"Jhon and the team were very professional, from setting up the project, to careful completion. Very competitive pricing. This was an exterior porch painting project, with white railings, posts, and skirt lattice, and red flooring and lower trim. They did a very clean painting, with excellent coverage. I would hire again, for either exterior or interior projects."
"I will use Ferguson Home Improvement again, Mr. Ferguson and his staff was very easy to communicate with and very professional. They completed the job in a day they were in an out and the quality of work is also impressive. I will use Ferguson Home Improvement again when I need their professional assistance. "
"It went very well. They came and pressure washed the whole house. Took down the rain gutters and masked everything and put two coats to paint on the house and the deck. They did a wonderful job. They were very professional and very nice to work with."
"They were excellent, I would highly recommend. Everyone was very professional and showed up right when they said they would. They were gentle and everything arrived intact. They had us on the road in no time."
"We were very pleased with the work and the work ethic of Sandy and Keyenne. They were prompt, friendly, efficient, and kept the mess to a minimum, plus I liked their music.! Sandy has a great eye for color and gave some wonderful advice when we were discussing color choices. She suggested accent wall color and colors above/below chair rail to make it "pop"!! And she was right! We are very happy with the end results. "
I had contacted five other contractors before finding Barry and his stellar team. Two contractors were no shows and three showed but did not return with an estimate, even after several calls to them. I knew that the job would be challenging and would require a skilled architect and contractor. While where the pool sat was level ground, the ground surrounding it was not, it provided very difficult elevation changes. Additionally the deck had to marry to the house and Florida room elevations, which were also different. I also wanted the deck boards to carry over the pool edge all around the pool - an oval pool within a disparate geometric deck (probably why the other contractors ran away)
Barry arrived on time to provide an estimate, made some initial measurements, addressed material requirements, number of gates, steps, access points, etc. Provided a rough order of magnitude based on estimated square footage and asked if he could have his architect come out. I agreed and he said he would get back to me. Barry returned the following day with the architect, three days after that we had plans and a contract. Two days after that we had a permit, then 3 days later the material was delivered and with it a crew that I can say based on experience before and after the job is in all likely hood the best in the area (not my first contracting rodeo in Virginia Beach). Barry's "A" team is compromised of his son Chase, Fanz Roman and Gilder Roman. The crew was polite, attentive and most importantly WORKED from the time they arrived till the time they departed.
I know Barry had other jobs ongoing in parallel with mine; but Barry showed up regularly to both work alongside his crew and provide supervision for the challenging compound miters (though little to no supervision was needed-they all have mad carpentry skills!). Barry did have to absent himself for a job up north for a day or two; but the team never missed a beat and Barry called me to ensure I was having no issues. One of Barry's attributes that I really appreciated, other than his knowledge and experience, was his responsiveness, whether through email or phone he always answered immediately. I also appreciated that we worked as a team. If there was an issue it was resolved quickly. As an example, it became apparent that the planned deck pattern would not work, though it looked good on paper. Fanz and Gilder designed a solution, laid it out for approval, The result was perfect!
I have two more projects I am saving for. I am not even going to waste my time chasing after other contractors. Barry's price is within the market, his work ethic exemplary and he delivers on his promise, the jobs will be his. I want it right, so I will wait for his availability.
"I found Sky Home Improvements through Angie's List, and gave them a call. They returned my call the next day and were prompt in getting to my home to assess the problem and give me an estimate. Dan went up on the roof and took pictures that he showed me to help me understand what was causing the roof to leak and what needed to be done to fix it. Along with the estimate, Dan gave me a folder which contained Job References, copy of his Contracting License, and a copy of Certificate of Liability Insurance. The following day Dan and Chuck were back and fixed the roof. They arrived on time, and after they finished the repair, took time to explain again what was done. Dan and Chuck were extremely polite, professional, and knowledgeable. I will definitely call on their expertise for any roofing work that needs to be done in the future."
Routine cleaning, sealing/staining, and inspection prolong deck life and appearance.
Stain is meant to be absorbed by the porous wood, allowing some of the natural grain to show through. With that in mind, you don’t want to add more stain than the wood can absorb, as you risk covering up its natural markings. Generally, two coats is the maximum you should do, although very dense hardwoods may only be able to take a single coat.
Staining or sealing a cedar deck or fence is highly recommended to extend its lifespan and protect it from the elements. While cedar is naturally resistant to mold and mildew, it is not impervious to damage from moisture, sun exposure, splintering, fading, and rot over time. Applying a protective finish creates a shield that preserves the wood's strength and appearance, potentially extending its life by five to 10 years.
When choosing a finish, it's helpful to understand the difference between a sealer and a stain. A sealer sits on top of the wood, whereas a combination stain and sealer soaks into the top layer. Because it penetrates the wood, a stain generally offers better protection against UV damage and rot and lasts significantly longer. For the best results that also preserve the wood's natural color, consider using a near-translucent stain.
To maintain protection, plan on reapplying the stain or sealer every two to three years, either as a DIY project or by hiring a professional.
Limewash and whitewash are two techniques used to give brick a light, matte finish, but they differ in composition, application, and permanence. The best choice depends on your aesthetic goals and the specific surface.
Composition
Limewash: A natural and environmentally friendly option made from limestone, water, and sometimes pigments. It is breathable and soaks into porous surfaces like brick.
Whitewash: Traditionally made from lime, water, chalk, and binders, but a similar look can be achieved with watered-down white paint. It is paint-based and sits on top of the surface.
Appearance and Finish
Limewash: Provides a natural, textured appearance that allows the brick's character to show through. It offers a more traditional finish.
Whitewash: Creates a softer, more opaque finish, often used for a rustic or shabby-chic style.
Application and Permanence
Limewash: Is semi-permanent and can be removed, making it a good choice if you might want to change the look in the future. It requires more skill to apply and cannot be used on previously painted brick.
Whitewash: Is a more permanent solution. It is more forgiving to apply and can be used on painted brick. However, because it sits on the surface, it can trap moisture.
Ultimately, if you want a breathable, natural, and reversible finish for unpainted brick, limewash is a great option. If you need a more permanent, opaque coating that can be applied over painted surfaces, whitewash is the better choice. Whitewashing may also be more economical, costing approximately $1.40 to $4.20 per square foot.
Liquid rubber is great for waterproofing, but it can damage your deck if it’s not applied correctly. First, it can trap moisture in the wood if the deck isn’t completely dry before application. Second, applying it too thickly can create a heavy, rubbery surface layer that peels and cracks under fluctuating temperatures. For the best results, ensure the wood is completely dry before application, and apply the liquid rubber in thin, even coats. A quick inspection every now and then will help you catch any issues early, keeping your deck protected and looking its best.
The Hillsville, VA homeowners’ guide to deck staining services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
The best time to stain a deck is when it’s dry but not too sunny. How often you restain a deck depends on climate and wood type, but every two to three years is normal.
