Washington housing context
These U.S. Census Bureau estimates describe Washington city, District of Columbia during 2020–2024. They provide context for discussing a property; check the actual building, occupancy and ownership before defining work.
| Measure | Estimate | 90% margin of error |
|---|---|---|
| All housing units | 361,014 | ± 148 |
| Occupied housing units | 324,491 | ± 1,816 |
| Owner-occupied homes | 134,683 | ± 2,554 |
| Renter-occupied homes | 189,808 | ± 2,796 |
| One-unit detached homes | 39,744 | ± 1,525 |
| One-unit attached homes | 78,345 | ± 2,198 |
| Median year built | 1958 | ± 1 |
Housing units by construction period
| Year built | Units | 90% margin of error |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 or later | 10,380 | ± 857 |
| 2010 to 2019 | 49,156 | ± 2,034 |
| 2000 to 2009 | 26,843 | ± 1,648 |
| 1990 to 1999 | 9,933 | ± 986 |
| 1980 to 1989 | 15,690 | ± 1,052 |
| 1970 to 1979 | 24,214 | ± 1,393 |
| 1960 to 1969 | 36,294 | ± 2,040 |
| 1950 to 1959 | 40,226 | ± 1,879 |
| 1940 to 1949 | 34,585 | ± 1,811 |
| 1939 or earlier | 113,693 | ± 2,357 |
Source tables: Housing totals · Tenure · Building types · Year built · Median year built. Survey estimates and their margins of error are shown as published; these are not October 2026 counts. The separate population reference uses Census Vintage 2025.
For a rented home, confirm who can authorize alterations. In a shared building, ask about access and work rules. A citywide construction period does not establish the age, condition or safety requirements of an individual home; check the property records and the specific project.
Published business source information
These cards retain the business’s published service-area statements. Review its official source and confirm the particular address, task and qualifications directly.
Ace Handyman Services Washington DC
Door and window repair · Drywall repair · Carpentry · Installation
A locally operated handyman office whose official website publishes service coverage in Washington. The company is displayed because its official website lists Washington in its service area.
Choose the work you need to plan
Use the project guides to identify the work, then check listings against the property’s city and state. A guide link does not mean a provider is available for every task or address.
Caulking and Sealing
View task guide and location listingsHome Safety Improvements
Choose a project guideDrywall Repair
View task guide and location listingsTV Mounting and Wall Hanging
Choose a project guideFurniture Assembly
View task guide and location listingsInterior Painting
View task guide and location listingsFixture Installation
Choose a project guideAssembly and Outdoor Equipment
Choose a project guideOther cities in District of Columbia
Select the city of the actual property; these links do not establish provider coverage between cities.
Washington repair planning: local decisions
Prepare the Washington DC scope before choosing a permit route
DC’s Department of Buildings tells homeowners to confirm the project scope before applying through Permit Wizard. Its Homeowner’s Center offers guidance when a resident is unsure whether a permit is required. Prepare the address and a short existing-versus-proposed description so the question concerns the actual work, rather than whether a broad category called handyman work needs a permit.
A vanity project illustrates the distinction. Tightening cabinet hardware or repairing adjacent trim is one request; changing the sink supply arrangement or a powered fixture is another. State which items remain in their existing position and which are being moved, replaced or connected differently. Keep photographs of the whole installation alongside the product information.
Split finish work from the electrical, plumbing or mechanical task
DOB describes plumbing, mechanical and electrical permits as trade permits issued to licensed and bonded master trade professionals. Identify those components separately in the inquiry and ask DOB about the applicable process. A general repair estimate should not silently assume that the homeowner or another unnamed person will obtain a trade permit.
Ask the business which parts it accepts and whether a different responsible trade business will handle a system component. Keep that identity and the proposed handoff in writing. If the scope changes after assessment, update the list before comparing offers. A smaller finish-only offer can still be useful when its boundary is clear.
Assign each handoff in a mixed project
For a mixed project, put the sequence beside the task list. Identify who completes any underlying work, who confirms the area is ready and who restores the finish afterward. Ask whether the estimate includes access openings, cabinet adjustment, wall preparation, primer or paint. Those assumptions can differ even when two responses use the same job title.
Agree who handles city questions and any applicable inspections, without treating a quoted appointment as approval to begin. Confirm the exact Washington address, building access and permission to alter the space. Use the provider sources as a starting point for direct checks; the directory does not verify that every listed business accepts every trade component or serves every property.
Local resources: DC DOB Homeowner’s Center.
Questions for Washington project planning
Where can a DC homeowner ask whether a specific repair needs a permit?
DOB’s Homeowner’s Center provides guidance on unclear permit questions. Bring the actual address and scope, and follow the department’s current instructions.
Should a plumbing or electrical change be hidden inside a general handyman list?
No. DOB identifies separate trade-permit responsibilities for plumbing, electrical and mechanical work. Describe that component explicitly and confirm the appropriate process and responsible professional with DOB and the business.