Over 15 years experience in Pool Construction, Renovation, Service and Maintenance. Specializing In: • Above Ground and Inground Vinyl Liner Renovations (Including liner replacements, coping replacement and bottom repair) • Equipment Upgrades and Replacements • Openings and Closings • Safety Covers • Weekly, Bi-Weekly and Monthly Maintenance Packages"
"Very courteous and helpful on my project."
Alan H on February 2025
Over 15 years experience in Pool Construction, Renovation, Service and Maintenance. Specializing In: • Above Ground and Inground Vinyl Liner Renovations (Including liner replacements, coping replacement and bottom repair) • Equipment Upgrades and Replacements • Openings and Closings • Safety Covers • Weekly, Bi-Weekly and Monthly Maintenance Packages"
"Very courteous and helpful on my project."
Alan H on February 2025
Freedom Fence and Deck specializes in affordable top quality maintenance free decks and fences. We are an owner operated company with zero complaints. We also have earned a A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. We offer a limited Lifetime Warranty on all our work. Angie's List has awarded us the Super Service Award three years in a row.
"Freedom Fence & Deck did an excellent job install our new deck. The sales rep and the workers were friendly and professional. Additionally, I love that the owner of the company is a veteran, and the company offered the best veterans discount compared to the competitive quotes."
Dominique D on January 2025
Freedom Fence and Deck specializes in affordable top quality maintenance free decks and fences. We are an owner operated company with zero complaints. We also have earned a A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. We offer a limited Lifetime Warranty on all our work. Angie's List has awarded us the Super Service Award three years in a row.
"Freedom Fence & Deck did an excellent job install our new deck. The sales rep and the workers were friendly and professional. Additionally, I love that the owner of the company is a veteran, and the company offered the best veterans discount compared to the competitive quotes."
Dominique D on January 2025
We specialize in construction of: Deck, Fences, Bathroom, Basement, Floors, stone work and Complete Landscaping We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won’t leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Check out all the services we offer below and call -or- click to schedule a free estimate today!
"They did a great job."
Alan C on May 2025
We specialize in construction of: Deck, Fences, Bathroom, Basement, Floors, stone work and Complete Landscaping We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won’t leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Check out all the services we offer below and call -or- click to schedule a free estimate today!
"They did a great job."
Alan C on May 2025
OVER 100 YEARS COMBINED EXPERIENCE AS YOU PATIO AND HARDSCAPE EXPERTS! SBC Outdoor Services was founded in 2015 by Brad Crist. Brad had over 15 years of experience in the industry and wanted to create a landscaping company that could hold true to the concept of “quality landscaping.” Ever since then we've been constantly growing as a high-end hardscape, landscape design, and commercial maintenance business. Over the course of our existence, we've earned a great reputation for quality service and we aim to not just maintain our reputation for excellence but to constantly improve it. That's why we only hire the best of the best. Our management team alone has over 30 years of experience in the industry and members of management used to maintain the White House. The rest of our team is similarly qualified and has over 100 years of combined experience. At SBC Outdoor Services we believe that landscaping is an art, not just a skill. We not only teach our employees proper installation methods but also encourage them to take initiative and to completely pour their imagination and skill into their work. Our design and installation divisions make sure that the product will be very functional as well as attractive while our maintenance division employees take great pride in the ongoing beauty of your property.
"I hired them to do landscaping and a driveway, my drive way is crumbling and have holes in it."
Cynthia R on December 2023
OVER 100 YEARS COMBINED EXPERIENCE AS YOU PATIO AND HARDSCAPE EXPERTS! SBC Outdoor Services was founded in 2015 by Brad Crist. Brad had over 15 years of experience in the industry and wanted to create a landscaping company that could hold true to the concept of “quality landscaping.” Ever since then we've been constantly growing as a high-end hardscape, landscape design, and commercial maintenance business. Over the course of our existence, we've earned a great reputation for quality service and we aim to not just maintain our reputation for excellence but to constantly improve it. That's why we only hire the best of the best. Our management team alone has over 30 years of experience in the industry and members of management used to maintain the White House. The rest of our team is similarly qualified and has over 100 years of combined experience. At SBC Outdoor Services we believe that landscaping is an art, not just a skill. We not only teach our employees proper installation methods but also encourage them to take initiative and to completely pour their imagination and skill into their work. Our design and installation divisions make sure that the product will be very functional as well as attractive while our maintenance division employees take great pride in the ongoing beauty of your property.
"I hired them to do landscaping and a driveway, my drive way is crumbling and have holes in it."
Cynthia R on December 2023
Joist construction is a company committed to the quality and agility of its services, Keeping the dates of your schedule transparently and efficiently. The contact is direct with the company's founders. JOIST is focused on renovating and improving the most beautiful points of your residence, such as Decks, balconies, gazebos, fences, patios, and everything else that our customers need. We serve mainly in the Maryland, Virginia and DC areas, but if you are not from these areas, please contact us to try to make your project viable. If you planning to enlighten your patio or just perform a small repair on your deck, we are the company you are looking for, count on JOIST construction for a new home! Get in touch now!
"Very good work, job done perfectly"
Gunnar K on June 2025
Joist construction is a company committed to the quality and agility of its services, Keeping the dates of your schedule transparently and efficiently. The contact is direct with the company's founders. JOIST is focused on renovating and improving the most beautiful points of your residence, such as Decks, balconies, gazebos, fences, patios, and everything else that our customers need. We serve mainly in the Maryland, Virginia and DC areas, but if you are not from these areas, please contact us to try to make your project viable. If you planning to enlighten your patio or just perform a small repair on your deck, we are the company you are looking for, count on JOIST construction for a new home! Get in touch now!
"Very good work, job done perfectly"
Gunnar K on June 2025
Over 12 years in business! All home improvement work, concrete, brick, decks, garage, bathrooms, kitchen, basements
"Project was a new deck, started last year 2024, should have been completed before the end of that summer, here it is Jun 2025 and still not complete, talk to owner several times said still no movement forward, board cracking all over the place due to screws not normal wood cracking, even thought the wood is cracking more and more day by day since the deck is not complete it has not been sealed. Boards do not line up, come home one day during the build to to 3’ wide steps, we ordered 5’ wide steps, no communication between the project manager and the builder. They walked in one day and said we are done except for the sanding and staining, we asked where the post lights were, they said we didn’t order them, I said check the contract, there response after checking was oh our bad, they did a makeshift attempt to add post lights and not the ones we wanted. Talked to the owner (Bill) several times, each time I have to re-explain the issues, each time he says he will come out and make it right, still no appointment and no visit. These guys claim to be a Vet Owned Business, they give it a bad name. I have given him 5 days to respond or we seek legal assistance/action. With they way this project has gone I don’t understand how they stayed in business or received any good reviews. I would give no stars if I could."
Stuart B on June 2025
Over 12 years in business! All home improvement work, concrete, brick, decks, garage, bathrooms, kitchen, basements
"Project was a new deck, started last year 2024, should have been completed before the end of that summer, here it is Jun 2025 and still not complete, talk to owner several times said still no movement forward, board cracking all over the place due to screws not normal wood cracking, even thought the wood is cracking more and more day by day since the deck is not complete it has not been sealed. Boards do not line up, come home one day during the build to to 3’ wide steps, we ordered 5’ wide steps, no communication between the project manager and the builder. They walked in one day and said we are done except for the sanding and staining, we asked where the post lights were, they said we didn’t order them, I said check the contract, there response after checking was oh our bad, they did a makeshift attempt to add post lights and not the ones we wanted. Talked to the owner (Bill) several times, each time I have to re-explain the issues, each time he says he will come out and make it right, still no appointment and no visit. These guys claim to be a Vet Owned Business, they give it a bad name. I have given him 5 days to respond or we seek legal assistance/action. With they way this project has gone I don’t understand how they stayed in business or received any good reviews. I would give no stars if I could."
Stuart B on June 2025
Custom Decks, Patios & Screen Rooms to Enhance Your Life and Home with high quality of work and satisfaction
"I’m very pleased with Edwin’s work ethics, since our first meeting until the end of the project he kept me informed of all aspects of the project, his attention to detail and professionalism made me feel very comfortable. I appreciate his input on what materials will work best for my patio. Everything that he mentioned in the contract was completed and well done. Thank you Edwin for making my wife’s dream patio come true."
Ramon H on May 2025
Custom Decks, Patios & Screen Rooms to Enhance Your Life and Home with high quality of work and satisfaction
"I’m very pleased with Edwin’s work ethics, since our first meeting until the end of the project he kept me informed of all aspects of the project, his attention to detail and professionalism made me feel very comfortable. I appreciate his input on what materials will work best for my patio. Everything that he mentioned in the contract was completed and well done. Thank you Edwin for making my wife’s dream patio come true."
Ramon H on May 2025
Homecraft is a 2nd generation, family-owned remodeler specializing in decks, roofing, siding, windows, and finished basements. We handle all steps of a project from planning, to permits, to building. When you partner with Homecraft you receive the finest materials - custom cut on site. This provides flexibility in design and perfection in construction. Since '96, homeowners have thanked us for establishing a company that cares. We take your ideas, add our building experience and together create a custom project that extends your living space and adds value to your home. Award Winning.
"Had an excellent experience working with Jeff on my deck project. The work is top notch and exactly what I wanted for a fair price. No BS up sales or any of that. Will definitely look to rehired for any future work."
Gregory B on January 2025
Homecraft is a 2nd generation, family-owned remodeler specializing in decks, roofing, siding, windows, and finished basements. We handle all steps of a project from planning, to permits, to building. When you partner with Homecraft you receive the finest materials - custom cut on site. This provides flexibility in design and perfection in construction. Since '96, homeowners have thanked us for establishing a company that cares. We take your ideas, add our building experience and together create a custom project that extends your living space and adds value to your home. Award Winning.
"Had an excellent experience working with Jeff on my deck project. The work is top notch and exactly what I wanted for a fair price. No BS up sales or any of that. Will definitely look to rehired for any future work."
Gregory B on January 2025
Betterliving sunroom of the Capital area is sub division of Deck Soldier - family own business, over 14 years we spetialise in Deck building , restoration and screen porch constractions. December 2023 is time when we get opportunity to be come dealer for one of the best Sunroom manufactory -Betterliving sunrooms. Beginning of 2024 was education time. We spent 2 weeks with crew leaders on factory in PA - learning new materials and installation process. Another 2 weeks our sales team learned history of 70 years company and saw how every detail of sunroom is made, learn why Betterliving Sunrooms is best quality sunrooms on market. We proud that we build over 30 Sunrooms and screen porches in 2024 and all our customers happy with their final rooms. We sustain our business on quality and integrity. We look forward to earning your business -sunrooms (3 or 4 season , vinyl or aluminum) -screen rooms -porches -deck building -deck remodeling -deck restoration( washing, staining) -paver patio/retaining walls
"Deck Soldier (aka Betterliving) did a fantastic job of powerwashing and then sealing my deck, installing new handrails, and staining the swingset in the yard. Very pleased with their work and their professionalism."
Andrew H on October 2024
Betterliving sunroom of the Capital area is sub division of Deck Soldier - family own business, over 14 years we spetialise in Deck building , restoration and screen porch constractions. December 2023 is time when we get opportunity to be come dealer for one of the best Sunroom manufactory -Betterliving sunrooms. Beginning of 2024 was education time. We spent 2 weeks with crew leaders on factory in PA - learning new materials and installation process. Another 2 weeks our sales team learned history of 70 years company and saw how every detail of sunroom is made, learn why Betterliving Sunrooms is best quality sunrooms on market. We proud that we build over 30 Sunrooms and screen porches in 2024 and all our customers happy with their final rooms. We sustain our business on quality and integrity. We look forward to earning your business -sunrooms (3 or 4 season , vinyl or aluminum) -screen rooms -porches -deck building -deck remodeling -deck restoration( washing, staining) -paver patio/retaining walls
"Deck Soldier (aka Betterliving) did a fantastic job of powerwashing and then sealing my deck, installing new handrails, and staining the swingset in the yard. Very pleased with their work and their professionalism."
Andrew H on October 2024
I started Straka Contracting over a decade ago in Howard County after having gained considerable experience in all areas of home improvement. Much of that know-how came from working with my father who has been in the trade since the 1960s. Today we serve the central Maryland area with a full array of services including remodeling, additions, decks, fencing, roofing, skylights, siding, windows, doors, gutters and gutter guards. Straka Contracting is dedicated to quality work and we offer a guarantee to back it up on every job. What’s more, when I take on work I am personally involved from beginning to end, making sure things are done properly. Karel Straka, Owner Straka Contracting
"Karel Straka has helped me on and off with construction items on my townhouse for almost twenty years, making major changes to my deck and patio among other things. I find him easy to work with, very thorough, trusty-worthy, reliable and affordable. Sometimes I submit my own design, and he always does it better."
Ken M on January 2025
I started Straka Contracting over a decade ago in Howard County after having gained considerable experience in all areas of home improvement. Much of that know-how came from working with my father who has been in the trade since the 1960s. Today we serve the central Maryland area with a full array of services including remodeling, additions, decks, fencing, roofing, skylights, siding, windows, doors, gutters and gutter guards. Straka Contracting is dedicated to quality work and we offer a guarantee to back it up on every job. What’s more, when I take on work I am personally involved from beginning to end, making sure things are done properly. Karel Straka, Owner Straka Contracting
"Karel Straka has helped me on and off with construction items on my townhouse for almost twenty years, making major changes to my deck and patio among other things. I find him easy to work with, very thorough, trusty-worthy, reliable and affordable. Sometimes I submit my own design, and he always does it better."
Ken M on January 2025
Removing an above-ground pool takes about a week, similar to the installation timeframe. The exact duration depends on your pool's size, complexity, and any additional structures like decks that need dismantling. Weather conditions, site accessibility, and the contractor's schedule can also affect timing. Simple removals without complications might be completed more quickly, while projects with extensive decking or difficult access may require additional days.
After pool removal, the ground beneath will likely be compacted and may have uneven spots. Most homeowners choose to have the area graded and prepared for new use. You can install fresh grass, create garden beds, or develop a patio space. The soil might need amendments to support healthy plant growth since it has been covered and compressed. Many professionals recommend waiting a few months before making permanent installations to allow the soil to settle naturally.
Above-ground pools are considered temporary structures rather than permanent property improvements, so removing one has minimal impact on property taxes. In most jurisdictions, these pools aren't factored into property value assessments the way in-ground pools might be. However, tax regulations vary by location, so it's worth contacting your local tax assessor's office for clarification about your specific situation before proceeding with removal.
The reclaimed space offers numerous possibilities for enhancing your outdoor living area. Popular options include creating a patio or deck, establishing a garden or play area, installing a fire pit, or simply expanding your lawn. Consider how you use your yard and what features would provide the most enjoyment for your household. Many homeowners find it beneficial to live with the space for a season before making permanent changes, allowing time to observe sunlight patterns and natural drainage across the area.