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 are a veteran owned, family owned, full service interior and exterior remodeling company that prides ourselves on excellent craftsmanship as well as being on time, in uniform and keeping a clean work environment. Communication is key! We are very familiar with 203k and other construction loan programs as well as insurance claim projects.
"The work was done efficiently and quickly in the time frame given at time of the estimate. All subcontractors were skilled in their crafts which led to an outstanding finished product."
Jerry K on August 2024
We are a veteran owned, family owned, full service interior and exterior remodeling company that prides ourselves on excellent craftsmanship as well as being on time, in uniform and keeping a clean work environment. Communication is key! We are very familiar with 203k and other construction loan programs as well as insurance claim projects.
"The work was done efficiently and quickly in the time frame given at time of the estimate. All subcontractors were skilled in their crafts which led to an outstanding finished product."
Jerry K on August 2024
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
WE offer Senior, Teachers, Military and First Responders discounts! ONE-STOP- SHOP, with over 15 years of professional experience covering all your home improvement needs. Our specialties include: Bathroom and Kitchen Remodel, Home Renovations, Interior and exterior Painting, Decks, Gutter Installation, Flooring Installation. Our quotes are ALWAYS FREE! We are licensed and insured to deliver superior service. We guarantee great quality results on all projects offering fair and competitive prices. We take great pride in pleasing our customers! Give us a call today, we look forward to serving you!
"Very hardworking, great and trustworthy! Such good communication and loved having them"
Kayla C on April 2025
WE offer Senior, Teachers, Military and First Responders discounts! ONE-STOP- SHOP, with over 15 years of professional experience covering all your home improvement needs. Our specialties include: Bathroom and Kitchen Remodel, Home Renovations, Interior and exterior Painting, Decks, Gutter Installation, Flooring Installation. Our quotes are ALWAYS FREE! We are licensed and insured to deliver superior service. We guarantee great quality results on all projects offering fair and competitive prices. We take great pride in pleasing our customers! Give us a call today, we look forward to serving you!
"Very hardworking, great and trustworthy! Such good communication and loved having them"
Kayla C on April 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
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
Exterior Experts Inc Home of Owner-Direct Pricing. Over 37 years licensed and insured. Local family owned and operated. We specialize in installations and replacements of roofs, siding, decks and bathrooms. Our installation crews are second to none. They have been with the company for a long time and take great pride in their work. We don't do repairs, painting or staining. We are not sales people, we are old school contractors with a passion for what we do and a love for our customers that we treat like family. Call us today for a FREE no obligation estimate and find out what over 80,000 customers to date already know. Let Exterior Experts be your go-to contractor and make you very proud.
"Our house looks amazing and the price was beyond reasonable. This should be a 5 star review and we had every plan to hirer owner Neil and his team again for decking project. The work was performed over 5 really cold days in Feb; the team was timely, professional and incredibly considerate of the pets being in and out of the yard. Unfortunately we are still waiting for a follow up from the business on a few touch ups on a small encasement that was missed. I spoke with Mr. Snyder on the phone March 3 and sent photos via text message as requested on March 4th and again on the 17th. We have yet to hear back on any resolution. I hate using this approach of down scoring and will happily update this review to a 5 once the few items are completed. It just makes me anxious that any 10 year workmanship warranty won't be honored."
Amethyst T on April 2025
Exterior Experts Inc Home of Owner-Direct Pricing. Over 37 years licensed and insured. Local family owned and operated. We specialize in installations and replacements of roofs, siding, decks and bathrooms. Our installation crews are second to none. They have been with the company for a long time and take great pride in their work. We don't do repairs, painting or staining. We are not sales people, we are old school contractors with a passion for what we do and a love for our customers that we treat like family. Call us today for a FREE no obligation estimate and find out what over 80,000 customers to date already know. Let Exterior Experts be your go-to contractor and make you very proud.
"Our house looks amazing and the price was beyond reasonable. This should be a 5 star review and we had every plan to hirer owner Neil and his team again for decking project. The work was performed over 5 really cold days in Feb; the team was timely, professional and incredibly considerate of the pets being in and out of the yard. Unfortunately we are still waiting for a follow up from the business on a few touch ups on a small encasement that was missed. I spoke with Mr. Snyder on the phone March 3 and sent photos via text message as requested on March 4th and again on the 17th. We have yet to hear back on any resolution. I hate using this approach of down scoring and will happily update this review to a 5 once the few items are completed. It just makes me anxious that any 10 year workmanship warranty won't be honored."
Amethyst T on April 2025
ARC Construction and Renovation, located in Essex, MD, offers professional remodeling services for residential and commercial properties. They specialize in transforming spaces with the highest quality materials and craftsmanship, bringing clients' visions to life. With their commitment to innovation and sustainability, ARC Construction and Renovation creates extraordinary spaces that exceed expectations. They prioritize customer satisfaction and ensure each project reflects their clients' unique requirements.
"Estimate visit went really well. Jose was on time and very professional. Would recommend to another without hesitation 💯💯😁😁"
miles j on December 2024
ARC Construction and Renovation, located in Essex, MD, offers professional remodeling services for residential and commercial properties. They specialize in transforming spaces with the highest quality materials and craftsmanship, bringing clients' visions to life. With their commitment to innovation and sustainability, ARC Construction and Renovation creates extraordinary spaces that exceed expectations. They prioritize customer satisfaction and ensure each project reflects their clients' unique requirements.
"Estimate visit went really well. Jose was on time and very professional. Would recommend to another without hesitation 💯💯😁😁"
miles j on December 2024
Over 12 years in business! All home improvement work, concrete, brick, decks, garage, bathrooms, kitchen, basements
"Picked CBJ based on their comprehensive approach to solving the issue at hand, not just looking at price for a general replacing concrete. Was very pleased with the detailed quote, the crew work ethic, the quality of the work done and prompt customer service."
Nachum H on November 2024
Over 12 years in business! All home improvement work, concrete, brick, decks, garage, bathrooms, kitchen, basements
"Picked CBJ based on their comprehensive approach to solving the issue at hand, not just looking at price for a general replacing concrete. Was very pleased with the detailed quote, the crew work ethic, the quality of the work done and prompt customer service."
Nachum H on November 2024
We are a small, family owned and operated, deck building company based in Westminster, MD. We’ve been in business since 1992 having started in the Russett community in Laurel. We do NOT use subcontractors for building our decks. When you hire Russett Deck Professionals for your project, that’s who will be doing the designing, obtaining building permits, and the actual construction. We are specialized deck builders and only build using the best of materials on the market. When using composite materials, we will give you the best advice we can to help you make the right choice for your deck. We do not push any particular brand of material on you just to help us. It’s your deck, it’s your choice! We will obtain any and all building permits and supply you with drawings for your HOA approvals. We are Angies List Super Service award winners for multiple years 2012-2013-2014-2015-2017-2018-2019-2020-2021-2023
"These guys were awesome. From the planning to the building of our project. They gave us an accurate estimate. Even added an accessibility ramp at our request and fit it perfectly on the deck they built for us. They were able to start our project a week ahead of schedule and even worked in weather that was very cold. They were efficient and quick. They cleaned everything up when they were finished and I couldn’t have ask for more polite and professional service. Will definitely contact them for future projects!"
David M on February 2025
We are a small, family owned and operated, deck building company based in Westminster, MD. We’ve been in business since 1992 having started in the Russett community in Laurel. We do NOT use subcontractors for building our decks. When you hire Russett Deck Professionals for your project, that’s who will be doing the designing, obtaining building permits, and the actual construction. We are specialized deck builders and only build using the best of materials on the market. When using composite materials, we will give you the best advice we can to help you make the right choice for your deck. We do not push any particular brand of material on you just to help us. It’s your deck, it’s your choice! We will obtain any and all building permits and supply you with drawings for your HOA approvals. We are Angies List Super Service award winners for multiple years 2012-2013-2014-2015-2017-2018-2019-2020-2021-2023
"These guys were awesome. From the planning to the building of our project. They gave us an accurate estimate. Even added an accessibility ramp at our request and fit it perfectly on the deck they built for us. They were able to start our project a week ahead of schedule and even worked in weather that was very cold. They were efficient and quick. They cleaned everything up when they were finished and I couldn’t have ask for more polite and professional service. Will definitely contact them for future projects!"
David M on February 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.