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 have the experience and we are committed to providing quality workmanship and superior customer service on all our applications. We at Lifeline Pool and Spa LLC strive to maintain our reputation as a high quality, very service oriented company with our main focus being customer satisfaction.
"They are highly dependable and efficient."
anthony p on October 2024
We have the experience and we are committed to providing quality workmanship and superior customer service on all our applications. We at Lifeline Pool and Spa LLC strive to maintain our reputation as a high quality, very service oriented company with our main focus being customer satisfaction.
"They are highly dependable and efficient."
anthony p 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
A & L Construction was established in April 1985. Our primary focus: positioning this company as the best construction firm for custom design decks, additions, and remodeling. We serve mostly the Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC areas. Serving both the builders and homeowners, at A & L Construction we have succeeded in our objective and we continue to expand. Years before incorporating A & L Construction, the founders, Keith and Bill met while working for other companies. Gaining first hand knowledge of quality and craftsmanship in Commercial Remodeling and Historic Restoration projects. Additional DBA - A & L Construction. Locally owned. A&L construction will never ask for money up front. We always get work compleated before asking for payment.
"Oregon usa"
Gero M on June 2022
A & L Construction was established in April 1985. Our primary focus: positioning this company as the best construction firm for custom design decks, additions, and remodeling. We serve mostly the Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC areas. Serving both the builders and homeowners, at A & L Construction we have succeeded in our objective and we continue to expand. Years before incorporating A & L Construction, the founders, Keith and Bill met while working for other companies. Gaining first hand knowledge of quality and craftsmanship in Commercial Remodeling and Historic Restoration projects. Additional DBA - A & L Construction. Locally owned. A&L construction will never ask for money up front. We always get work compleated before asking for payment.
"Oregon usa"
Gero M on June 2022
Our business rises above the rest of the competition due to the fact that we treat our customers better than any other company in the area. Our customer service is unequivocal, and this is proven based on the fact that we do not have a single dissatisfied client. In addition to our customer service, we provide a quality product...always. We are confident because we know we can provide you with the highest quality, value, and service, and our track record shows that. Call us today for your free estimate!
"They were excellent, professional and on time. Berith Builders were easy to reach by phone or email. Also they gave excellent advice if you were questioning several ways to do something."
Catherine D on July 2024
Our business rises above the rest of the competition due to the fact that we treat our customers better than any other company in the area. Our customer service is unequivocal, and this is proven based on the fact that we do not have a single dissatisfied client. In addition to our customer service, we provide a quality product...always. We are confident because we know we can provide you with the highest quality, value, and service, and our track record shows that. Call us today for your free estimate!
"They were excellent, professional and on time. Berith Builders were easy to reach by phone or email. Also they gave excellent advice if you were questioning several ways to do something."
Catherine D on July 2024
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
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
Custom Decks, Patios & Screen Rooms to Enhance Your Life and Home with high quality of work and satisfaction
"The deck looks great. Better than expected. Very professional. Took care of permits and all documents required for the county. Financing was easy. Started and finish. Very little wait time. Nice job all way through. Call Edwin ... you won't be disappointed."
Rudolph J on May 2025
Custom Decks, Patios & Screen Rooms to Enhance Your Life and Home with high quality of work and satisfaction
"The deck looks great. Better than expected. Very professional. Took care of permits and all documents required for the county. Financing was easy. Started and finish. Very little wait time. Nice job all way through. Call Edwin ... you won't be disappointed."
Rudolph J 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
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
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.