If you’re considering hiring Chevy Chase Exteriors or another contractor to do your bathroom remodel, here are some things to consider for your planning process. Ventilation Ventilation may not be the funniest part of a bathroom remodel, but it is one of the most important. According to code, ventilation for a bathroom is required, butRead More »5 Tips for a Great Bathroom Remodel

  1. Measure  out your current kitchen  Make sure you don’t get a fridge that can’t fit through your door, by measuring out all spaces of your current kitchen, including height. Also make note of which of these areas seem tight to you when you cook to make sure you enlarge them. This also ensuresRead More »5 Tips for Planning a Kitchen Remodel

Our hearts go out to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people who are demonstrating enormous courage and bravery in difficult times. But these are empty words without actions. To show our commitment, we will not use Russian made supplies in our work until peace is reached. Further, we are rushing a donation to HIAS to help displaced Ukrainian persons. WeRead More »Statement on Ukraine

  Not to be all Game of Thrones, but winter is coming. Is your deck prepared? Put away furniture The first step to preparing your deck for the winter is to put away furniture and any other items you have on the deck. This not only makes it easier to do the rest of theRead More »Preparing Your Deck For Winter

  Carving pumpkins is one of my favorite things about Fall. Below are some tips on improving your pumpkin carving game. 1. Use a gnarlie pumpkin Most people want a perfectly round pumpkin, but a gnarlie pumpkin will often already have an idea of what it wants to be. Using its imperfections in your designRead More »5 Tips to Carving Your Pumpkin

  If you’ve decided you like hanging around a firepit with friends, perhaps you’d like to try cooking over one, rather than using your outdoor kitchen? Cooking over a fire pit is a rewarding experience, and requires very little in the way of equipment. Fire pit cooking equipment The main pieces of equipment I useRead More »5 Foods You Can Easily Cook Over A Fire Pit

  So you know you need some work done, but do you need a handyman or a contractor? When do you hire which one? Below are some guidelines you can use to determine who to call. Size of the Project For a large project, such as a bathroom remodel, you may need to hire aRead More »Handyman vs Contractor

  If you’re thinking about aging in place, it’s important that your home be accessible to you as you age. A handyman can assist with many of the modifications necessary to help you get started. Some things may require specialists, but below are 5 accessible modifications a handyman can do. Lever style door handles WhenRead More »5 Ways a Handyman Can Make Your Home More Accessible

  If you’re looking for good outdoor activities near Montgomery County, we’ve compiled a short list to get you started. With prices ranging from free to $64 a person, we have options to fit all budgets.  Clark’s Elioak Farm Clark’s Elioak Farm is located in neighboring Howard County, and is definitely worth the drive. EssentiallyRead More »Four Outdoor Activities Near Montgomery County

  It’s officially Fall, so let’s review Fall home maintenance.   Gutters If you don’t have gutter guards, you’ll want to clean your gutters. You’ll need to clean your gutters at least once in late Fall, but you may want to clean them multiple times. Also consider investing in gutter guards.  Gutter spouts When cleaningRead More »Fall Home Maintenance

  In our blog on how to improve your home for your cat, we mention catios. But what is the best catio option for you? A catio is a safe outdoor enclosure where your cat can enjoy the benefits of the outdoors without the risks. Below are some of my favorite styles of catio. CatiosRead More »Catio Types

  Why put a TV outdoors Putting a TV on your deck or patio is a great way to liven up your outdoor entertaining area. If you’re looking to do more entertaining in fresh air for health and safety reasons, an outdoor TV is a great addition. Have friends over to watch a football game,Read More »Outdoor TVs

  Although a simple outdoor cooking space is enough for some people, some people desire more. If you’re looking at putting in a fully functional outdoor kitchen, here are seven things to consider when designing it. Utilities A traditional outdoor kitchen will need utility hookups. These most likely include electricity, gas, and water. In additionRead More »Designing an Outdoor Kitchen

  If you’re tired of working from home at the dining room table, it might be time to put in a home office. You’ve read our blog on how a handyman can help, but there’s just no space. You weren’t thinking about working from home when you bought your house. Where should you put yourRead More »Small Space Home Offices

As we promised when we did our blog eight things to consider when picking outdoor furniture, here is our outdoor furniture materials’ guide.  Picking the right material for your outdoor furniture takes thought to balance different considerations. These might include: maintenance, longevity, style, and comfort. Plastic Plastic outdoor furniture has the benefit of being inexpensiveRead More »Outdoor furniture material guide

You might know about the problems caused by clogged gutters, but how can you prevent them? Below are our favorite four ways to prevent clogged gutters.    Regular gutter cleanings The most commonly recommended way to prevent clogs is with regular gutter cleanings. It is highly recommended that you hire a professional gutter cleaning serviceRead More »4 ways to prevent clogged gutters

In these unpredictable times, more and more people are choosing to entertain outdoors for health and safety reasons. If you don’t already have an outdoor entertaining space, now is the perfect time to set one up. Here are some simple steps for doing so. Do all needed maintenance  If you’re putting your space on aRead More »Tips on setting up an outdoor entertaining space

  Outdoor cooking is great in the summertime when you don’t want to heat up your house, but can be enjoyable throughout much of the year. While an entire outdoor kitchen is desirable, if you’d like something simpler, here’s how to do it.   Grill The keystone of an outdoor cooking area is the grill.Read More »How to design a simple outdoor cooking space

Gutters get clogged for a variety of reasons, some of which you can prevent, some of which you can’t. Below are four reasons why your gutters might be clogged Leaves and proximity to trees The closer your house is to trees and branches, the more likely it is that leaves will wind up in theRead More »Why Do Gutters Get Clogged?

    We've talked about home improvements for your dog, but there are also many home improvements that you or a handyman can do that will make your home much more cat friendly. From the easy to the extensive, here are 5 home improvements that can be made to make your home more cat friendly.Read More »Home improvements for your cat

  Are you considering hiring a handyman and wondering if you should? Here are some great reasons below not to put it off. Saves you time A handyman can get done in a matter of minutes what might take those who are less experienced hours to accomplish. If time is money, why not save some?Read More »Why Hire a Handyman

If you’re tired of working from home at the dining room table, and you’ve just heard your new office will be hybrid, it might be time to redo a room as a home office. Here are 5 ways you can improve your home office with the help of a handyman.    1. Install a hanging/folding… Read More »Improve your home office with a handyman

Your gutters are necessary and functional, but how can you turn your gutters into art? Below are four ways to incorporate gutters and water flow into the exterior design and landscaping of your home and yard.    1. Rain Chains Rain chains have been used for hundreds of years in Japan and are a beautiful… Read More »4 ways to turn your gutters into art

You may be wondering what sort of problems can develop from clogged gutters and if it’s really worth it clean them.  The answer is that regular gutter cleanings prevent a number of problems from occurring in your house and roof and ultimately save you money. Here are five problems that can be prevented by regular… Read More »5 Problems Caused by Clogged Gutters

If you’re looking to do exterior painting on your home or business you may have questions. Here are the answers to three common questions on exterior painting. Whether you’re painting your home or business, knowing more about exterior painting can only help you. Be sure to also read about the benefits of exterior painting.  … Read More »Exterior Painting Questions

Are you unclear on the benefits of exterior home painting? Here are four benefits for you to think about.  1. Home value Did you know that according to exterior touch ups and curb appeal, including painting, add 2-11% to a home’s value? In addition exterior painting can make a home sell faster by increasing curb… Read More »Benefits of Exterior Home Painting

Is your yard environmentally friendly? Here are 6 tips to a greener yard. 1. Native grass A grass native to your area is less likely to need additional watering or fertilizer. While the benefits of less additional watering are obvious, the downsides of traditional fertilizer will be talked about later in this list. 2. Plant… Read More »6 Tips to Greener Yard

 Collecting, or “harvesting”, rainwater in Maryland and D.C. has is a great way to benefit the environment and save money on your water bill at the same time. Is it legal? You may have heard that it’s illegal to collect rainwater, but this varies by state. In Maryland and D.C. it is not only perfectly… Read More »Rainwater Collecting

There are many benefits to screening in your porch or veranda. A screened in porch brings all the positives of both outside and inside into one living area. Here are 4 benefits of a screened in porch.   1. Shade The first and most obvious benefit of a screened in porch is the shade. Having… Read More »4 Benefits of Screened in Porches

  If you’ve read our article, “6 Tips to designing your outdoor living space” your next question may be, “great, but what if I’m on a budget?” Here are some tips to help you design your perfect outdoor living space on budget.   1. Patio stones  Defining your space is important, and while a deck… Read More »4 Tips To a Perfect Outdoor Living Space on a Budget

If you have a dog, you’ll want to make your deck as dog friendly as possible. This will allow you to enjoy time with your best friend in the great outdoors. A few improvements go a long way. 1. Chicken wire to keep toys from falling off Chicken wire between the railing of your deck… Read More »Dog Friendly Decks

Deck gardening is a great way to add greenery to your deck through the use of potted plants. This can be another way to have a great looking deck . If you do decide to get started with deck gardening, also read our post on composting .  Below are three tips to get you started… Read More »Deck Gardening Tips

Are you wondering if it’s worth it to clean your solar panels and hire a service to do so? The answer is a definite YES!    Why do solar panels need cleaning? Dirt, pollen, bird droppings, and grime all collect on your solar panels. You may think your solar panels will be cleaned by the… Read More »Should you hire a solar panel cleaning service?

Are you confused by what different kinds of porches? Below we look at 10 different styles of porch and try to clear up confusion about what’s what. Like decks , porches offer a variety of ways to enjoy the outdoors .   What does porch mean?   A porch is a low to the ground… Read More »8 Kinds of Porches

This depends on if you are talking about a wood deck or a composite deck. If a composite deck, see our article here. The rest of this article will be about wood decks.    Wood decks need different kinds of maintenance on different schedules, and it does depend on the climate where you live. Here… Read More »How often do decks need maintenance

So you’ve heard that composite decks require less maintenance, but how much is less? Unlike a wood deck First off we must set the bar for what is considered “less.” Wood decks require sealing every one to three years. Before being resealed, they must be deep cleaned and sanded. This is time consuming and expensive. … Read More »Composite Deck Maintenance

So you’ve heard about how they can save you  time and money, but are gutter guards worth the cost? Will gutter guards pay for themselves in saved money from gutter cleanings? Let’s take a look. What are gutter guards? If you’re not familiar with them, gutter guards are an addition that can be added to… Read More »Are Gutter Guards Worth The Cost?

They say dogs are man’s best friend, so how can you make your outdoor space more friendly for your best friend? Here are some tips below to make your outdoor space more dog friendly.   1. Fenced yard A fence is mandatory for a good dog friendly yard. It helps keep your dog safe by… Read More »Dog Friendly Outdoor Spaces

6 Tips on designing your outdoor living space   Does your outdoor living space need some help? Here are 6 tips on designing an outdoor living space. Follow these simple steps to get a beautiful space to relax in.   1.Do any needed renovations It’s hard to have a beautiful space when your deck is… Read More »6 Tips On Designing Your Outdoor Living Space

One great way to make your outdoor space more livable is to add furniture, but how do you pick the best for your needs?   1. Space If you’re going to spend your time reading, perhaps you’d like an outdoor recliner. If you want to eat dinner under the stars, perhaps a table and chairs… Read More »8 Things to Consider When Buying Outdoor Furniture

Deck renovation–what does it include? The short answer is that deck renovation is a catch all term for a wide variety of different types of maintenance and repairs. It can include anything from sanding down uneven, splintery boards to adding a bench. Here are somethings that might be included in a renovation. Deck resurfacing This… Read More »Deck Renovation

Since a deck is basically another room in your house, it is just as important to have a great looking deck as an indoor room. Here are some tips.   Do any needed maintenance You wouldn’t  try to decorate a room where the wall paper was peeling or the paint was flaking. Why should a… Read More »How to have a great looking deck

Chevy Chase Exteriors condemns police brutality as seen in the killings of George Floyd and Breona Taylor and the tear gassing of peaceful protestors at Lafayette Square. We stand with our Black staff in their struggles; we remember and say Black Lives Matter.

Wood and Composite Decking in Maryland and DC Chevy Chase Exteriors can resurface your deck with either composite or wood boards in Montgomery County, Maryland and Northwest DC. Both composite and wood decks have their advantages and disadvantages and it is important to know the pros and cons of each in order to make an… Read More »Wood and Composite Decking in MD and DC

What happens when you give an artist a pressure washer? You get art of course! Dianna Wood was gifted a pressure washer from her husband for her birthday and used it to create amazing works on her driveway.  The North Carolinian has been creating unusual art since she was five, according to a story here.… Read More »An artist and a pressure washer

Pressure Washing vs Power Washing We’re here today to tell you about pressure washing vs power washing and how the two differ. Pressure washing Pressure washing uses a high pressured stream of water to blast away grime. You should always hire a professional rather than attempt it yourself, to avoid damage to your property. While… Read More »Pressure Washing vs Power Washing

“Ultimately the bond of all companionship, whether in marriage or in friendship, is conversation.” – Oscar Wilde   My favorite outdoor activity, especially in cooler weather, is congregating with friends around a firepit. A good friend of mine frequently hosts such events and around her fire pit we have discussed politics, Shakespeare, philosophy, religion, and… Read More »A Fire Pit and Friends

“That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet” William Shakespeare   It might not matter what you call a rose, but when it comes to decks, there are differences between wood and composite decking. If you’re considering resurfacing your deck, you should know some benefits to different types of… Read More »Why Choose Composite Decking

“vestis virum facit”--Erasmus   If clothes make the man, then imagine what fully resurfacing a deck can do.    To Resurface or Rebuild   Resurfacing is a great alternative to rebuilding when the underlying structure of the deck is sound. It results in a deck that looks brand new, with an entirely different look thatRead More »Deck Resurfacing or Rebuilding

“Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people.” —Franklin D. Roosevelt   When you live in the Chesapeake Bay watershed you have a duty to be environmentally responsible, and that means to be careful and meticulous with your runoff. Everything that washes out of your yard… Read More »Environmentally Responsible Pressure Washing

To paint or stain the deck, that is the question.  Whether ‘tis nobler to totally color the wood With a solid paint, which gets into the cracks. Or to use a stain, which mostly lays atop And lets you see the beauty underneath. These opposing questions must be answered For once you have painted there… Read More »Decks: Stain Vs Paint

Are you looking to sell your house? Or do you just want to have the nicest looking house on the block? Below are some guaranteed ways to improve your curb appeal. 1.Pressure Washing If your siding is in good condition, but looks a little tired it could probably do with a professional pressure washing. And… Read More »10 Ways To Increase Curb Appeal

The FCMP Tumbling Composter with Two Chambers is easy to use.  This composter features two chambers so that one chamber can actively compost as you are adding food to the other, and is much easier to turn than a traditional compost pile. An alternative to a tumbling composter is one like this An alternative to… Read More »Composting 101-Easy and Environmentally Friendly

Although deck repair can leave your outdoor space looking brand new, the main purpose of doing repairs is  for safety.  There are plenty of ways someone can accidentally hurt themselves on a deck if it is in disrepair; rotting boards may collapse, nails can lead to tripping, and railings might give way when leaned against.… Read More »The Importance of Deck Repair

Windows allow you to see out of your home, but they also brighten your interior by letting sunlight in.  Keeping windows clean is important for the overall feel of your home;  dirty windows can also negatively influence the value of your house.  The state of your windows can also greatly impact your house’s health.  Although… Read More »5 Reasons to Hire a Window Washing Company

Window cleaning can boost curb appeal and improve the look of your home; with the service of a professional window washer, it’s easy to keep your windows sparkling.  Although it may not seem like a tough task, there are multiple benefits to hiring the pros.  Here are some ways a professional cleaning can keep your… Read More »Why Hire a Professional Window Washer?

Proper stone patio maintenance will keep your patio beautiful while helping it last for decades.  Although patios look nice with minimal effort, they still require cleanings on occasion.  Multiple factors can cause stains on the surface of  stones, such as food spills or dirt.  When cleaning, it is best to start off with the most… Read More »Stone Patio Maintenance Tips

What are the reasons to install gutter guards? Gutter guards and covers serve as filters to keep debris from clogging

Hiring the services of a roof cleaning company can help keep your home safe from the elements.

Decks can be damaged by the harsh elements no matter how sturdy they seem

Gutter systems do a great deal to keep a home’s exterior healthy. However, many homeowners do not know the benefits

While gutters and downspouts might not be the favorite features of your home, they are important to protect your property.

When it comes to cleaning, there are plenty of benefits to hiring a professional pressure washer. Here are four things you should take into account before cleaning your home's exterior: Safety Although you may think pressure washing would be an easy task to learn quickly, it’s a job best left to the professionals. Trying toRead More »Why Hire a Professional Pressure Washer?

While a deck can serve as a great outdoor space for any home, many homeowners are not aware of the importance of deck cleaning and maintenance.  Here are three reasons why upkeep is key to making the most of your deck: Property Value:  Your deck acts as a natural extension of your house; to getRead More »The Importance of Deck Cleaning and Maintenance