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
Here at The Jack of All Trades.net, LLC, we sustain our business on quality craftsmanship, attention to detail and integrity. We are experts in our trade with decades of experience in all phases of residential and commercial building. This vast amount of experience is critical to providing the highest level of expertise for your most valuable investment. Visit us at www.thejackofalltrades.net
"Charlie and his son did an outstanding job installing screening on my covered deck. The result is a high quality, exceptionally strong white aluminum structure, 8 foot high screening without the need for horizontal center bracing; presenting a finished and delightful appearance. In addition to high quality materials, the finished appearance and structural integrity is due to meticulous notching, careful laser measuring, proper tools, experience and craftsmanship. I opted for AllergyGuard screening and will write another review once Iâ ve had enough time and weather changes to determine if it was the right choice."
Rory K on August 2023
Here at The Jack of All Trades.net, LLC, we sustain our business on quality craftsmanship, attention to detail and integrity. We are experts in our trade with decades of experience in all phases of residential and commercial building. This vast amount of experience is critical to providing the highest level of expertise for your most valuable investment. Visit us at www.thejackofalltrades.net
"Charlie and his son did an outstanding job installing screening on my covered deck. The result is a high quality, exceptionally strong white aluminum structure, 8 foot high screening without the need for horizontal center bracing; presenting a finished and delightful appearance. In addition to high quality materials, the finished appearance and structural integrity is due to meticulous notching, careful laser measuring, proper tools, experience and craftsmanship. I opted for AllergyGuard screening and will write another review once Iâ ve had enough time and weather changes to determine if it was the right choice."
Rory K on August 2023
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 specialize in Screened Porch and Deck installation services in North Virginia. We have over 20+ years of experience . Call us now to get a free quote anywhere in Virginia 571-428-6699.
"Atlas Remodeling Group is top notch. Always on time, worked during weekends, very professional, and the price was unmatched compared to other companies. I highly recommend them for any deck, porch, or patio renovations you need done."
David R on October 2024
We specialize in Screened Porch and Deck installation services in North Virginia. We have over 20+ years of experience . Call us now to get a free quote anywhere in Virginia 571-428-6699.
"Atlas Remodeling Group is top notch. Always on time, worked during weekends, very professional, and the price was unmatched compared to other companies. I highly recommend them for any deck, porch, or patio renovations you need done."
David R on October 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.
"They did what I needed them to do."
Patrick D 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.
"They did what I needed them to do."
Patrick D 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
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 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
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.
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.
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
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.