With 20 plus years of experience we 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.
"Very good clean service .. showed when they said they would and where done faster then they said they would be 10/10"
Dylan C on October 2024
With 20 plus years of experience we 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.
"Very good clean service .. showed when they said they would and where done faster then they said they would be 10/10"
Dylan C on October 2024
We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction, from the start to the completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job
We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction, from the start to the completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job
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
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
Transform your space with Washingtonian Companies, your interior/exterior design-build team. Whether it's roofing, windows, siding, decks, kitchens, bathrooms, or additions, we are your trusted partner to bring your vision to life and help personalize your surroundings.
"We were 100% satisfied with Washingtonian and with their work building our addition and deck. Not only was the workmanship and quality of the construction outstanding, but they operated with honesty and integrity. Their goal was our satisfaction and building a quality addition and deck. They accomplished all three and were reliable, dependable and conscientious. At no time did we believe that they had over-committed or were unable to deliver on what they had promised. They never cut corners to rush to another job nor did I ever feel that they were not spending the necessary time to ensure that the work on our job was thorough and complete. Travis, Kris and their crew were 100% professional, communicative and transparent. We will be using Washingtonian again, without hesitation. Our experience was excellent and they did an awesome job."
Walter J on January 2024
Transform your space with Washingtonian Companies, your interior/exterior design-build team. Whether it's roofing, windows, siding, decks, kitchens, bathrooms, or additions, we are your trusted partner to bring your vision to life and help personalize your surroundings.
"We were 100% satisfied with Washingtonian and with their work building our addition and deck. Not only was the workmanship and quality of the construction outstanding, but they operated with honesty and integrity. Their goal was our satisfaction and building a quality addition and deck. They accomplished all three and were reliable, dependable and conscientious. At no time did we believe that they had over-committed or were unable to deliver on what they had promised. They never cut corners to rush to another job nor did I ever feel that they were not spending the necessary time to ensure that the work on our job was thorough and complete. Travis, Kris and their crew were 100% professional, communicative and transparent. We will be using Washingtonian again, without hesitation. Our experience was excellent and they did an awesome job."
Walter J on January 2024
The founding owners, Jim Rubush & Ben Wolod, established Fence & Deck Connection in 1991. As lifetime Anne Arundel County residents, their commitment to providing the finest customer service in the industry has been instrumental to their success. The addition of Jeffrey Wall into the partnership in 2013 has added a great depth of sales & marketing expertise to help provide a customer experience like no other. Fence & Deck Connection has grown from what was once a two-man operation to one of the leading fence and deck companies in the state of Maryland. We have financing available. Additional Email - jwall@fencedeckconnect.com. Award winning. Additional Service Area - Kent Island
"Buyer Beware Run Away! (we dealt with the Veterans Hwy office) Fence and Deck Connection is an unprofessional organization that "installs" fences poorly. Don't beleive me, keep reading. We hired Fence and Deck Connection to install roughly 10 feet of privacy fence and gate. We assumed that they were professional enough to plan, execute, and provide quality control for the project. Well none of that is true. Chris, the project manager, failed to plan, control, or lead the project. He delivered the wrong plans to the crew which put the fence in the wrong spot swinging the wrong way. The first attempt at our fence was wrong in every way. They had to come back--take it all down and rebuild it from scratch. Chris povided no leadership or quality control during the process. In fact, he couldn't be bothered to come back and check the work. On the first go the crew dumped dry concrete mix down the fence post holes and when confronted about it Chris attempted to claim this a dry pour. He said that this will harden with ground moisture into solid concrete. The crew that installed the fence on both occasions were not properly equipped to do the job given that the fence parts are not even cut to the right dimensions. To be clear we just left the "fixed" version with its poor install quality alone becasue the issues aren't worth having the fence rebuilt a third time. Things like the gate not being even, or that we were told by Bob, who is Chris's boss, that the fence was going to need be adjusted by September-- 5 months after install. The company treated us with a lack of respect and a lack of professionalism when it came our justified complaints about the wrong install, poor communication, customer service and workmanship. In fact, Joel told us that it was essentially our fault that the fence was wrong for providing the wrong plans, when the company was in fact in charge of that. Leaving aside the blatent deception with the "concrete" with no water-- which is all on video. I am sure this low-grade company will try to convince you that we are unreasonable customers or that they fixed it so all should be forgiven. Sure, we are unreasonable for thinking they should do a good job. Yes we are unreasonable for thinking that we should not have to watch them to make sure they do a good job. We are unreasonble for being insulted with a $100 Amazon gift card as a "good faith" gesture as if the issues weren't that bad when they had to completely replace and remeasure all fencing and gate. The time for them to make it right was immediately, and to leave a good impression started on day one. They left us running away. They demonstrated a lack of professionalism--sneaking onto our property to install the fence the first time saying nothing and sneaking away saying nothing when finished. The project manager couldn't even be bothered to keep the basics straight. Where the gate goes, how big it should be, where the posts go, what plan the workers needed-- nothing. This company is utterly incompetent and no matter what deal they offer you it is waste of your time and money."
Simon C on March 2025
The founding owners, Jim Rubush & Ben Wolod, established Fence & Deck Connection in 1991. As lifetime Anne Arundel County residents, their commitment to providing the finest customer service in the industry has been instrumental to their success. The addition of Jeffrey Wall into the partnership in 2013 has added a great depth of sales & marketing expertise to help provide a customer experience like no other. Fence & Deck Connection has grown from what was once a two-man operation to one of the leading fence and deck companies in the state of Maryland. We have financing available. Additional Email - jwall@fencedeckconnect.com. Award winning. Additional Service Area - Kent Island
"Buyer Beware Run Away! (we dealt with the Veterans Hwy office) Fence and Deck Connection is an unprofessional organization that "installs" fences poorly. Don't beleive me, keep reading. We hired Fence and Deck Connection to install roughly 10 feet of privacy fence and gate. We assumed that they were professional enough to plan, execute, and provide quality control for the project. Well none of that is true. Chris, the project manager, failed to plan, control, or lead the project. He delivered the wrong plans to the crew which put the fence in the wrong spot swinging the wrong way. The first attempt at our fence was wrong in every way. They had to come back--take it all down and rebuild it from scratch. Chris povided no leadership or quality control during the process. In fact, he couldn't be bothered to come back and check the work. On the first go the crew dumped dry concrete mix down the fence post holes and when confronted about it Chris attempted to claim this a dry pour. He said that this will harden with ground moisture into solid concrete. The crew that installed the fence on both occasions were not properly equipped to do the job given that the fence parts are not even cut to the right dimensions. To be clear we just left the "fixed" version with its poor install quality alone becasue the issues aren't worth having the fence rebuilt a third time. Things like the gate not being even, or that we were told by Bob, who is Chris's boss, that the fence was going to need be adjusted by September-- 5 months after install. The company treated us with a lack of respect and a lack of professionalism when it came our justified complaints about the wrong install, poor communication, customer service and workmanship. In fact, Joel told us that it was essentially our fault that the fence was wrong for providing the wrong plans, when the company was in fact in charge of that. Leaving aside the blatent deception with the "concrete" with no water-- which is all on video. I am sure this low-grade company will try to convince you that we are unreasonable customers or that they fixed it so all should be forgiven. Sure, we are unreasonable for thinking they should do a good job. Yes we are unreasonable for thinking that we should not have to watch them to make sure they do a good job. We are unreasonble for being insulted with a $100 Amazon gift card as a "good faith" gesture as if the issues weren't that bad when they had to completely replace and remeasure all fencing and gate. The time for them to make it right was immediately, and to leave a good impression started on day one. They left us running away. They demonstrated a lack of professionalism--sneaking onto our property to install the fence the first time saying nothing and sneaking away saying nothing when finished. The project manager couldn't even be bothered to keep the basics straight. Where the gate goes, how big it should be, where the posts go, what plan the workers needed-- nothing. This company is utterly incompetent and no matter what deal they offer you it is waste of your time and money."
Simon C on March 2025
Located in Laurel, Maryland, Maryland Decks and Hardscape LLC is a hands on company dedicated to providing our customers with the finest level of craftsmanship and customer satisfaction. The company owner, and outdoor designers will sit down with you to help turn your ideas into an actual plan for your ideal outdoor living spaces. It is the knowledge and experience only a carpenter/owner and staff with over 60 years of combined experience in the field can provide that will ensure your project gets completed in a timely fashion. We pull all permits associated with your projects. We are fully licensed and insured and are members of the Maryland Home Improvement Commission.
"Great experience-Got the deck I wanted and actually exceeded my expectations-Joe and Jose were great and appreciated their professionalism and have a beautiful new deck in less then 3 weeks!"
Eric J on April 2025
Located in Laurel, Maryland, Maryland Decks and Hardscape LLC is a hands on company dedicated to providing our customers with the finest level of craftsmanship and customer satisfaction. The company owner, and outdoor designers will sit down with you to help turn your ideas into an actual plan for your ideal outdoor living spaces. It is the knowledge and experience only a carpenter/owner and staff with over 60 years of combined experience in the field can provide that will ensure your project gets completed in a timely fashion. We pull all permits associated with your projects. We are fully licensed and insured and are members of the Maryland Home Improvement Commission.
"Great experience-Got the deck I wanted and actually exceeded my expectations-Joe and Jose were great and appreciated their professionalism and have a beautiful new deck in less then 3 weeks!"
Eric J on April 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.
"The sales team was knowledgeable, thorough, and they gave us a very good price, but the greatest credit goes to the crew, who did an excellent job with true quality workmanship. We highly recommend FA Outdoor Spaces!"
Penny J on April 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.
"The sales team was knowledgeable, thorough, and they gave us a very good price, but the greatest credit goes to the crew, who did an excellent job with true quality workmanship. We highly recommend FA Outdoor Spaces!"
Penny J on April 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!
"The work on my deck was very quick and well done, and adjustments were made smoothly. The management was excellent and I couldn’t be happier that I chose Joist. I have already passed their information around to neighbors!"
Nina A on March 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!
"The work on my deck was very quick and well done, and adjustments were made smoothly. The management was excellent and I couldn’t be happier that I chose Joist. I have already passed their information around to neighbors!"
Nina A on March 2025
At River View our renovations stands out for its comprehensive services, expert team, customized solutions, quality assurance, proactive communication, attention to detail, timely completion, and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. Let us turn your renovation dreams into reality request a quote today!
"We write this review as a sigh of relief now that our renovation project with River View is finally complete. The quality of the final work is excellent, and the construction crew, architect, and county inspector were all great to work with. The original crew we worked with, led by Edwin, were so hardworking, friendly, thorough, and fast. That's what really pushed us from 2 to 3 stars. However, the process getting here was frustrating and unnecessarily chaotic. Timeline & Communication Issues: Initial promise: We were clear that the renovation had to allow us to live in our home during construction and be completed before Christmas. Early communication: Our original project manager, Cris, was personable, and early communication seemed fine, if a bit informal and sometimes inappropriately personal. Major miscommunication: Near the holidays, we discovered that the plans submitted included cutting into the roof — something we explicitly said we didn’t want. This contradicted verbal assurances and caused major last-minute changes. Project Management Failures: Poor planning and oversight: Cris and the architect’s plan didn’t align with the construction work. We had to get involved directly with the county to fix errors. Paperwork errors: Incorrect submissions to the county added delays and confusion, which we had to monitor ourselves. Last-minute scramble: We were cleaning up dust on Christmas Eve due to these planning failures. Personnel Turnover & Lack of Handoff: Cris leaves the company: No proper handover to James, the new PM, who was unfamiliar with our project. Crew replaced: The original crew, who were great, were gone; new crew had no context or direction. James leaves: Another handoff with no context — the third PM had no idea about our project or its outstanding items. Escalation mishandled: When we raised our concerns with Kyle, the CEO, the response felt dismissive, with no accountability for the previous missteps. In summary, it's a beautiful end result... but we’re glad it’s over. The process left us frustrated, confused, and frankly, exhausted."
Brian M on April 2025
At River View our renovations stands out for its comprehensive services, expert team, customized solutions, quality assurance, proactive communication, attention to detail, timely completion, and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. Let us turn your renovation dreams into reality request a quote today!
"We write this review as a sigh of relief now that our renovation project with River View is finally complete. The quality of the final work is excellent, and the construction crew, architect, and county inspector were all great to work with. The original crew we worked with, led by Edwin, were so hardworking, friendly, thorough, and fast. That's what really pushed us from 2 to 3 stars. However, the process getting here was frustrating and unnecessarily chaotic. Timeline & Communication Issues: Initial promise: We were clear that the renovation had to allow us to live in our home during construction and be completed before Christmas. Early communication: Our original project manager, Cris, was personable, and early communication seemed fine, if a bit informal and sometimes inappropriately personal. Major miscommunication: Near the holidays, we discovered that the plans submitted included cutting into the roof — something we explicitly said we didn’t want. This contradicted verbal assurances and caused major last-minute changes. Project Management Failures: Poor planning and oversight: Cris and the architect’s plan didn’t align with the construction work. We had to get involved directly with the county to fix errors. Paperwork errors: Incorrect submissions to the county added delays and confusion, which we had to monitor ourselves. Last-minute scramble: We were cleaning up dust on Christmas Eve due to these planning failures. Personnel Turnover & Lack of Handoff: Cris leaves the company: No proper handover to James, the new PM, who was unfamiliar with our project. Crew replaced: The original crew, who were great, were gone; new crew had no context or direction. James leaves: Another handoff with no context — the third PM had no idea about our project or its outstanding items. Escalation mishandled: When we raised our concerns with Kyle, the CEO, the response felt dismissive, with no accountability for the previous missteps. In summary, it's a beautiful end result... but we’re glad it’s over. The process left us frustrated, confused, and frankly, exhausted."
Brian M on April 2025
Replacing a pool heater costs $3,000 on average. Final pricing depends on the type of heater (gas, electric, or solar) and your pool's size. Factor for swimming pool repair costs, at an average of $3,800. When you start experiencing issues with your pool heater, other equipment and structural failures often follow. Installation is often the least expensive for electric and gas heaters. Heat pumps and solar panels often cost several thousand dollars more to install.
A pool heater’s lifespan is determined by its type and proper upkeep. Solar heaters last 20 to 25 years, electric heat pumps perform for five to 10 years, and gas heaters remain effective for 5 years. Regular pool maintenance safeguards performance and prevents premature failure. Ensuring that you adhere to a strict annual service schedule protects your investment and maintains consistent heating efficiency.
Depending on the size of your pool, location, climate, and current energy prices, you’ll spend up to $20 per hour to heat a pool using propane, $9 per hour using natural gas, and $1 to $2 per hour for a heat pump. Northern climates require more energy and can double the price. Standard estimates allow homeowners to easily estimate the cost of heating a pool for a month. Propane heaters, for example, are known to burn around 1 gallon per hour per 100,000 BTUs.
An electric or gas heat pump will take eight to 14 hours to heat a pool, while a solar heat pump takes 24 to 72 hours. Multiply the number of gallons by 8.34 to get your total pounds of water. Divide this figure by your heater's BTU rating to determine how many hours it takes to raise the water temperature by 1 degree Fahrenheit.
If your pool heater is not raising the water temperature to the desired level, the issue is caused by cold ambient conditions rather than a malfunction. The best solution is to install a solar cover that locks in heat and boosts efficiency. A solar cover costing $120 to $250 enhances heat retention, ensuring your heater performs at its peak. Additionally, verify that all settings—such as thermostat calibration and water circulation—are properly adjusted to support optimal heating.
Regular annual maintenance is crucial to keep your pool heater running efficiently and to avoid high repair costs. Investing $100 to $200 in yearly maintenance prevents issues such as excessive noise, surging energy bills, and malfunctioning controls. This proactive care not only prolongs your heater’s lifespan but also ensures reliable performance throughout the season. Always refer to your warranty guidelines to follow the required maintenance procedures.