I have no idea what the going rate for Design services in the area is, but have you considered looking on the Houzz website? You can search for pictures of your criteria in a particular geographic zone, which would let you select a candidate based on examples of their work. I'm sure there are lots who have their own websites with galleries of their own work, too, which you can probably turn up with a Google search. Word of mouth recommendations are always good, too, if you have any acquaintances who have used a Design service. Sorry I can't offer more specific advice other than to research your candidate, check references, review their work in other homes, etc. before signing a contract. Good luck with your project!

I've gotten more information- and have more questions. The Simonton installer came out. He uses Simonton prism series. His sample window was not very impressive - but I'm imagining it's taken a beating from being hauled around and used for demos repeatedly. It's also such a tiny sample, that there was a lot of frame for a small amount of glass. I know it wouldn't seem so drastic in our 35 by 48 size. He still has to get an estimate to me, but I think it's about $1300+ for 3 windows and installation. He does an insert - replacing the new vinyl window within the existing frame - thereby reducing glass size. I really don't like that - but my husband isn't as concerned. One plus to the insert style is that we can keep our current window trim and keep our cherry wood blinds - which were expensive and we love them. Is it true that doing a full replacement (removing the existing window entirely) means probably changing the size of the interior frame - and probably not being able to use these blinds again? Since I am somewhat bothered by reducing the window size by 1 1/2 inches all the way around (about a 7.5% reduction of glass) - are there some decent vinyl replacements that don't have such thick frames? Where there's more glass for the same size? Either within the Simonton series or another maker? Our designer said just stick to the white interior - so we might as well do all vinyl. Technically the Simonton installer said that our window size was closer to 36 by 50 (I had measured from inside the window trim - he said there was a little more space behind it. I'm sorry I'm not being very articulate with my questions. It's as though each window person I talk to is describing something completely different - and I'm too inexperienced to know what to look for. I guess these are my biggest concerns - - do I have to do an insert to maintain to still be able to use our blinds (2 inch wood slats = 34 1/2" wide - and fit in length exactly - so they'll be too short if mounted outside the frame (right now they're mounted inside). - what are the pros/cons to insert vs. full replacement - are there insert replacements which don't cut off so much of the visible glass? Thank you. Lynn.

Thank you, golf guy. I am doing a a pretty small job: a long built in desk with a couple of drawer stacks and a two-door base cabinet, so it sounds like that might be a bit far for him given the limited nature of the project. I got a quote of 2,000 from HD for three Kraftmaid cabinets, which seems high to me. I've read many entries on the forum advising people to check out prices with local cabinet makers, which are often lower.

Forgot one important thing: If you decide to stay around the National Mall to visit or revisit museums, memorials, etc., check out the Washington Post's website to get some restaurant suggestions. The cafe at the National American Indian Museum is nice, I have heard, and Old Ebbitt Grill is a tourist draw, being across from the White House. But if you do a little research beforehand, you can find some other spots, even if they're a Metro ride away. Don't get sucked into going to the oh-so-ick Subway sandwich shops (I write that even as I must admit that I go there frequently, since it's across from my office building and open late). The Cosi sandwich shops are OK. Many of the museum cafes are nice, but they are expensive (they have a captive audience). But there's nothing worse than walking around the National Mall, then being really hungry and all you see are hot dog carts.