I recommend Bell's Septic Service as well as Butler Excavating and Septic. We purchased a home in Stoney Creek in December 2020. Although we had an engineer's diagram of the septic system, the septic tank was not visible at ground level. Because we were unsure of the last time the septic tank was pumped and unsure of its location, we contacted Mike Bell. Mike came out, probed the ground with a long rod, and marked the location of where he believed the septic tank was. Because the top of the tank was more than 3 feet deep, he had Danny Butler of Butler Excavating and Septic Service come out to dig up the marked location. Danny located the exact location of the septic tank using electronic sensing equipment. Mike Bell then came back to pump the septic tank, and then Danny Butler's team came back to install risers and a cap to the buried tank so that the location of the septic tank is seen above ground level. This four-step process was completed by professional staff who knew what needed to be done, was courteous, and kept us informed throughout the process. The costs were reasonable, and we are very glad and grateful that we finally found the septic tank, had it pumped, and fixed the problem of not readily knowing exactly where the septic tank is. Bell's Septic Service can be reached at 434-989-5869. Butler Excavating and Septic Service can be reached at 434-531-8888. Submitted by Mike Yurewicz. January 2023
Greg Chapman - 804-833-3433
We had a few places of wood rot around the exterior of the house and the paint was chipping on my foundation. Greg Chapman, the owner of Virginia House Doctor, was punctual, and professional, and the invoice was reasonable. He went above and beyond to make sure the new paint matched and the repairs made the house look so much better. (You don't realize that a house could use a facelift until you do it!). His email is gregchapman7017@gmail.com; 804-833-3433. Submitted by Teresa Delph. December 2022
painter, painters, painting, repair, contractor, house
Jim Hennessey - 540-212-4546
After our recent move to Stoney Creek, we had some damage to several pieces of furniture that had been in storage. (Broken leg on sofa, broken leg on the coffee table, and the arm of a dining room chair broken in several pieces.) The moving and storage company sent out Jim Hennessey of Weathersby Guild to do “in-home” repairs. Jim arrived promptly, went to work, and after several hours he had the repairs completed. He kept his work space neat, and cleaned up afterward. It has been just a week since Jim did the repairs so we cannot attest to longevity, however, he guaranteed his work. We are using all of the furniture. We had a house full of family over the holiday weekend and no problems with the furniture repairs. Contact him at 540-212-4546; JimHennessey@WeathersbyGuild.com. Submitted by Joyce Claman. December 2022
Mountain Life of Virginia - 434-256-0501
We were living with an annoying electrical issue–two three-way switches on a dimmer were working so one often had to flip the two switches at both places to get the lights to come on or go off. I tried to fix it but gave up. One of the big property management outfits here, Mountain Life of Virginia (434-256-0501; maint@mountainlifeofva.com), had a new brochure saying they had set up a "maintenance department" and would do little jobs for Wintergreen homeowners such as "light plumbing, electrical, repairs." I called them on this little issue and it got fixed. About a week after I put in my repair request, I got a call asking if someone could come out the following day. The tech arrived on time, was professional, and resolved the light switch problem in a few minutes. A very reasonable bill arrived in my email two days later and I paid online. A nice handyman service. Submitted by Charles Batchelor. November 2022
Randy Mays - 540-416-8094
I hired Randy Mays of Window Wizards to clean my windows based on a recommendation in the WBB and was completely satisfied. I highly recommend Randy (540-416-8094). Submitted by Max Joy. February 2023
A few weeks ago there was a recommendation in the WBB for Window Wizards for window cleaning. We hired them and were very happy with the results. They were very professional, arrived on time, did a great job, and the price was very reasonable. We highly recommend them. Their phone number is 540-416-8094. Submitted by Paul and Tammy Venezia. October 2022
I would like to recommend Window Wizards for window cleaning. They did a wonderful job and are very easy to work with. Randy Mays is the owner and can be reached at 540-416-8094. Submitted by Martha Stocker. September 2022
Window washing, windows washing
Braden and Van Fossen Iron Works - 540-885-2251
Taylor Smith (540-885-2251) at Braden and Van Fossen Iron Works in Staunton manufactured this custom iron plate to be used as a heat reflector for the fireplace. The plate was recommended by Doug Parrish (540-885-3244) of Augusta Chimney Sweep. The plate was installed by handyman Silas Valentine, (540-849-9562). All three contractors did very fine work in a small amount of time at a reasonable price with a pleasant attitude. Submitted by Mike Chambers. October 2022.
stove, fireplace,
Taylor Tree Service - 434-531-4734
During our recent ice storm and freeze, I contacted three companies to plow the snow and ice from my driveway. Only Matt Miner of Taylor Tree Service (434-531-4734) was able to do the job. He brought a tracked front-loader that moved the ice out of the way. His price was reasonable for the amount of work involved. Submitted by Robert Peirce. February 2026
We had a great experience with Taylor Tree Service (Matt Minor; 434-531-4734). We had about $4,000 worth of large and medium size trees removed (a total of 11) in September 2022 by Matt and his staff. They had a crew at our home for two consecutive days and after each day they cleaned the area thoroughly. A nice touch. Their work was timely, completed in a quick time frame after we agreed on a price, and well executed. I will be using them again and I am highly recommending them to others. This job was bid out with three contractors; Taylor Tree Service was the low bid. Excellent work at an excellent price. Submitted by Scott Meardon. October 2022.
timber, forestry, arborist, woods
Drew Bell - 434-363-2074
We used Drew Bell to finish clearing our lot in Stoney Creek. He was responsive, reasonably priced, and saved us after a big mess was left by the last guy. Many of our neighbors even raved about him after he finished! Drew Bell is local to Nelson, and he offers lawn care, small excavating jobs, tree work, firewood delivery, and much more. Give him a call; you won’t be disappointed! 434-363-2074. Submitted by Laura Young. October 2022
landscaping, yard work, driveway,
Augusta Chimney Sweeps - 540-885-3244
During our annual fireplace and chimney inspection and cleaning, Doug Parrish of Augusta Chimney Sweeps (540-885-3244) recommended we purchase a 1/4-inch thick steel plate (24 inches wide and 16 inches high) and lean it against the back of our fireplace chamber to increase the heating efficiency of our wood-burning fireplace. He recommended C & C Welding Service in Waynesboro (540-949-8061) to fabricate the plate. We highly recommend both Augusta Chimney Sweeps and C & C Welding Service for their experience and high degree of ensuring customer satisfaction. Submitted by Mike Yurewicz. July 2025
Taylor Smith (540-885-2251) at Braden and Van Fossen Iron Works in Staunton manufactured this custom iron plate to be used as a heat reflector for the fireplace. The plate was recommended by Doug Parrish (540-885-3244) of Augusta Chimney Sweep. The plate was installed by handyman Silas Valentine, (540-849-9562). All three contractors did very fine work in a small amount of time at a reasonable price with a pleasant attitude. Submitted by Mike Chambers. October 2022
I would like to recommend Augusta Chimney Sweeps. Doug Parrish is extremely efficient, does an excellent inspection and cleaning, and when he leaves your house it is as clean or cleaner as when he arrived. Very reasonable cost for the high level of service and care he performs. He is super-concerned about all the safety issues one can have with a fireplace. I will use him again. Submitted by Gary Banas. April 2022
We have used Doug Parrish of Augusta Chimney Sweeps (540-885-3244) for the last ten years for our annual chimney inspection and cleaning. We can highly recommend his services. He is punctual, courteous, efficient, meticulous in cleaning up, and has reasonable rates. Submitted by Mike and Cheryl Capps. March 2022
I have used Augusta (540-885-3244) for a number of years. They are located in Staunton. Doug Parrish does an excellent job on my woodstove exhaust pipe that gets heavy use. I have it cleaned once a year and I am always amazed by the amount of soot collected during cleaning. Doug is courteous and does a thorough and expert job at a reasonable price. Submitted by Charles Murphy. October 2021
We have used Augusta Chimney Sweeps in Staunton for years. Call them at 540-885-3244. Good cleaning and inspection for any possible problems; immaculate clean-up. Submitted by Greg & Linda Heuer. Feb 2020
Chimney, Chimney Sweep, fireplace
Lambert Cleaning - 540-324-9104
The last WBB reminded me to share this area rug cleaning review for Lambert Cleaning (540-324-9104). I've seen Rudy's in Ruckersville advertised on TV but their pick-up/delivery fee alone was more than I paid for three large area rugs with Lamberts of Staunton. My rugs measure 7x9, 8x11, and 4x14. Total including pick up and delivery was $357. Lambert's was quick to respond to my inquiry; provided an estimate within two days, and slated us for pick up within days. The total time to clean and return was approximately three weeks. The rugs look great and the friendly service was top-notch. Highly recommend. Submitted by Valerie Passwaiter. September 2022
Frank S. Eways - 434-985-1784
I recommend Frank Eways Fine Rug Gallery for cleaning area rugs. I have used them several times for our oriental carpets. They do an outstanding job! They are knowledgeable professionals who offer sales, cleaning, repair, and appraisals. You may arrange a time to deliver your rugs to the shop or they will pick up them up and return them to your home. They are at 347 Moore Road, Ruckersville, VA 22968. 434-985-1784; EwaysRugs.com. Submitted by Jackie Mason. August 2022
I have always used Frank S. Eways, Ltd. in Ruckersville for rug cleaning (and for an occasional purchase). I know they picked up, cleaned, and returned some large rugs at the Wintergreen Nature Foundation several years ago. The family business has been around for at least 50± years. Their number is 434-985-1784. Submitted by Ellen Hampton
Will Stang - 434-906-9593
We used Stang's Softwash & Pressure Service (434-906-9593, Stangssoftwash@gmail.com) and were very pleased with the work. William Stang washed our exterior windows and 2 skylights. We have a prow-front house with three stories of windows on the mountain. No problem for William. He uses a deionized water filtration system that fed into pole soft brushes. We think it's been 7-10 years since the prior owners cleaned the windows and skylights. They look great now. A very reasonable price for the work. Submitted by Cary Hinton. August 2026
We were very pleased with the job Will Stang did washing our house (siding, gutters, facia boards) and roof. With a combination of pressure and softwashing, he cleaned our front deck, posts, and railings. When I pointed out a small area of the roof that needed more attention, Will promptly offered to come out the next day to treat it again. Stang's Softwash & Pressure Washing, Stangssoftwash@gmail.com, (434-906-9593) did a professional job at a fair price. It's a growing, local Nelson County business. Submitted by Steve Sowers. August 2022
home, power washing,
The Power Connection - 540-574-0177
On the night of July 14th Wintergreen Fire and Rescue experienced a power outage on the mountain and our station generator failed. We accidentally summoned not one, but two electrical firms for the after-hour repair. What happens when two pro electricians who have never met one another show up at the same time, to do the same repair? They introduce themselves to one another and then work together to resolve the problem. One gentleman explained that he had to leave his family at a fair in Rockingham County when he received our call. The other gentleman actually had his young daughter in tow. She eventually got bored and fell asleep in the truck. People often praise us for our quick responses and our willingness to leave our families when duty calls. Thank you. The same praise should be extended to all of the dedicated folks who help us with logistics. We operate out of 3 stations 24/7/365. The only way to accomplish this is with a very strong support network. If you're looking for a great electrical firm give either of them a call: Bruce Ward Electric (434-981-2912) and The Power Connection (540-574-0177). Adapted with permission from Facebook post of Chief Curtis Sheets. July 2022.
electrician, wiring, generator,
James Chambers - 540-649-3550
I would like to highly recommend James Chambers of Chambers Contracting (540-649-3550). We had some serious problems with our fireplace which required a complete replacement of the flue, stove box, fireplace surround, and mantle to bring everything up to code. James did an incredible job! He is highly skilled, professional, and easy to work with. Submitted by Kathy Lovelace. July 2022
wood stove,
Perfect Pitch Roofing - 540-383-2351
I needed repair work done on my roof where it was leaking around the flashing of the chimney. I got a recommendation for Perfect Pitch Roofing in Weyers Cave (540-383-2351). They performed the work in a timely manner at a fair price and were quick to respond to my questions about the damage and the fix. I can recommend this firm to those who need a roofer who works on the mountain and is responsive. Submitted by Gary Banas. July 2022
roofing, roof, shingles, attic, leak
Tsetsi Hristov - 434-806-1416
I am recommending TBH Holdings LLC Property Services (434-806-1416). Tsetsi Hristov, the owner, did a great job hauling disposable items away (For example, we got rid of a large wooden planter, kiddy pool, chaise lounge, fireplace grate, as well as some miscellaneous trash.) He was polite, fast, and responsive. The cost was reasonable. They also do property management, cleaning, residential maintenance, and repairs. Submitted by Steven Piguet. June 2022
trash, junk, clean-up,
TBH Homes - Tsetsi Tsvetomil - 434-806-1416
We had the porch floor replaced, all the screens replaced, and a dryer vent extended and boxed in. All the work was accomplished in short order at a reasonable cost. They removed all the furniture from the porch to begin and replaced it when they were done. They removed all the trash and left a clean job site. I highly recommend Tsetsi Tsvetomil (434-806-1416). Submitted by Russ Russell. June 2022
carpenter, handyman, repair,
As a homeowner on Wintergreen mountain for twelve years, I highly recommend TBH Home Solutions in Lyndhurst (434-806-1416). The owner and contractor, Tsetsi Hristov, finished several projects for us over the past year, and we have been highly satisfied with the high quality of work and professionalism. Tsetsi completed our master bathroom remodel as well as the renovation of four other bathrooms in the house. The quality of work was excellent. He redesigned the master bath shower; the tile work he did in the master bath shower and around the bathtub was exceptionally beautiful. He tiled floors in three other bathrooms and painted all the bathroom walls and vanities. His attention to detail was impressive. Tsetsi completed general carpentry work, including replacing deck boards and railings on our deck and porch and building shelves in a closet. He managed and built supports under the deck for a hot tub. He can make just about anything happen. Communication with Tsetsi was the best I have had with someone who worked on our home. He was easy to contact and easy to work with. The budget and timeline were right on target. Tsetsi and his workers were respectful of our house and cleaned up after the work was done. I highly recommend TBH Home Solutions for just about any project around a house. The work we had done was high quality, and it was clear Tsetsi cared that we were satisfied with the work. We will hire them in the future. Submitted by Becky Henke. November 2025
Commonwealth Engineering and Sales - 804-752-2959
We lost our grinder pump last Thanksgiving. Not good. (These pumps generally last about 20 years.) Commonwealth Engineering and Sales (865-773-0008 and 804-752-2959) answered our call immediately and had our sewer service operating again very quickly. Submitted by Kaye Pietrowicz. June 2022.
Note: On Wintergreen mountain, grinder pumps are typically maintained and replaced by the Nelson County Service Authority, (434) 263-5341.
Franklin Viar - 434-981-3017
For painting and handyman jobs, I heartily recommend Franklin Viar’s Painting and Repair. Text or call him at 434-981-3017. He repaired and painted the cathedral ceiling after a leak in the roof, and then proceeded to a whole honey-do list, including pressure washing, sealing the concrete and decking, and repairing a wooden bench on the deck and an outside door. He purchased the boards for the deck and ordered the parts necessary for the door repair. Frankie is courteous, on time, and reasonably priced—on top of which he did an excellent job! Submitted by Mary Gurr. May 2022
handy, repairs, painter, pressure washer, decks, carpenter,
Charlie McMurry - 434-942-7210
I'd like to recommend plumber Charlie McMurry (434-942-7210). He doesn't work on weekends, but he offers excellent service, is responsive, reliable, and has reasonable prices. Submitted by Renee Mecheski. May 2022.
plumbing, toilet, sink,
