"VKB Frederick remodeled our basement and turned an area that was mostly being used for storage into a space our family can actually enjoy. We wanted it to feel comfortable and finished, but also practical enough for everyday use. This was our first renovation of this size, so we had plenty of questions throughout the process. The team was responsive and explained things in a way that made it easier for us to make decisions. We also appreciated the crews attention to the finishing details because those little things really make a difference once the project is complete. The basement no longer feels like a basement. It feels like another level of our home, and we are using the space far more than we expected. We?re very pleased with the transformation and would recommend the VKB Frederick team."
"Great guy, casual approach, does not ask enough questions. As a homeowner, I don't have his knowledge and is up to him to educate a little better. Overall, very, very good."
"We had Flood Crew out to help when our hot water heater broke. Bill and his crew were great! From the water remediation to installing a whole new floor in the basement, the crew took care of every step. These are some of the hardest working guys I’ve ever seen! And they don’t play around, they get the job done. I recommend them to anyone needing this type of work done. Thanks a million, Bill & crew! ???"
"ABC Garage Repair is TOP NOTCH! I have 2 garage doors and both of the auto openers were old and needed replacement. I emailed 3 of Angie's List "A" rated companies and Jesse from ABC was the ONLY ONE to respond to my inquiry. They got the business based solely on that. Confirmed an appointment w/in 3 days of initial contact. The installer was friendly, informative and timely. Replaced both openers and put in a exterior key pad but the rollers were old and although the doors opened they were loud and the garage doors needed a tune up. Scheduled ABC for the tune up the next day and another tech came out - same story, on time, friendly, experienced and walked through everything. I received a little discount on the tune up since we had just spent a lot on the openers. Great service. Roller/Tune up made a huge difference and it's amazing what a difference. GREAT SERVICE! I would recommend ABC to friends, clients and Angie's listers! "
"Last year we met and contracted A Cut Above Carpentry to do a full kitchen remodel. (Their estimate and timeline were very reasonable.) Because of delays in appliance deliveries (ordered by us not the contractor), we had to reschedule 3 times. A Cut Above was understanding and accommodating. When our project finally began, we quickly saw we had made the right choice. Marcy, the office manager, was professional, fantastic at communicating all steps, costs and information on the remodel and just checking in on the progress. Marty, the contractor, was committed as much to our vision as we were. He was prompt, efficient, pleasant and generous with information, questions and suggestions. His work is excellent and you can see his skill and experience everywhere. It can always be a challenge working on an older home (ours was built in 1958), and you never know what you may find. As we progressed and unexpected conditions came up, Marty would always have a solution. He discussed each one with us, presenting the pros and cons of each solution, along with his thoughts on the best way to proceed. His ability to troubleshoot and solve each and every challenge that came his way is an asset, and my number one reason why I would recommend A Cut Above Carpentry. Our new kitchen is everything we dreamed it could be and we canâ t thank A Cut Above enough for their care in getting it accomplished. A Cut Above Carpentry is now our go to contractor/carpenter for any and all home projects."
"So proud to show the home and it even won a couple awards! He's even gone on to do work at my church as well. If I were to build another house I will not go anywhere else! He is the only one i would go to. It started out as business deal and ended up a friendship!!!"
"Carlos and his team were amazing! They installed a new Ikea kitchen and they did not cut and corners. They were professional, efficient and did quality work. Very happy with their service and happier with how my new kitchen turned out. Highly recommend!"
"Job went pretty much as planned. Jamie was able to overcome some minor imperfections in our walls, and the crown molding looks great. He had great suggestions on areas that we were unsure of. He plugged up the nail holes and caulked top and bottom of the molding. The end result is great. I will definitely call Dunn the Snyder Way for any future projects or renovations. "
"Williams sent an estimator to my home, on time and with a very professional check list, card and set of questions. I believe that that would do an excellent job. They were the first quote I received and the price shocked me. However, I got three other quotes in the following week and they all clustered at about half the price I received from Williams. Needless to say, I went with another painter. I emailed Williams and explained why I would not be using their service but got no further reply."
Building a new home can be more expensive than buying an existing one, depending on the housing market in your area. Many homeowners still find that building a new house is worth the investment as they can choose the exact layout they want, as well as to choose their own floors, wall coverings, appliances, and finishes. If you live close enough to the build site, you can also stop by to check on the builder’s progress, which can provide some peace of mind that the project is worth it.
Typically, architects do not build homes in a hands-on sense of doing the actual framing, roofing, or other building. Architects usually do not have the training and experience to build the homes they design. An architect would need to know how to do the specific trades required to build a house, which is possible but not a common practice. A general contractor or homebuilder typically oversees the actual details of building the house that the architect designs.
One of the best ways to negotiate with a homebuilder is to forgo price reductions. Instead, negotiate over upgrades and incentives, as many builders are more willing to go down that road than to decrease their own fee. Even if they were willing to take a cut, a reputable homebuilder often knows their worth, so a willingness to negotiate could be a red flag. Beyond that, builders are typically willing to negotiate closing costs instead of offering a discount on the base price.
Local regulations dictate how big an ADU can be, and there may also be restrictions on the percentage of the main residence’s square footage an ADU can have. In most cases, an ADU must be smaller than the main residence, but check with your local building authority to confirm restrictions on ADU size.
In most states, you can build an in-law suite on your property as long as you follow local building codes. However, it's important that you have enough space on your property to accommodate the new structure. A functional in-law suite in your backyard will require between 300 and 800 square feet of space.
The Jefferson, MD homeowners’ guide to home building services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
When building a home, going custom gives you the freedom to create your dream house. Learn about the cost to build a custom home and the factors to consider.
Thinking about a custom home building project? Learn about design options, average construction costs, and how to hire the right local pro for your new house.
Building your dream home starts with hiring a builder. Here is how to find a builder who understands your needs and preferences for your brand-new home.
