Frequently Asked Questions

A typical single-family home with one HVAC system takes 3–4 hours. Larger homes or those with multiple zones and air handlers may take 5–7 hours. We can give you a more precise estimate based on your home's square footage and number of returns during our free phone consultation.

Yes. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, clogged dryer vents cause approximately 2,900 residential fires each year. Warning signs include clothes taking more than one cycle to dry, the dryer running hot to the touch, a burning smell during operation, or it's been over 12 months since your last cleaning. Annual professional cleaning is strongly recommended.

Just clear a 3-foot path around each air register and provide access to the HVAC unit and air handler. Move any valuables or breakables away from work areas. We handle all the protective drop cloths and setup ourselves.

We use HEPA-rated vacuum systems that create negative pressure in the ductwork, combined with rotary brushes and air whips to agitate and remove debris. Our equipment meets NADCA (National Air Duct Cleaners Association) standards. We never use chemical treatments that could damage or contaminate the system without your explicit consent.

NFPA 211 recommends annual chimney inspection and cleaning for any fireplace in use. Even if you only burn wood a few times a year, an annual inspection is required to catch structural issues like cracks, animal nesting, and moisture intrusion — all of which can develop independently of actual use.

Our standard chimney sweep includes: visual inspection of the firebox and smoke chamber, creosote removal from the flue liner using professional rotary brushes, removal of debris (leaves, bird nests, etc.), inspection of the damper, crown, and cap, and a written safety report with photos documenting any issues found.

A Level I inspection (NFPA standard) covers all accessible portions of the chimney and is recommended for annually used fireplaces with no known issues. A Level II inspection is required when you've had a chimney fire, a change in fuel type, or when selling/buying a home — it includes video camera inspection of the flue and more detailed structural assessment. We offer both.

Yes. For structural changes, electrical work, plumbing, and basement conversions, we pull all required permits through the appropriate county or municipality (Montgomery County, Arlington County, DC DCRA, etc.). Permitted work protects you at resale and ensures the work is properly inspected.

A cosmetic kitchen refresh — new cabinets, countertops, backsplash, and flooring — typically takes 2–3 weeks. A full gut renovation with new layout, plumbing relocation, and electrical work can take 4–8 weeks depending on permit timelines and material availability. We provide a detailed schedule at the start of every project.

Most clients remain in their homes throughout a kitchen renovation. We seal off the work area with plastic sheeting to contain dust, maintain a clear path to at least one bathroom at all times, and conduct a daily cleanup before leaving. We'll set up a temporary food prep station if needed.

Yes. We offer a 2-year craftsmanship warranty on all remodeling work. Manufacturer warranties on materials (cabinets, appliances, tile, etc.) are passed through to the homeowner. If any workmanship issue appears within 2 years, we'll address it at no charge.

We primarily use Benjamin Moore Regal Select for interior work and Sherwin-Williams Duration for exterior. Both are professional-grade products. We can accommodate any brand preference the homeowner specifies. Low-VOC options are available for all projects.

With proper preparation and professional-grade paint, exterior painting in the Maryland/DMV climate should last 7–10 years. We back exterior work with a 3-year craftsmanship warranty. The key is thorough prep — pressure washing, caulking, priming — which we never skip.

Yes. We can color-match to any existing paint color using a spectrophotometer scan. Bring a paint chip or we can scan the wall directly during the estimate appointment.

Yes. We hold valid contractor and home services licenses in both Maryland and Virginia. This allows us to legally perform work, pull permits, and carry appropriate insurance in MD, VA, and Washington DC.

Yes. Our entire team is bilingual. You can call our Spanish line at (240) 756-3273, request an estimate in Spanish via our contact form, and receive all estimates and communications in Spanish. There is no extra charge for Spanish service.

Call us at (240) 756-3272, fill out the form on our Contact page, or text us at the same number. We respond to all estimate requests within 2–4 business hours and can usually schedule an in-home visit within the same week.

We serve a 30-mile radius from our Gaithersburg, MD base. This covers all of Montgomery County MD, Northern Virginia (Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax County), and Washington DC. See our Cities pages for more specific coverage details, or call to confirm your address.