Anonymous wrote:OP, where are you located? We've done several renos in the past of varying sizes, ranging from knocking down a wall and building a closet to adding a floor, so I finally have a few go-to contractors. I have a guy who would be great for a bathroom job - but he works in DC and neighboring VA and MD areas (i.e., not Manassas). If you would like his info, email me at arialechat at gmail dot com.

OP here. Capitol Hill. Thanks!

OP, where are you located? We've done several renos in the past of varying sizes, ranging from knocking down a wall and building a closet to adding a floor, so I finally have a few go-to contractors. I have a guy who would be great for a bathroom job - but he works in DC and neighboring VA and MD areas (i.e., not Manassas). If you would like his info, email me at arialechat at gmail dot com.

I used HD for my kitchen and the experience was ok. It was a fixed price contract and the contractor hired by HD to do the work tried to backtrack on some of the estimates and increase the cost so I called HD and they stood by their quote.

Recently I renovated my bathroom. It appeared to be an easy job but as a veteran of renovating my house and knowing what I had found before, I knew it was going to be more complicated. I was right, it was more complicated because I needed pipes replaced, electrical work and some of the walls and subfloor replaced (old house!) in addition to laying tile, replacing the tub, etc. When I interviewed contractors, one even asked me why I wasn't going to HD or Lowes. I called HD and was referred to Rebath--a company that mostly sells their own products and a lot of very nice "bath fitter" stuff. It was fine but I wanted tile and it was going to be a lot of work to do that with Rebath because they are geared toward selling their own product (including a very limited line of plumbing fixtures). I got 5 quotes total. All were in the 10K range except one lunatic who said 30K (seriously--this bathroom is tiny and I wanted basic stuff). I went with Capitol Builders Group. I am happy with my bathroom.

Anonymous wrote:Ask on your neighborhood listserve. I always see posts asking for this type of information and lots of replies on our neighborhood listserve. Plus you will be able to communicate directly with whomever is giving your the reference to get better info.

What neighborhood listservs do you all use? City-data?

Get a quote from Metropolitan Bath and Tile

Ask on your neighborhood listserve. I always see posts asking for this type of information and lots of replies on our neighborhood listserve. Plus you will be able to communicate directly with whomever is giving your the reference to get better info.

OP, I don't think you're wrong to ask here. Fwiw I'm trying to do a simple kitchen remodel and didn't find the contractors that my local (Bethesda) HD uses to be very good. (They sent me a proposal that included work for someone else's kitchen.) Probably the best way to find someone is to ask neighbors and colleagues, but I've used recommendations from here on other home improvement projects. It's worth cross-checking references on Angie's List or Checkbook if you can.

Anonymous wrote:Why don't you go to Home Depot or Lowes and get a quote? It will be the most cost effective; if there is no specialty plumbing/wiring involved, it will probably be cheaper to use their contractors. I'm assuming that updating bath cabinets, vanity tops, fixtures, etc. is your goal here.

OP here. Hmmm definitely a compelling option given the fact that it's a fairly uncomplicated job (or so it seems...) What about tiling (and taking down old tile)? How does one find a reliable person who will do tiling (or would HD/Lowes do that... and do a decent job?)

Forgive my ignorance here. First time home owner and this is all unchartered territory.

Why don't you go to Home Depot or Lowes and get a quote? It will be the most cost effective; if there is no specialty plumbing/wiring involved, it will probably be cheaper to use their contractors. I'm assuming that updating bath cabinets, vanity tops, fixtures, etc. is your goal here.

Hi all,

I have seen many postings about renovations jobs (and how much people have spent... gulp), but I haven't seen many actual recommendations for specific contractors.

For those that have had solid -and cash conscious- experiences, would you mind sharing who you used for your bath or kitchen renovations (we live in DC). Our bathroom is small and the job does not require any plumbing/electrical work.

Online, I've seen some stuff written about HK Property Development, LLC, Four Brothers, J&C Home Improvement, McLean Home Improvement, LLC...
Has anyone used any of these guys... or anyone else?

Thanks in advance.