READERS’ FAVORITES

THE RESULTS ARE IN! Earlier this spring, HOME magazine readers cast thousands of votes for their favorite home and garden-related businesses in the area in our first annual Readers’ Favorites Awards. Here, we are delighted to share the winners, many of whom won multiple awards in various categories. If you need goods or services for your home, these pages may be a great place to start to find your favorite.

THANK YOU!
We appreciate the HOME magazine readers who cast thousands of votes for their favorite home and garden-related businesses in the area in our first annual readers’ favorites awards. If you need goods or services for your home, these pages may be a great place to start to find your favorite.

CONTRACTORS, REMODELERS & HOME BUILDERS

ARCHITECTS
Platinum: Scott Glass
Gold: Atelier 11 Architecture
Silver: Architectural Partners
Silver: Dominion Seven Architects

ELECTRICAL
Platinum: Maddox Air & Electrical
Gold: Wooldridge Heating Air & Electrical
Silver: Drummond Electrical
Silver: Wired Up Electrical

FENCING AND RAILINGS
Platinum: The Vinyl Porch Rail Company
Gold: Lynchburg Fence
Silver: R.R. Mann Fencing

GENERAL CONTRACTOR
Platinum: F&S Building Innovations, Inc
Gold: Morris Construction
Silver: Collins Custom Builders

GUTTERS
Platinum: Brothers that just do Gutters
Gold: Collins Siding and Windows, Inc
Silver: Gutters & Guards, Inc

HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING
Platinum: Maddox Air & Electrical
Platinum: Wooldridge Heating Air & Electrical
Gold: Terrell E Moseley, Inc
Silver: Brown’s Heating & Air

Photo: Dara Farrar

PLATINUM: HOME BUILDER

Construction is in Brent Lilly’s blood. As a third generation builder, Lilly has owned and operated Lilly Construction for ten years—but had been building with his father, Deitz Lilly, his whole life. His company specializes in building custom homes as well as multifamily and commercial builds.

As a local builder, Lilly enjoys the opportunities that the community provides. “Lynchburg is continually growing and changing,” says Lilly. “I really enjoy working with clients and being able to make their ideas a reality. Working with them through the whole process and paying extra attention to what details they are looking for allows me to deliver a product the client is very happy with.”

In recent months, Lilly Construction has navigated challenges that have arisen from the pandemic, including the availability of some manufactured products used in their projects. Nothing has been insurmountable, however. “Low interest rates make it a great time to build your dream home,” he says.

HOME BUILDER
Platinum: Lilly Construction
Gold: F&S Building Innovations, Inc
Silver: Gordon T. Cudd Construction, Inc

HOME RENOVATIONS & REMODELING
Platinum: F&S Building Innovations, Inc
Gold: Collins Custom Builders
Silver: Todd Morris & Sons Construction
Silver: M.B. Tile & General Contracting

PLUMBING
Platinum: Plumb Care Plumbing
Gold: Tyree Plumbing, Inc
Silver: Ashby’s Plumbing
Silver: Roto Rooter

ROOFING
Platinum: Cenvar Roofing
Gold: Perimeter Roofing
Silver: James Jessie Roofing

SERVICE PROVIDERS

CARPET AND RUG CLEANING
Platinum: Stanley Steamer
Gold: Persian Rugs & More
Silver: Steamway

DRIVEWAY REPAIR AND SEALING
Platinum: Lynchburg Sealcoating and Lawncare
Gold: Young’s Sealcoating
Silver: Mr. Pot Hole

DUCT CLEANING
Platinum: Duct Dusters
Gold: Stanley Steamer

EXTERIOR HOME CLEANING
Platinum: All Washed Up
Gold: Hill City Pro Wash
Silver: BP’s Mobile Wash

GARAGE DOORS
Platinum: DoorTek Garage Door Service
Platinum: Overhead Door Company
Gold: Lynchburg Garage Doors
Silver: Anderson Garage Doors

HANDYMAN SERVICES
Platinum: Wright Choice Construction

HOME AUTOMATION AND SECURITY
Platinum: Central Home Systems
Gold: Audiotronics
Silver: IDS Security
Silver: Virginia Sentinel Security

HOME CLEANING SERVICES
Platinum: Merry Maids
Gold: Klean it Up
Silver: Pink Ladies Cleaning Service

Photo: Dara Farrar

PLATINUM: ELECTRICAL
PLATINUM: HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING

In 2008, brothers John and Andy Maddox founded Maddox Air & Electrical, and have been voted a community favorite for their residential and commercial heating and air services, as well as electrical services. The company also specializes in installing and servicing generators.

The success of this family-run business can be attributed to their commitment to the community and to their clientele. “We love the small town feel that Lynchburg and the surrounding areas provide,” says Andy Maddox, vice president of operations. “The people in our community are so inviting and respectful.”

In an industry where customer comfort is the desired outcome, the team at Maddox says they are deeply committed to their clientele. “Our customers are important to us and allow us the opportunity to meet their needs and find solutions to their problems,” says Maddox.

HOME FUEL COMPANIES
Platinum: Foster Fuels
Gold: Davenport Energy
Gold: Watt’s Petroleum
Silver: Francis Oil & Propane, Inc

IRONWORK AND METAL FABRICATION
Platinum: James River Ironworks
Gold: Bailey Spencer Hardware

MOVING COMPANIES
Platinum: American Moving and Storage
Gold: Five Star Moving & Transportation
Silver: Moody Moving and Storage

PAINTERS
Platinum: Walter Mahone Painting
Gold: Harris Painting
Silver: Bob Jones Painting Contractor

PEST CONTROL
Platinum: Dodson Pest Control
Gold: Specialty Exterminating
Silver: Bedford County Pest Control

WATER & RESTORATION SERVICES
Platinum: Kidd’s Services
Gold: Serve Pro of Lynchburg
Silver: Water Fire Mold

WINDOWS & DOORS
Platinum: Pella
Gold: Collins Siding and Windows, Inc
Gold: Rempfer Construction
Silver: The Window Men 56

Photo: Dara Farrar

PLATINUM: LANDSCAPE/HARDSCAPE DESIGN AND BUILD
PLATINUM: LANDSCAPE AND LAWN MAINTENANCE
PLATINUM: DECKS AND PORCHES

What started with Mark Maslow mowing lawns in high school in 1998 is now Southern Landscape Group, the business behind many of the area’s most beautiful and functional outdoor spaces, including general landscaping as well as hardscapes, fire pits, outdoor kitchens and more. “We help our clients dream, build and enjoy the finest outdoor living possible,” says Maslow, president. “We are unique in that we self-perform many trades like masonry, hardscapes, carpentry and landscaping.”

Maslow says that working in Lynchburg and surrounding areas is deeply gratifying for a number of reasons. “While not a major metropolitan area, we have enjoyed working for clients who are passionate about their outdoor living,” he says. “The best part of the work is helping our clients realize and enjoy the full potential of their outdoor spaces; even those who thought they could not explain to us what they wanted.”

This type of collaboration requires a great deal of trust. “That is something we don’t take lightly. Every client, every job … they all matter and they all receive the delicate handling they deserve to ensure the ultimate client experience,” he says.

It’s also gratifying to offer a service that provides comfort in challenging times. “Since the pandemic, folks have turned to their backyards as a place to escape and enjoy the outdoors. We have the opportunity to create some unique outdoor learning and recreation spaces for children and adults,” he explains. “Seeing the sheer enjoyment these families are experiencing is so rewarding.”

GARDEN & LANDSCAPE

DECKS AND PORCHES
Platinum: Southern Landscape Group, Inc
Gold: The Vinyl Porch Rail Company
Silver: The Southern Porch Company

GARDEN SUPPLIES AND ACCESSORIES
Platinum: Rustic View Home and Gardens
Gold: Rainfrost Nursery
Silver: Aylor’s Farm & Garden

LANDSCAPE AND HARDSCAPE, DESIGN/BUILD
Platinum: Southern Landscape Group, Inc
Gold: CLC Incorporated
Silver: A-Plus Landscaping
Silver: Land Tech Group

LAWN AND LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE
Platinum: Southern Landscape Group, Inc
Gold: CLC Incorporated
Silver: A-Plus Landscaping

NURSERIES
Platinum: Rustic View Home and Gardens
Gold: Rainfrost Nursery
Silver: Virginia Garden Supply

OUTDOOR FURNITURE
Platinum: Grand Home Furnishings
Gold: Rustic View Home and Gardens
Silver: National Pools

SPA & HOT TUB SALES/SERVICE
Platinum: Aqua Pros
Gold: Perry Pools & Spas
Silver: Water by Design

SWIMMING POOLS
Platinum: National Pools
Gold: Land Tech Group
Silver: Perry Pools & Spas

TREE SERVICE
Platinum: Bartlett Tree Service
Gold: Monster Tree Service
Silver: Wisecarver Tree Service

HOME FURNISHINGS, DECOR & INTERIOR DESIGN

ANTIQUES
Platinum: The White Brick House
Gold: Estates Revisited
Silver: Enchanted

APPLIANCES
Platinum: Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery
Gold: Hailey’s Appliances
Silver: Lowe’s Home Improvement

ARCHITECTURAL SALVAGE
Platinum: Black Dog Salvage
Gold: Bailey Spencer Hardware

ART GALLERY
Platinum: Academy Center of the Arts
Gold: The Art Box
Silver: The Little Gallery

CABINETRY, KITCHEN & BATH
Platinum: Cornerstone Cabinets and Design, Inc
Gold: Pinnacle Cabinetry & Design
Silver: Ramsey Cabinets
Silver: The Floor Show

CONSIGNMENT FURNITURE
Platinum: Next Time Consignment
Gold: On Second Thought
Silver: Estates Revisited

COUNTERTOPS
Platinum: Spectrum Stone Designs
Gold: Rockfab
Silver: Stonecrafters

CUSTOM FURNITURE AND CABINETRY
Platinum: William K Perdue
Gold: Grayson Ferguson Woodworking
Gold: Ramsey Cabinets
Silver: Apical Woodworks

ESTATE SALES
Platinum: Estates & Consignments
Gold: High Cotton Fine Home Furnishings & Gifts
Silver: Elizabeth Gladwell & Associates

FLOORING
Platinum: Piedmont Floors
Gold: The Floor Show
Silver: Central Virginia Flooring

FURNITURE
Platinum: Grand Home Furnishings
Gold: Bailey Grey Interiors
Silver: High Cotton Fine Home Furnishings & Gifts

HOME ACCESSORIES AND GIFTS
Platinum: Accents
Gold: Winey Chicks
Silver: Farm Basket

INTERIOR DESIGNERS
Platinum: Decorating Den Interiors
Gold: Sarah Girten Interior Design
Silver: Curtains, Blinds & Bath
Silver: Interiors by Moyanne

LIGHTING
Platinum: Timberlake Lighting of Lynchburg
Gold: Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery
Silver: Sweet Peas Lighting and Décor

PAINT AND PAINTING SUPPLIES
Platinum: James T Davis
Gold: Sherwin Williams
Silver: Benjamin Moore-Spectrum Paint

PICTURE FRAMING
Platinum: Royal County Arts

RUGS
Platinum: Green Front Furniture
Gold: Persian Rugs & More
Silver: Curtains, Binds & Bath

UPHOLSTERY
Platinum: Phil’s Upholstery

WALLPAPER
Platinum: James T Davis
Gold: Mahones Wallpaper Shop
Silver: Sarah Girten Interior Design

WOODWORKING
Platinum: Grayson Ferguson Woodworking
Gold: Apical Woodworks

Photo: Dara Farrar

PLATINUM: COUNTERTOPS

Area readers voted Spectrum Stone Designs as their top choice for countertops. Page Hastings, president and owner, started the company in 2007, noting that they specialize in quartz, granite, marble, soapstone and quartzite. “I love that each job is like a blank canvas, and I can help the homeowner bring their vision full circle,” she says. Hastings’ role in helping clients with countertops is often just one piece of a renovation puzzle, and she also values the relationships she’s built throughout the design/build community. “I have been able to establish a network with other businesses, and we help each other with ideas in areas that we may not service,” she says.

Hastings has seen a trend arising in recent times, during the pandemic: More people are investing in their homes, and her business has stayed busy with a continued focus on health and safety. Since home improvements are highly personal, Hastings gets to know her clients, noting that she loves “meeting all different people” and establishing friendships beyond the project at hand. “We have many clients that have moved here that have lived in so many different areas of the world,” she says.

REAL ESTATE & FINANCIAL

FINANCIAL INSTITUTION
Platinum: Bank of the James
Gold: First National Bank of Altavista
Silver: First Bank & Trust Company

FINANCIAL PLANNING
Platinum: Lynchburg Wealth Management
Gold: Commonwealth Financial
Silver: Ford Mays Wealth Management
Silver: HSC Wealth Advisors

HOME INSURANCE
Platinum: Blue Ridge Insurance
Gold: Chris Stuckey – State Farm
Silver: Leech & Hicks, Inc Insurance

MORTGAGE LENDING COMPANY
Platinum: Bank of the James Mortgage
Gold: Atlantic Bay Mortgage
Gold: First Bank & Trust Company
Silver: Apex Home Loans

MORTGAGE LOAN OFFICER
Platinum: Rhonda Holt, Apex Home Loans
Gold: Michael Rocco, Atlantic Bay Mortgage
Silver: Amy St. Clair, Select Bank

REAL ESTATE COMPANY
Platinum: Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Dawson Ford Garbee & Co Realtors
Gold: Flint Property Group
Silver: John Stewart Walker

REALTOR
Platinum: Nadine Blakely
Gold: Robert Dawson
Silver: Amy Scott
Silver: Karen Walker Hall

Photo: Dara Farrar

PLATINUM: MORTGAGE LENDING COMPANIES

“Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions a consumer will make in their lifetime, and it gives me a great pleasure to assist and guide during this process,” says Bank of the James Mortgage’s Senior Vice President/Mortgage Sales & Development and Loan Officer Bianca Allison. She’s been with the organization for seven years and has enjoyed developing relationships with her customers. “Most clients have no idea how much goes on behind the scenes, but the mere fact that they do not know means I have done a great job in making the process appear seamless,” she says.

Obtaining a mortgage may be highly transactional, but it’s also one of the most personal and impactful things a person will encounter in a lifetime. Allison enjoys this personal angle to mortgage lending. “Everyone has a story and something you can gain from them,” she says.

Like many industries, the mortgage business has experienced changes during the pandemic. “The industry is experiencing increased restrictions and guidelines during this time … Making sure all parties to the loan are kept in the loop on changes and next steps has been critical,” she says. While Allison says that most clients have been “very receptive and excited to take advantage of an incredible rate environment,” she looks forward to the time when traditional face-to-face meetings can resume.

HOME LIVING OPTIONS

APARTMENTS
Platinum: City Market Lofts
Gold: Eleven25 Apartments
Silver: The Vistas at Dreaming Creek
Silver: Walden Pond

HOME HEALTH SERVICES
Platinum: Centra Home Health
Gold: Generation Solutions
Gold: Gentle Shepherd Hospice
Silver: Visiting Angels

RETIREMENT LIVING COMMUNITIES
Platinum: The Summit
Gold: Runk & Pratt, Inc.
Gold: Westminster Canterbury
Silver: Valley View Retirement Community 74

PLATINUM: RETIREMENT LIVING COMMUNITIES

Celebrating its 17-year anniversary in August 2020, The Summit is a Life Plan Community offering a continuum of care that includes independent living, assisted living and a health and rehabilitation center. The Summit is a partnership between Centra and the Disciples of Christ, Christian Church of Virginia.

Brenda Dixon, marketing director since 2014, says the campus is one of The Summit’s best features. “A trail around the lake allows residents to take full advantage of the natural surroundings with bird watching, walking, fishing and boating,” she says.

Along with amenities and a beautiful setting, community is an important aspect of life at The Summit. “Although some residents maintain home gardens, a community garden and orchard allows the opportunity to work together, ”she says.

In addition to serving its residents, Dixon says The Summit serves the greater Lynchburg community as well through activities like food truck round-ups in Wyndhurst, annual community firework displays, food collections for area food banks, and more.

“Summit residents will tell you that they love our community; they live among friends that become family,” says Dixon. “The smaller community allows new residents to settle in quickly, and they enjoy the welcoming hospitality of their new neighbors.”