in making sure that the outcome is exactly what you want. From our online customer portal to our progress update calls, we'll keep you in the loop on your projects progression every step of the way. Each design consultant is incredibly knowledgeable in our product options and will work with you to create an outdoor living space that fits into your lifestyle, dreams and budget.
"Absolutely terrible communication and poor workmanship. I have a contract to update my screened in porch. â 3 day jobâ started June 24 and now it is July 24. Havenâ t heard from anyone in over a week despite talking to Rob on three occasions about completing the project. Curtis stood me up for an appointment. Jay continues to ignore my communications and the original salesperson has apparently left the company. If you want a headache and a nightmarish experience by all means, otherwise, look past this company for your project needs. I take it at this point itâ s just not going to get completed."
Adam L on July 2024
We're here to help every step of the way. From concept to delivery, our team is dedicated to not only building your project, but in making sure that the outcome is exactly what you want. From our online customer portal to our progress update calls, we'll keep you in the loop on your projects progression every step of the way. Each design consultant is incredibly knowledgeable in our product options and will work with you to create an outdoor living space that fits into your lifestyle, dreams and budget.
"Absolutely terrible communication and poor workmanship. I have a contract to update my screened in porch. â 3 day jobâ started June 24 and now it is July 24. Havenâ t heard from anyone in over a week despite talking to Rob on three occasions about completing the project. Curtis stood me up for an appointment. Jay continues to ignore my communications and the original salesperson has apparently left the company. If you want a headache and a nightmarish experience by all means, otherwise, look past this company for your project needs. I take it at this point itâ s just not going to get completed."
Adam L on July 2024
With over 15 years of experience in the field, we have designed and built all types of outdoor projects; from the simple wooden deck to the most complex maintenance-free screened porches, decks, patios, sunrooms and more. We will listen to your ideas and wishes, and suggest the best solutions that fit your budget and style. Our team is made up of skilled, experienced and honest builders who take pride in their work. They will treat your home with care and deliver quality results. We like to keep a transparent relationship with our customers by providing them with clear and consistent communication, so they always know what to expect. Let us help you create the perfect outdoor space for your home.
"They did a good job and I enjoyed working with them, they were professional and quick."
John T on May 2025
With over 15 years of experience in the field, we have designed and built all types of outdoor projects; from the simple wooden deck to the most complex maintenance-free screened porches, decks, patios, sunrooms and more. We will listen to your ideas and wishes, and suggest the best solutions that fit your budget and style. Our team is made up of skilled, experienced and honest builders who take pride in their work. They will treat your home with care and deliver quality results. We like to keep a transparent relationship with our customers by providing them with clear and consistent communication, so they always know what to expect. Let us help you create the perfect outdoor space for your home.
"They did a good job and I enjoyed working with them, they were professional and quick."
John T on May 2025
We're here to help every step of the way. From concept to delivery, our team is dedicated to not only building your project, but in making sure that the outcome is exactly what you want. From our online customer portal to our progress update calls, we'll keep you in the loop on your projects progression every step of the way. Each design consultant is incredibly knowledgeable in our product options and will work with you to create an outdoor living space that fits into your lifestyle, dreams and budget.
"The workers were excellent. They did not quit until I said everything was exactly the way we wanted. They went above and beyond what we asked for. Great job"
Rick B on May 2025
We're here to help every step of the way. From concept to delivery, our team is dedicated to not only building your project, but in making sure that the outcome is exactly what you want. From our online customer portal to our progress update calls, we'll keep you in the loop on your projects progression every step of the way. Each design consultant is incredibly knowledgeable in our product options and will work with you to create an outdoor living space that fits into your lifestyle, dreams and budget.
"The workers were excellent. They did not quit until I said everything was exactly the way we wanted. They went above and beyond what we asked for. Great job"
Rick B on May 2025
FA Outdoor Spaces is a large exterior home improvement company servicing Northern Virginia, DC and Maryland. With roots in Design and Build having serviced our clients at our sister company FA Design Build, we bring 45+ years of professionalism to every project we undertake. We have teams dedicated to each region ready to serve you. We specialize in all things Outdoors, like Trex & Timber Tech composite decking for new builds, deck reflooring/rerailing, deck enclosures, three season rooms, sunrooms, patios and fencing — all backed with a lifetime installation warranty you won’t find anywhere else.
FA Outdoor Spaces is a large exterior home improvement company servicing Northern Virginia, DC and Maryland. With roots in Design and Build having serviced our clients at our sister company FA Design Build, we bring 45+ years of professionalism to every project we undertake. We have teams dedicated to each region ready to serve you. We specialize in all things Outdoors, like Trex & Timber Tech composite decking for new builds, deck reflooring/rerailing, deck enclosures, three season rooms, sunrooms, patios and fencing — all backed with a lifetime installation warranty you won’t find anywhere else.
We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular project or task. We look forward to earning your business!
"I signed a contract for work to be completed in 4 weeks. 4 Months later, work was finally (mostly) done - but only with extreme nagging on my part and excessive excuses and push back. The contractor only came to the project site if his sub-contractors created an issue (which was often). They dropped my A/C unit down a 10 foot hole, they didn't finish half the projects they said they would and completed the other half incorrectly based on hand drawings and gestures because neither the contractor or I could speak the same language as the sub-contractors, they made promises to show up and never did. Worst of all, they used design plans from a previous contractor that were approved by the city - but didn't use those plans and never updated the plans. The city inspector came and did not pass the project due to this discrepancy, but Vladimir told me it had passed. The city told me the permit expired. So - now Vladimir won't answer my emails and I have to pay someone else to fix it all."
rebecca d on March 2025
We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular project or task. We look forward to earning your business!
"I signed a contract for work to be completed in 4 weeks. 4 Months later, work was finally (mostly) done - but only with extreme nagging on my part and excessive excuses and push back. The contractor only came to the project site if his sub-contractors created an issue (which was often). They dropped my A/C unit down a 10 foot hole, they didn't finish half the projects they said they would and completed the other half incorrectly based on hand drawings and gestures because neither the contractor or I could speak the same language as the sub-contractors, they made promises to show up and never did. Worst of all, they used design plans from a previous contractor that were approved by the city - but didn't use those plans and never updated the plans. The city inspector came and did not pass the project due to this discrepancy, but Vladimir told me it had passed. The city told me the permit expired. So - now Vladimir won't answer my emails and I have to pay someone else to fix it all."
rebecca d on March 2025
We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity and treats your home as if it were our own. We offer a variety of quality interior and exterior carpentry, deckbuilding, home addition and structural services. We can also help with home repairs including painting, drywall and other smaller projects around the home. You will find us to be competitively priced with close attention to the details of each and every project with which we are involved. We look forward to building lasting relationships and guarantee your satisfaction!
"If I could give this company a 6 out of 5 stars I would! They did a fantastic job overhauling my mother's deck, back patio, fencing, and front portico. All of the work was absolutely essential for safety and structural reasons, and I'm so glad I chose OSSA to do the work. My mother has Alzheimer's, which presented additional issues, but the entire crew was incredibly kind, respectful, and understanding of the unique challenges they faced. They were responsive and kept me aware of everything regarding the job along the way. My mother is so pleased, and I have the peace of mind that all of her outdoor space is safe, beautiful, and accessible. I will be hiring OSSA to do some work in my own home, as I look to make necessary improvements in the future. I've told everyone I know how how wonderful they are. 6 out of 5 stars!"
Traci L on February 2025
We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity and treats your home as if it were our own. We offer a variety of quality interior and exterior carpentry, deckbuilding, home addition and structural services. We can also help with home repairs including painting, drywall and other smaller projects around the home. You will find us to be competitively priced with close attention to the details of each and every project with which we are involved. We look forward to building lasting relationships and guarantee your satisfaction!
"If I could give this company a 6 out of 5 stars I would! They did a fantastic job overhauling my mother's deck, back patio, fencing, and front portico. All of the work was absolutely essential for safety and structural reasons, and I'm so glad I chose OSSA to do the work. My mother has Alzheimer's, which presented additional issues, but the entire crew was incredibly kind, respectful, and understanding of the unique challenges they faced. They were responsive and kept me aware of everything regarding the job along the way. My mother is so pleased, and I have the peace of mind that all of her outdoor space is safe, beautiful, and accessible. I will be hiring OSSA to do some work in my own home, as I look to make necessary improvements in the future. I've told everyone I know how how wonderful they are. 6 out of 5 stars!"
Traci L on February 2025
BasementRemodeling.com / Basement Masters - licensed and insured, award winning Basement Remodeling and Finishing company. Highest rated basement renovation contractor in Maryland. Finished Basements are our specialty. We specialize in custom basement remodeling and finishing and other large-scale remodels. We offer free in home and over-the-phone estimate and consultation. Here at BasementRemodeling.com we believe that QUALITY AND EXCEPTIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP must always come along with AFFORDABILITY. keywords: finished basement basements remodeling.
"Basement Remodeling just completed our basement remodeling project, on time and on budget. We couldn’t be more pleased! We investigated other remodeling companies but chose Basement Remodeling after our discussions with Eric, in part because we believed we could count on their expertise in handling the inevitable quirks of renovating a 70 year old house. Our project (and budget) was probably fairly modest when compared to many remodeling projects, and Eric offered suggestions for inexpensive problem solving (rehanging existing doors, for example) rather than trying to upsell us on other, more costly solutions. We fully renovated about one-third of the basement space which included the furnace, water heater and a small but completely unfinished laundry area. Basement Remodeling created an enclosed area for the furnace and water heater and neatly disguised the electric panel, adding a well-designed, efficient and attractive wet bar with cabinetry, appliances and a custom pantry. The renovation also included cosmetic upgrades to the rest of the basement space, adding new flooring and fresh paint. The space now looks absolutely terrific! The company took care of everything, from permitting to cleanup, and every person on the team was thoughtful, responsive and a pleasure to work with. Any concerns we had along the way were addressed immediately and quickly resolved to our satisfaction. We highly recommend Basement Remodeling!"
Tom C on June 2025
BasementRemodeling.com / Basement Masters - licensed and insured, award winning Basement Remodeling and Finishing company. Highest rated basement renovation contractor in Maryland. Finished Basements are our specialty. We specialize in custom basement remodeling and finishing and other large-scale remodels. We offer free in home and over-the-phone estimate and consultation. Here at BasementRemodeling.com we believe that QUALITY AND EXCEPTIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP must always come along with AFFORDABILITY. keywords: finished basement basements remodeling.
"Basement Remodeling just completed our basement remodeling project, on time and on budget. We couldn’t be more pleased! We investigated other remodeling companies but chose Basement Remodeling after our discussions with Eric, in part because we believed we could count on their expertise in handling the inevitable quirks of renovating a 70 year old house. Our project (and budget) was probably fairly modest when compared to many remodeling projects, and Eric offered suggestions for inexpensive problem solving (rehanging existing doors, for example) rather than trying to upsell us on other, more costly solutions. We fully renovated about one-third of the basement space which included the furnace, water heater and a small but completely unfinished laundry area. Basement Remodeling created an enclosed area for the furnace and water heater and neatly disguised the electric panel, adding a well-designed, efficient and attractive wet bar with cabinetry, appliances and a custom pantry. The renovation also included cosmetic upgrades to the rest of the basement space, adding new flooring and fresh paint. The space now looks absolutely terrific! The company took care of everything, from permitting to cleanup, and every person on the team was thoughtful, responsive and a pleasure to work with. Any concerns we had along the way were addressed immediately and quickly resolved to our satisfaction. We highly recommend Basement Remodeling!"
Tom C on June 2025
We understand how important it is to have confidence in the people who design your landscape. We have a friendly staff of highly creative and capable people, and we pride ourselves in our excellent service recognized around DC area, Maryland and Virginia. That’s how we’ve built our business throughout more than 18 years and mostly through referrals. For more than a decade, Xtra Care Landscaping & Design, Inc, has provided professional lawn and yard maintenance as well as comprehensive landscaping design-build services to residential and commercial clients throughout the metropolitan Washington, DC area.Whether you choose mowing and edging, artificial turf or mulching our competitive pricing and professional service is among the best in the area, and be sure to ask about our complete landscape design-build services guaranteed to blend your home or office seamlessly into it’s natural surroundings. Call us for any of the listed services: Yard & Maintenance, Hardscaping, Sprinkler Systems, Lighting, Artificial Turf, Decks, Landscape Design, Going Green, Concrete Art, Or Commercial Maintenance!
"I recently worked with Cleber and the Xtra Care team on frontyard landscaping for our home in Potomac. I had an excellent experience from beginning to end. Cleber and his team are professional and detail-oriented. He is flexible to work with his clients and he listens, while sharing his own ideas. Cleber's team has expertise on landscaping, which was helpful as I requested for deer-resistant trees. Pricing is transparent with detail-oriented quotes that share line-item details on each plant, stone, or other item. Finally, on the day of, Cleber and his team worked efficiently and thoroughly. Each team member was polite and hardworking, and made the overall experience a pleasure. I look forward to continuing to work with Cleber and his team on my future landscaping and hardscaping needs."
Asif A on June 2025
We understand how important it is to have confidence in the people who design your landscape. We have a friendly staff of highly creative and capable people, and we pride ourselves in our excellent service recognized around DC area, Maryland and Virginia. That’s how we’ve built our business throughout more than 18 years and mostly through referrals. For more than a decade, Xtra Care Landscaping & Design, Inc, has provided professional lawn and yard maintenance as well as comprehensive landscaping design-build services to residential and commercial clients throughout the metropolitan Washington, DC area.Whether you choose mowing and edging, artificial turf or mulching our competitive pricing and professional service is among the best in the area, and be sure to ask about our complete landscape design-build services guaranteed to blend your home or office seamlessly into it’s natural surroundings. Call us for any of the listed services: Yard & Maintenance, Hardscaping, Sprinkler Systems, Lighting, Artificial Turf, Decks, Landscape Design, Going Green, Concrete Art, Or Commercial Maintenance!
"I recently worked with Cleber and the Xtra Care team on frontyard landscaping for our home in Potomac. I had an excellent experience from beginning to end. Cleber and his team are professional and detail-oriented. He is flexible to work with his clients and he listens, while sharing his own ideas. Cleber's team has expertise on landscaping, which was helpful as I requested for deer-resistant trees. Pricing is transparent with detail-oriented quotes that share line-item details on each plant, stone, or other item. Finally, on the day of, Cleber and his team worked efficiently and thoroughly. Each team member was polite and hardworking, and made the overall experience a pleasure. I look forward to continuing to work with Cleber and his team on my future landscaping and hardscaping needs."
Asif A on June 2025
A solarium represents a specialized sunroom variant constructed almost entirely from glass, including ceiling elements in most designs, to maximize daylight penetration. While every solarium qualifies as a sunroom, standard sunrooms feature conventional roofing and partial glass walls. True solariums require specialized engineering and materials, starting around $30,000 compared to basic sunrooms that begin around $6,000, but they deliver unmatched brightness and visual openness.
Construction timelines for average sunroom projects range from two to four weeks, while more elaborate or custom solarium installations may extend up to six months. Factors influencing completion include design complexity, permit processing, weather conditions, and material availability. Factory-built systems install more quickly than custom designs, but comprehensive projects require thorough planning, proper permitting, and sequential construction phases from foundation to finishing.
High-performance insulated glass with low-emissivity coatings provides optimal thermal management for most installations. Safety requirements mandate tempered or laminated construction for all panels. Southern exposures benefit from solar-control technologies that minimize heat accumulation, while northern installations prioritize thermal retention properties. Quality glazing represents a substantial portion of your overall investment, making it essential to balance performance specifications with budget considerations.
Most jurisdictions classify solariums as permanent structural additions requiring standard building permits ranging from $250 to $1,500. Projects incorporating electrical systems, climate control, or plumbing require additional specialized permits. Many municipalities also mandate architectural review, particularly in historically designated districts or planned communities. Proceeding without proper authorization risks significant financial penalties and potential mandatory removal, making proper permitting an essential investment.