Readers' Favorites 2014

Home improvement is a never-ending endeavor that homeowners experience from their first day moving in through the years that follow. Our annual Readers' Favorites feature highlights your top survey picks for the people, services and businesses that are the building blocks for your home. From the repair people who maintain your abode — electricians, carpet cleaners, housekeepers and plumbers — to the stores that furnish and beautify your spaces, we have you covered with picks for standout experts in Richmond.

Vendors

Antiques

West End Antique Mall Old is the name of the game at this massive emporium, with more than 250 booths in two buildings totaling 53,000 square feet. Antiques from around the world and representing every historic era make this place a must-visit haunt for all hunters of vintage furnishings and collectibles. Inventory changes daily, and many booths feature sales throughout the year. 2004 Staples Mill Road, 359-1600, westendantiquemall.com 2nd: Alexander's Antiques 3rd: Gates Antiques

Appliances

Appliances on Lakeside Expertise and customer service are what set Appliances on Lakeside apart, says owner Tammy Kelley, who, along with all the other full-time employees, worked for the original owners of their predecessor Lakeside Appliance, which was founded in 1954. "We make sure customers get the appliances that are right for them and their homes, from the basic to the high end," she says, and their showroom is set up to display a wide variety of options, including GE, GE Cafe, GE Profile, KitchenAid, Whirlpool, Miele, Sub-Zero, Wolf and others. 5418 Lakeside Ave., 266-7621, appliancesonlakeside.com 2nd: Ferguson

Art Gallery

Chasen Gallery Noted for its recent Peter Max event, during which the artist himself visited and was kind enough to sign vintage artifacts ranging from prints to bathing suits, this gallery on the western border of Carytown features paintings, sculpture, art glass and more. "We have a large variety of styles, techniques and colors, and we offer outstanding customer service," says owner Andrew Chasen, who has 31 years of experience in the art world. 3554 W. Cary St., 204-1048, chasengalleries.com 2nd: Crossroads Art Center 3rd: Quirk Gallery

Bargain Finds

Class and Trash Lisa and Ken Waldrop started out with a table at a flea market, which eventually led them to open this unassuming Route 1 bastion of deals in 2003. It's a haven for anyone looking for vintage home furnishings, architectural elements, porch/lawn furniture, collectibles and miscellaneous items ripe for a little TLC. "We keep up with trends and bring in hundreds of new items weekly to make for a fresh and fun shopping experience every time our customers visit us," says Ken. Shoppers who like to rummage can still get the thrill of discovery here, where Midcentury chairs are right at home next to fur coats. 11088 Washington Highway, 798-0567, classandtrash.com 2nd: Goodwill 3rd: Diversity Thrift

Bed Linens

Williams & Sherrill You may know them for their fabrics, but those seeking not just a good night's sleep but a fabulous slumber have discovered Williams & Sherrill's bed linens of down, silk, satin, chenille, velvet, cashmere, linen and finely woven cotton. Various price points and styles to make your bed your own are the hallmarks of their selection, says creative director Jamie Coffey, who loves working with customers as they consider luxurious and practical options for their bedding. 2003 Huguenot Road, 320-1730, williamsandsherrill.com 2nd: Yves Delorme

Cabinets

Custom Kitchens Inc. Owned by the Hendrick family since 1957 and now run by brothers David and Richard, Custom Kitchens sells a range of cabinets, both custom and semi-custom, to fit a variety of budgets and tastes. Their appeal to customers is solid craftsmanship. "We sell a good quality cabinet that you don't have problems with," says David. "Our shelves are 3/4-inch, the drawer boxes come with a lifetime guarantee, the hinges and drawer runners are quality, and our finishes are good." 6412 Horsepen Road, 288-7247, customkitchensinc.net 2nd: Robin's Custom Woodworks 3rd: Kitchens Etc

Consignment Furniture

Revival Home Furnishings Consignment "Richmonders have some really fabulous inventory, and we work hard to eliminate the hunt for our shoppers by presenting it all in a way that people can visualize the pieces in their own home," says Whitney O'Connor of her Gayton Crossing shop that offers a mix of furniture, rugs, lighting and artwork. "We pride ourselves on being a fun and friendly shopping and consigning experience. We're known for our ever-changing inventory, local artwork and our simple consignment process." 9750 Gayton Road, 750-2200, revivalconsignment.com 2nd: Izzie's 3rd: Impulse

Countertops

Charles Luck Stone Center The name Luck has been synonymous with stone for decades in the minds of Richmonders, so it's no surprise that shoppers for stone countertops choose the Charles Luck Stone Center as their favorite resource. Yes, they stock the ubiquitous granite and marble, but their Goochland showroom also displays limestone, quartzite and travertine, from places such as Norway, Brazil, Madagascar and Saudi Arabia. The right selection and expertise are available for both contractors building out sleek retail spaces and homeowners designing classy kitchens. 343 River Road West, Manakin, 784-3383, charlesluck.com 2nd (tie): Artisan Concrete Decor; Brazilian Best Granite 3rd: Custom Kitchens Inc.

European Furniture

La Différence As Shockoe Bottom's expansive emporium of great design for the home, La Diff saves us a trip to Europe by stocking a dreamy selection of inventory from across the pond. Why do we love a good Danish modern coffee table? "European furniture offers a history behind the design," says owner Sarah Paxton. "Italian, French, Danish, Norwegian, German manufacturers like to celebrate the designers — the people — behind the product. Plus, once you've experienced Italian leather, real Italian leather, it's hard to live with anything else." 125 S.14th St., 648-6210, ladiff.com 2nd: Wild Orchid Antiques

Fabric

U-Fab Ah, the visual thrill of patterns, prints, textures and color … customers at U-Fab know it well. Tucked in an inconspicuous Fan building are thousands of fabric options at prices that fit a wide range of budgets. "We also offer one-on-one contact with our knowledgeable staff who understand fabrication," says marketing director Carly Hamilton. "Our goal is to be a one-stop shop for custom home décor and to simplify what is often a complicated process." That's why the some of the staff have titles like "fabric guru." 106 S. Robinson St., 888-8322; clearance outlet at 11382 Mall Drive, 571-1151, ufabstore.com 2nd: Williams & Sherrill 3rd: Artee Fabrics and Home

Flooring

Costen Floors When you've been in business for 65 years, and customers are still voting you the best, you must be doing something right. Costen sells "anything you can walk on except for concrete," says president Trip Costen, who adds a word about their flooring expertise: "It's all we do. Flooring is an investment, " Costen says. "We try to treat customers the way we want to be treated." 9840 Mayland Drive, 527-2929, costenfloors.com 2nd: ProSource 3rd: Lumber Liquidators

Gardening Tools and Supplies

Strange's Need a hori-hori? You can get that Japanese gardening knife along with a huge array of other specialized tools from all over the world at a Strange's Garden Center. Depth of selection is what makes Strange's the best, according to their hard-goods buyer, Ann Meisoll. "We've got pruners priced from $9 to $120, and we have the biggest gardening glove collection in town." Yes, the big box stores have shovels and rakes, too, but weekend warriors and professional landscapers know that special tasks need special tools, and that means a trip to Strange's. 12111 W. Broad St., 360-2800; 3313 Mechanicsville Pike, 321-2200, stranges.com 2nd: Southern States 3rd: Pleasants Hardware

Hardware

Pleasants Hardware Long beloved for their staff's depth of product knowledge and the wide range of tools, fasteners and other hardware they carry, Pleasants is Richmond's anti-big-box store. Decorative hinges, unusual locks, old-fashioned replacement parts and thousands of other necessities for the pro contractor, handyman and homeowner make this the place to find "most anything since 1915." 2024 W. Broad St., 6439 Centralia Road, 5140 Jeff Davis Highway, 4756 Finlay Ave., 13591 Midlothian Turnpike, 11240 Patterson Ave., 423 Ridge Road, 5815 Patterson Ave., (800) 552-2717, pleasantshardware.com 2nd: Ashland Ace Hardware

Home Accessories

DéCOR This is a design conglomerate, so that means there are at least 15 sets of eyes scouring the globe for amazing furniture and accessories. "It's like a kid in a candy store on a daily basis for me," says Marc Cates, who co-owns DéCOR with Andrew Chasen. "We travel all over the country, go to market two to three times a year, and some designers travel out of the country and bring in unique items." The store is changing all the time, so there's always a reason to go back. 1 9 S. Belmont Ave., 562-8326, decor-rva.com 2nd: Ruth & Ollie 3rd: Nest

Lighting

Shades of Light After decorating area homes for 25 years now, Shades of Light knows its customer base, choosing products specifically geared toward the greater Richmond market. And it's not just lighting here. The company specializes in décor and accessories, too. "We offer such a broad selection of quality lighting and home décor products that are unique and stylish, and our sales associates offer service and expertise that is unparalleled," says Walter Froh, merchandise and marketing manager. 4924 W. Broad St., 288-6515, shadesoflight.com 2nd: Ferguson 3rd: Adkins Lighting

Locally Based Etsy Shop

Sweet Cheeks Natural Vanessa McCauley dipped her toe in the lotion ocean after she couldn't find a treatment she liked for her son's skin condition. So she made it herself, and that was the beginning of what has grown into a successful all-natural face- and hand-product enterprise. "It has been amazing the support we have received," she says. "The retail shops that carry Sweet Cheeks have helped with everything from product development to helping me educate consumers." etsy.com/shop/SWEETCHEEKSNATURAL 2nd (tie): Milk and Honey; Rare Bird; Richmond Soap Studio; Richmond Thread Lab; and Vintage Girl at Heart

Midcentury Furniture Dealer

ERA Vintage Three decades are the focus of owner Diana Mathews' collecting — the '50s, '60s and '70s — and her shop is a reliable source for seekers of clean lines and retro cool, both high end and affordable. "I have an eclectic mix of lamps, dishes, housewares, furniture and accent pieces in my showroom, and then I have a warehouse with more furniture." Eclectic is definitely the word — recent inventory has included everything from a pair of vintage Saks heels to a classic Lawrence Peabody for SELIG fiberglass wingback chair. 2704 E. Marshall St., 349-8153, eravintageshop.com 2nd: Born Again Furnishings 3rd: EPOCH

Modern Furniture

La Différence Sure, La Diff is huge and lovely and jammed with a lively selection of modern furniture, but it's also a fun place to shop, says Sarah Paxton, who owns the Shockoe home furnishings warehouse with her husband, Andy Thornton. "It's not just the products, it's the people who make it a fun environment. Buying furniture is a big deal. You'll be living with it for many years, and my team makes the process a lot of fun." 125 S.14th St., 648-6210, ladiff.com 2nd: Ruth & Ollie 3rd: Born Again Furnishings

Outdoor Furniture

Summer Classics The outdoor room has become America's favorite dwelling space, and if you're decorating one, Summer Classics is the destination, due both to the sheer size of its selection and a very basic desire to please. "We have great customer service," says manager Patrick Cicchetto. "We treat our customers like family, and we have great products." They carry an array of styles, colors and price ranges, and don't let the name fool you: If you like Christmas décor, Summer Classics does it up right in the off-season, too. 7905 W. Broad St., 935-3075, summerclassics.com 2nd: JoPa Company 3rd: La Différence

Outlet Merchandise

Decorating Outlet Who doesn't love a bargain? Whether you're on a budget or you just like the thrill of saving a buck, this is your place. "The sales associates can help you find absolute treasures in lighting, rugs, furniture," says Walter Froh, merchandise and marketing manager. "You'll walk away knowing you got something real special for a mere fraction of what it's worth." The outlet is 4,000 square feet, and new shipments come in weekly. Sold. 9912 Midlothian Turnpike, 320-3695, tinyurl.com/mzb76ue 2nd: Williamsburg Prime Outlets 3rd: U-Fab

Paint

Virginia Paint Company/Benjamin Moore Virginia Paint Company doesn't just sell some of the best paint around (Benjamin Moore), they also carry window treatments and truly cool wallpaper. But it's their service that has built loyalty to the 40-year-old company. "[We're] local guys with local ties," says Stan Gasiorowski, retail operation manager. "I have folks that have been working for us for over a decade. We are a community-focused company and we focus on being as service driven as possible and building relationships." virginiapaintcompany.com 2nd: Sherwin-Williams 3rd: Palette Paint

Plants

Strange's Back in the 1930s, Gideon Strange grew flowers and plants in his backyard and sold them at a market for a little extra cash. Fast-forward 85 years, and his namesake has become synonymous with all things green in the Richmond area. With tens of thousands of square feet of greenhouse space, Strange's has some of the best plants around. "We have the facilities to display a large variety of plants and maintain them in top quality," says Bill Gouldin, president. 12111 W. Broad St., 360-2800; 3313 Mechanicsville Pike, 321-2200, stranges.com 2nd: Great Big Greenhouse 3rd: Sneed's Nursery

Rugs

Capel Rug Outlet When putting together a room, you're supposed to start with the floor and work your way up. So the Capel Rug Outlet is a great place to start. Not only do they carry thousands of rugs, they also have designers on staff to put together a room for you for free, according to Marie Hayden, area manager. "We are soup to nuts, and [we] carry all different price points, from machine-made to hand-knotted rugs, as well as home furnishings, lighting and accent pieces." 3995 Deep Rock Road, 290-8800, capelrugs.com 2nd: W. Hirsch Oriental Rugs 3rd: Green Front/Rug Rats

Tile

Morris Tile This family-owned operation opened 60 years ago, and their business is not only about tile for all budgets, it's also about relationships. "Our showroom staff consists of full-time people with product knowledge, and a relationship with designers and architects as well as customers," says Bob Shelly, vice president and general manager. An expansive renovation a few years ago doubled the size of their showroom and added a larger selection of products, both domestic and imported. 2280 Dabney Road, 353-4427, morristile.net 2nd: Mosaic Tile Co. 3rd: Best Tile

Traditional Furniture

Virginia Wayside Furniture Tradition runs deep at Virginia Wayside Furniture, and not just with furniture selection. W.B. Childress opened the store 50 years ago, and it's been in the family ever since — his kids Robin and Maury now operate the day to day. Carrying styles including Mission and contemporary, they pride themselves on quality, value and service. "We have a wide variety of better-quality products from mid price points up to high price points," Maury says. "You get the best value for dollars you are spending." 10500 Patterson Ave., 740-3124, vawayside.net 2nd: Ethan Allen 3rd: Ruth & Ollie

Wallpaper

Williams & Sherrill Thanks to more than 700 sample books filled with delicious designs from the high-end likes of Brunschwig & Fils, Scalamandre, Osborne & Little, and more, Williams & Sherrill boasts the largest wallpaper-book library in Richmond. But don't let the sheer volume of volumes intimidate you. Owner Patrick Williams assures us that his knowledgeable staff can help you choose just the right wallpaper for your home. "If you've got a particular look or idea in mind, our staff knows what's in those books," he says. 2003 Huguenot Road, 320-1730, williamsandsherrill.com 2nd: Sherwin-Williams

Windows and Doors

Siewer's Lumber & Millwork If the thought of shopping for something as necessary yet bewildering as new windows and doors seems daunting, take a cue from Richmonders who have been-there-done-that with help from Siewer's Lumber & Millwork (which is, incidentally, celebrating 130 years of business this year). There, a knowledgeable staff helps decode their wide selection of quality windows and doors, says owner Richie Siewers. "We have a great showroom, which gives customers the opportunity to see up close the products and variety of benefits," he says. 1901 Ellen Road, 358-2103, siewers.com 2nd: Pella Windows & Doors 3rd: Custom View

Services

Air Conditioning and Heating Contractor

James River Heating & Air Conditioning If anyone's a model of "do what you love, love what you do," it's Hugh Joyce, president of repeat winner James River Heating & Air Conditioning. "Our passion to delight our clients is why they choose us," he says. Watch their commercials (you'll find an online archive on "HughTube"), and it will be obvious just how much passion this bow-tie-clad Richmond icon and his team of trained, friendly professionals have for pleasing clients. 1905 Westmoreland St., 358-9333, jamesriverair.com 2nd: Midlothian Mechanical 3rd (tie): Air Pro Mechanical; Woodfin

Appliance Repair

Little Appliance Household appliance meltdowns can wreak havoc on home life. But if you call Little Appliance for service, you can expect big satisfaction. Like the appliances they fix, Little Appliance aims to make your life easier. Their operating philosophy is to stand behind their work, to be prompt and to resolve any issues right away. "We look out for our customers," says Linda Reynolds, wife of Mark Reynolds, who has owned the company since 1983. They also sell appliances and parts. 3706 Williamsburg Road, 222-3871, littleappliancerichmondva.com 2nd: Broughton Repair 3rd (tie): Appliances in Lakeside; Lipscomb; Residential Appliance; Trico Appliance Repair

Architects

Terre Design Studio Focusing exclusively on residential projects, the women-owned and -run design firm Terre Design Studio is a reader favorite not only for their work, but also for their process. "We first learn how our clients live, then craft spaces to fit their daily lives," says partner Jennifer Radakovic, who owns the firm along with Laura Pitcher. Whether starting from scratch or tweaking an existing space, the duo believes in the importance of building relationships with clients and collaborators. "Good relationships build strong teams, and strong teams are the key to great projects," she says. 201 N. Davis Ave./Carriage House, 592-0761, terredesignstudio.com 2nd: 3 North 3rd: Dan Ensminger

Basement Waterproofing

B-Dry The secret to B-Dry's success is doing anything and everything to be sure customers will provide a referral at the end of service. Also, B-Dry is a national company, not composed of franchises, which officials say helps with consistency and great service. B-Dry has been in business for more than 50 years, focusing on basements and crawl spaces. 10453 Design Road, Ashland, 441-8846, bdry.com 2nd: A&R Waterproofing 3rd: Town & Country

Cabinetry Installer

Kitchens Etc. Owner Carmela Wengraitis says clients love her expert installation crew. "They're very respectful and meticulous," she says, adding that they're the face of the company on every job, so they're an essential part of client satisfaction. "There's no one better than my lead carpenter [Matt Hart] for finding an angle in a piece of molding." The crew makes sure the projects get finished on schedule. 19 S. Belmont Ave., 657-7818, kitchensetcva.com 2nd: Custom Kitchens Inc. 3rd: Robin's Custom Woodworks

Carpet and Rug Cleaner

Hadeed-Mercer Hadeed-Mercer provides both in-home and offsite cleaning services. When your rug needs to leave the house, the company offers free furniture-moving services and free pickup and delivery within their service areas. Plus, the rugs are cleaned within the company's own facilities, so service is seamless from start to finish. 3116 W. Moore St., 358-3811, mercerrugcleaning.com . 2nd (tie): Chem-Dry; CitruSolution 3rd: Stanley Steemer

Chimney Sweep

Tie: Cougot's; Neat Sweep Owner Dan Fitzpatrick says that Cougot's works hard to keep clients informed about something they don't think of until they have a problem — their chimney. "Most folks have a very limited knowledge of their chimney," he says. "Our role is making sure people know everything we know." At Neat Sweep it's about tradition: "People know we've serviced their parents or grandparents, and we stick to our quotes," owner Frank Kaesdner says. Cougot's: 6507 Old Warwick Road, 798-0855, cougotschimneyservice.com ; Neat Sweep: 5513 Hull St., 232-2100, neatsweep.net 2nd (tie): Chimney Saver Solutions; Clean Sweep; Eurotech

Clock Repair

Clock Shop of Richmond Tradition is key to Clock Shop of Richmond's success — the first version of the business opened in 1979, and it's been at its current location on West Broad Street for more than 25 years. "Parents then their kids bring the same clocks in," says owner Pom Argent. The shop is also called on to help with important restorations such as the clocks for the Executive Mansion — they did that last fall — or The Virginia Capitol. 6000 W. Broad St., 282-0331, theclockshopofrichmond.com

Closet Installer

Closet Factory Design at Closet Factory centers on customization. Each closet is specially crafted to meet the needs of each customer with attention to reducing clutter, alleviating stress and looking attractive. The process starts with a free in-home consultation during which a design consultant listens carefully and creates a design that's then manufactured locally and installed to the client's satisfaction. 8162-C Elm Drive, 559-0001, closetfactory.com/locations/Richmond 2nd: Method ORG 3rd: Closets of Virginia

Countertop Supplier/Installer

Charles Luck Stone Center The selection at Charles Luck Stone Center is one of the keys to its success. "We are lucky to have some wonderful partners, here in the U.S. and across the globe, and as a result are able to provide our customers with unique and distinct stone options," says manager Shannon Dugan. She adds, "We strive to work one-on-one with our customers on their architectural stone needs." 343 River Road West, 784-3383, charlesluck.com 2nd: Artisan Concrete Decor 3rd: Capitol Granite & Marble

Decorative Painter

Art to Di For/Diane Williams "Even after 15 years as a decorative painter, I'm still excited by what a little paint, pattern and color can do for a space," says Diane Williams of Art to Di For. She specializes in making any vision come true. "Anything from a painted piece of furniture to an elaborate pattern painted on a ceiling can help make a home so personal, and that's the draw to decorative painting," she says. 559-5670, arttodifor.com. 2nd: S&S Painting 3rd: Melanie Palma Designs

Driveway Repair

Wells Paving & Seal Coating Having served Virginia for more than 25 years as a family-owned business, Wells Paving & Seal Coating focuses on cour-tesy service and quality craftsmanship. The company also emphasizes educa-tion to build lasting relationships. The company is a go-to for new driveways, as well as resurfacing, patching and even emergency repairs. 784-7211, wellspavingandsealcoating.com

Embroidery Shop

Atlantic Embroidery Works Our readers' favorite place for superior stitching, Atlantic Embroidery Works, carries an extensive array of products perfect for monogramming, or you can bring your own goods for them to personalize. Committed to customer service, a talented staff — most of whom have a background in fine arts — will help bring your vision to life. Linens, pashminas, backpacks and more — you name it, it can probably be monogrammed. "We are always pushing the envelope in terms of fonts, designs and products," explains buyer and manager Niky Davis. 7027 Three Chopt Road, Suite 201, 282-5027, atlanticembroideryworks.com 2nd (tie): Hometown Embroidery; Rich's Stitches; RNS Specialties

Estate Specialists

Susan's Selections Work and worry are often the hallmarks of an estate sale, but not with Susan's Selections. For 15 years, they've helped customers who are downsizing or liquidating what can be a lifetime of collected goods. "We help people get the true value for their items," says Roy Lambertson, who owns the business along with his wife, Susan Campbell. "When you do your own estate sales, you tend to sell the good stuff too cheaply and try to get too much for the sentimental items," he says. Their retail space holds 20,000 square feet of treasures. 4909 W. Marshall St., 232-6480, susansselections.com 2nd: Beck Estates

Drywall Contractor

Colonial Plaster Restoration Owners David Pollard and Larry Cooke specialize in restoring the beauty of the plaster in older and historic homes. "We can fix any type of plaster," Pollard says, adding, "We are carrying on an old craft." The company is currently restoring the rectory of Bruton Parish Episcopal Church in Colonial Williamsburg. 339-0624, colonialplaster.com 2nd (tie): Dominion Drywall; Lark D Drywall

Electrician

Smart Wire 360 The company provides residential and commercial electrical work, "catering to individual needs," says Business Development and Project Manager Faith Dickerson. Saving energy is a focus for this green company, which teaches customers how to be more energy efficient with their lighting. The company's technicians also undergo background checks and drug testing. 10173 Chamberlayne Road, Mechanicsville, 746-0035, smartwiregreen.com 2nd: Genesis Electrical 3rd (tie): Family Electric; Woodfin

Fence Builder

Minor's Fences Owner Minor Hairfield has been installing fences since 1991. The company works with a variety of materials, from wood and chain link to aluminum and vinyl. "We do the whole spectrum," Hairfield says. Most of his customers call him to fence in an area to protect their kids, their dogs or their pool. So when he got a call about fencing in an area for some turtles, Hairfield thought it was a joke. It wasn't. He installed a 2-foot-high privacy fence around the turtles to ward off snake attacks. 12152 Washington Highway, Ashland, 752-0096, minorsfences.com

Flooring Installer

Costen Floors With 65 years of experience, Costen Floors can help you pick from a variety of flooring choices — hardwood, ceramic tile and carpeting — for any room of your house. Their experienced staff will help guide you through the process of installing those choices in your own home. You can find the company's work in the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and the VCU Siegel Center, as well as many homes in the area. 9840 Mayland Drive, 527-2929, costenfloors.com 2nd: Old Dominion Floor Company 3rd (tie): Builder Décor; Carpet America; Rod Barney Flooring

Flooring Refinisher

Costen Floors If your floors are looking a little dull, whether the culprits are the kids, the pets or just general wear and tear, the professionals at Costen are ready to help you revitalize the wood beneath your feet. With a variety of finishes to choose from, you might even think about changing things up a bit while you're at it. 9840 Mayland Drive, 527-2929, costenfloors.com 2nd: Old Dominion Floor Company 3rd: Carpet America

Furniture Repair and Refinishing

Woods Furniture Refinishing and Restoration Owner Seth Woods specializes in refinishing and restoring all types of furniture, from antiques to new items. He also builds furniture, a skill he learned from this father. "We do a little bit of everything," he says. He recently built an outdoor trestle table from the reclaimed lumber of an old pergola at the Maymont House and donated it to the Maymont Foundation. 782-9383, woodsrefinishing.com 2nd: Tinker and Co. 3rd: Furniture Medic

Framer

Fralin Art & Frame Owner Rebecca Fralin and her brother, master craftsman John Fralin, have more than 60 years of experience in custom framing. They work with individuals, artists, galleries, museums and private collectors. "We do anything and everything," John Fralin says. "We have a complete wood shop. We can turn out custom molding, stretchers, furniture and even shipping crates. There is not much we don't do related to fine art." 467-1867, fralinartandframe.com 2nd: Frame of Mind 3rd (tie): A.C. Moore; Frame Nation

General Contractor

Lane Homes Happy clients keep the business going at Lane Homes. "Over 80 percent of the work we do is referral work," owner Ed Lane IV says. "Our goal is to make every client feel like they're our only client." Lane's father started the business 30 years ago, and keeping it in the family creates consistency and trust that brings customers back — and has them sending in their friends. 12536 Patterson Ave., 784-0012, lanebuilt.com 2nd: Franko - LaFratta Construction/Mark Franko 3rd (tie): HomeLink; Richmond Rebuilders/David Clark

Glass Projects

Ace Glass Family-owned and -operated, Ace Glass works with any type of glass, from patio doors to mirrored walls. "Pretty much anything with glass or mirrors in the auto, home and commercial buildings," says owner Justin Reed. "We do lots of mirrored walls for gyms such as American Family Fitness." 11525 Midlothian Turnpike, 266-1449 or 379-3368, aceglassva.com 2nd (tie): Binswanger Glass; Budget Glass; Decorative Glass Solutions 3rd (tie): 4D Discoveries Glass Co.; More Than Glass; Richmond Shower Doors & More

"Green" Housecleaning Services

River City Cleaning A house made sparkly clean by committed employees using 100 percent nontoxic and biodegradable supplies? Yes, please! Even better, River City Cleaning employees bike to clients' homes whenever possible, taking eco-responsibility to the next level. "We are happy to ‘go the extra mile' and have a positive impact on our clients' lives, as well as the ecological community," says Jen Jackson, who founded the company in 2008. 921-0243, rivercitycleaning.net 2nd (tie): Molly Maids; Taylor's Environmental Janitorial Services

Gutter Cleaning

Mind in the Gutter Owner Ethan Powers finds that a lot of his customers start off with a simple gutter cleaning and then decide to purchase gutter guards or replace their gutters. In addition to installing gutters and guards, Powers also cleans gutters and does some exterior carpentry. "We concentrate on making our customers happy," he says. 1811 Huguenot Road, Building B, Suite 208, 378-3246, mindinthegutter.com

Handyman

Mr. Handyman No project is too small for Mr. Handyman, whose service technicians can help you with all of your maintenance and repair needs. They make it a point to arrive on time and guarantee their work. In addition, the company does background checks on employees, and technicians always arrive in a marked van. 1129 Gaskins Road, Suite 104, 270-7272, mrhandyman.com 2nd: Hart's Home Repair 3rd (tie): FLF Services; Hawk's Renovations; Home Masons

Home Media Sales and Installation

Livewire At Livewire it's all about home technology made simple. "We are obsessively committed to simplicity and obsessively committed to blending technology," says owner Henry Clifford. The company can help you with everything from a home theater system to a home control system. "You can keep your eye on your home with a smart device from anywhere in the world," Clifford says. New security systems feature video surveillance, door-lock integration and lighting controls. 4900 W. Clay St., 937-9001, getlivewire.com 2nd: Security Plus 3rd: Advanced Automation

Home Organizers

Minima When she's helping customers organize their home, Kristen Ziegler never makes them toss out any cherished possessions. She will make donation runs to Goodwill or another charity for items they feel they can part with, and she'll pick up any type of product they need to help them organize. She will even pack and unpack when they move. Whatever it takes. "Usually clients are tired at the end of the session, and I am ready to keep going," she says. 482-1554, minimaonline.com 2nd: The Neat Niche 3rd (tie): Abundance Organizing; Simplify Me

Housecleaning Services

Maid to Perfection Why spend your time mopping floors and scrubbing the kitchen when the team at Maid to Perfection will help you with all types of housekeeping tasks, from window washing to house cleaning? They can design their cleaning plan to fit your needs. 262-0502, mtpofrichmond.com 2nd (tie): Homelink; Merry Maids; Taylor's Environmental Janitorial Services 3rd: Molly Maid

Insulation Contractor

Layman Brothers The experts at Layman Brothers know that proper insulation can cut your energy bills up to 50 percent each year. The small, family-owned business installs fiberglass, cellulose and spray-foam insulation in walls, attics and crawl spaces. Their best advertising? Word of mouth from satisfied customers. 2409 New Dorset Terrace, Powhatan, 598-8640, laymanbros.com

Interior Designer

Kathy Corbet Interiors Designer Kathy Corbet is tuned in to her customers: "I listen to their needs, concerns, loves and hates of their home — a good, thorough therapy session," she says. Then she quickly turns those needs into ideas, often creating computer drawings that show what her plans could look like in the clients' homes. She also has established relationships with a variety of customers in town, allowing her to complete work on time and on budget. 5206 Markel Road, Suite 100C, 310-2597, kathycorbetinteriors.com 2nd: Jennifer Stoner Interiors 3rd: Stephanie Casey Interior Design

Lamp/Fixture Repair

Shades of Light When working on repairs, "our attitude is that we are restoring a time-honored piece," says Shades of Light's merchandise and marketing manager Walter Froh, adding that the company gladly takes on custom projects like turning vases and other decorative pieces into custom lighting. With the recent purchase of Colonial Metalcrafts, Shades of Light also can repair and create outdoor lighting fixtures, too. 4924 W. Broad St., 288-6515, shadesoflight.com 2nd: Lamp Emporium 3rd: Toombs Ltd.

Landscape Service

Tie: BWS Landscaping; Cross Creek Nursery BWS focuses on "anything so family and friends can connect outside," says owner Brad Swortzel. "That's what motivates our guys to do great work." The company installs patios, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and more. Established in 1974, Cross Creek focuses on grounds maintenance, landscaping, and the design and building of patios and fire pits. BWS Landscap-ing: 874-2720, bwslandscaping.com ; Cross Creek Nursery: 794-9760, crosscreeknursery.com 2nd: Virginia Green 3rd (tie): Commonwealth Curb Appeal; Sneed's Nursery; Walter Cornett Landscaping

Masonry

Tie: Craddock Masonry; Stonee Masonry Run by Cayce Craddock, his wife, Tracy, and son Cayce Jr., Craddock Masonry is a family affair. Specializing in custom renovations, the company partners with select contractors in town to create quality projects: "They have such nice work, it makes our work nice, too," Cayce says. Stonee is also established in town, having served Richmond for eight years. The company also installed some of the cobblestones we all know and love on Cary Street downtown. Craddock Masonry: 2501 Hermitage Road, 359-4101, craddockmasonry.com ; Stonee Masonry: 6400 Mallory Drive, 282-5071, stoneemasonry.com

Mover

My Guys Moving & Storage Having served the Richmond area for the past 20 years, My Guys Moving is a hometown company that's familiar with the area, so your items get to their new home on time. From one piece of furniture to a whole home or office, the company offers complete moving services. If you're moving and don't want to take all your food, My Guys is also a member of Move for Hunger — they'll bring you special boxes to put your nonperishable foods into, and then they'll take them directly to the Central Virginia Food Bank. 744-2400, myguysmoving.com. 2nd: Hilldrup Moving & Storage 3rd: Moxie Movers

Painter

S&S Painting This woman-owned painting company employs a team of moms who paint while their kids are in school and make it home in time to get them off the bus. And because S&S is a crew of homeowners, co-owner Valerie Abbott says they apply an extra eye for detail: "We approach every project with the eye of a homeowner in our mind because of personal experience." 399-7429 or 937-1335, sspaintingllc.com 2nd: Barden's Decorating 3rd: 89 Paint

Pest Control/Extermination

Loyal Pest Control It can be unsettling to be at the mercy of a service provider when you have a problem with your home — particularly a pesky problem like insects and other small-pest invasions. But family-owned and -operated Loyal Pest Control has a bevy of happy, trusting and, well, loyal customers. Ask around, and chances are you'll hear recommendations galore for Loyal. "You can't beat word of mouth," says Glen Eastman, marketing director. "We really do care about each and every customer." 2610 E. Parham Road, 977-0983, loyalpest.com 2nd: Exterminating Unlimited; Orkin 3rd: Hickman's Termite & Pest Control; PestMasters

Plumber

Robinson's Plumbing Service Office manager Susan Proctor says that from the moment a plumber shows up in a uniform and shoe covers to the final call the company places to ensure each customer was satisfied with the work, Robinson's Plumbing is all about making the client happy. "We always answer the phones," she says, adding that even if you're calling for the first time in the middle of the night, there will be someone there to talk to you. 420 Southlake Blvd., Suite A-3, 601-1999, robinsonsplumbingservice.com 2nd: Carroll Plumbing & Heating 3rd: Plumber on the Way

Roofer

Hardesty Roofing At Hardesty Roofing there's no job too small. "If we don't do a great job on that small repair, we won't hear from them when they need a re-roofing," says owner Sam Hardesty, adding that no matter the size of the job, every employee at his company takes pride in providing quality service and work. 740-3913, hardestyroofing.com 2nd (tie): C.L. Wright Roofing; Hertless Brothers Roofing 3rd: Nathan's Roofing

Security System Provider

Security Plus LLC Owner Paul Crouch says his whole business is based on providing superb customer service — a heartening philosophy since his business is all about securing our homes and everything in them. "We don't book appointments weeks out — we get to our customers right away," he says. In addition to installing and monitoring home security systems, Security Plus also deals in home theaters, cable structuring, all-house vacs and other low-voltage fun. 8534 Sanford Drive, 264-7164, securityplusav.com 2nd: Vector Security 3rd: ADT

Swimming Pool Installer or Spa Instalation/Maintenance

Tie: JoPa Company; Pla-Mor Pools At JoPa, your project is tailor-made, says co-owner Farrar Pace. The family-owned company designs pools to cabanas, plus the retail store carries all the furniture and treatment items to complete the job.Pla-Mor specializes in pools, hot tubs and renovations and repairs, plus they provided hot tubs for the Washington Redskins' training camp last year. JoPa: 8711 W. Broad St., 747-9700, jopa.com ; Pla-Mor Pools: 7225 Bell Creek Road, Suite 238, 746-5555, plamorpools.com 2nd (tie): Klean Pools; Ultimate Pools

Tree Care

Arborscapes "We don't think of ourselves as salespeople, we think of ourselves as educators," co-owner Billy Davis says about Arborscapes, adding that having seven certified arborists on staff allows the company to provide proactive services to help keep trees and shrubs healthy. In addition, the company offers a seamless experience with professional staff, from the salespeople to those providing on-site service. 379-4507, arborscapesllc.com 2nd: TrueTimber Tree Service 3rd: Davey

Upholstery Services Shop (On-Site Upholsterer)

U-Fab This is one of the area's few one-stop shops for furniture upholstery. U-Fab owner Travis Hamilton notes that customers can stop in and ask questions, select from fabric on-site, and have the work done all in one place. He adds that his staff provides friendly, expert advice, "with complete knowledge of upholstery through the entire process." 106 S. Robinson St., 888-8322, ufabstore.com 2nd (tie): All About Upholstery; Dover

Wallpaper Hanger

Barden's Decorating A relationship with the top area designers is a key factor in Barden's Decorating success: "Our design community trusts that we will perform expert installation while providing their clients with a truly professional experience," co-owner Muffy Barden says. She adds that her husband, Tommy, has more than 37 years of industry experience along with an eye for detail and a great deal of patience. 598-4802, bardensdecorating.com 2nd: Bud Williamson 3rd: H.J. Holtz & Son

Welder/Ironwork

Small Axe Forge Byron Pennington, co-owner of Small Axe Forge, thrives on a challenge. He says customers call him almost daily to re-create something from the past, find out what something is, or find a new way to use something old. One of his favorite parts of his job is "rejuvenating a lot of antique things and bringing them back to life." 510 W. 14th St., 916-9918, smallaxeforge.com 2nd (tie): Phoenix Handcraft; Spartan Studios

Window Treatments

Specialty Drapery Owner Debbie Lovette says that the difference clients get with Specialty Drapery is a custom experience: "We don't sell fabrics. We sell treatments to manage the light in the windows," she says. "You tell us how you use your space, and we find the best product to fit your needs." In addition, Specialty Drapery does its own installations. 9 W. Cary St., 264-3000, specialtydrapery.com 2nd (tie): MannKidwell Interior Window Treatments; U-Fab 3rd: Gotcha Covered

Window Washer

Virginia Window Cleaners Courtesy and cleanliness are the watchwords at Virginia Window Cleaners —workers show up in uniforms with neat trucks and respect the clients' possessions, pets and yards, co-owner Mark Walach says. In addition, each washer has more than 100 squeegees to choose from, making it easy to provide fast, efficient service. They clean out gutters, too. 288-0000, vawindow.com