Home Remodeling & Construction Blog

Renovations include countless small tasks that come together to form a brand new space within your home. And any of those small jobs can get complicated. Responsive Virginia general contractors work hard to communicate with homeowners and tackle every problem efficiently with the customer’s satisfaction in mind.

Why is Responsiveness an Important Trait in a General Contractor?

Most people hire a general contracting firm to take care of major home renovations like kitchen remodeling, bathroom renovations, roofing, siding and deck construction. These projects must be handled carefully from the design stage to completion, including all of the many steps in between. General contractors have the skills and knowledge to manage these projects well.

Do you really need to be in constant communication with the contractor throughout your project? Maybe not, but it’s important to hire a contracting firm you can trust with your home.

Look for a contractor dedicated to customer service and willing to talk with and listen to their customers. Make sure they’re willing to take the time to meet with you regularly, going over the details of the project and answering any questions or concerns that you have.

Unresponsive contractors leave their clients guessing in terms of scheduling, pricing, and even warranty issues. You’re bound to find it frustrating when your phone calls and emails go unanswered. This is especially true if the contractor does not have an office or showroom you can visit.

Clients also want their contractor to maintain good communication with subtrades, suppliers and the local building department. This helps keep your project moving along quickly. If the company has a track record of responsiveness you can be confident that they’ll stay in touch with all of those involved in the job.

How Virginia General Contractors Should Communicate

Does your preferred contractor have a cell phone, and are they willing to provide you with that number? Can you contact them in the evenings or on the weekend with questions and issues? If not, can you rely on them to respond to phone messages or emails within a reasonable time frame?

Good communication skills also mean clear and consistent paperwork. Did your general contractor provide you with a detailed estimate of the project and/or an easy to read design? When the project is done experienced contractors will provide a thorough bill detailing any extras, deposits, and draws on the project. They should also offer documentation that spells out your warranty coverage.

You can gauge the responsiveness of a general contractor by following a few easy steps. Be sure to ask for references and give those past clients a call. Ask them whether the contractor stayed in touch and how often.

It’s a good idea to check with the local Better Business Bureau as well. This organization records customer disputes and the contractor’s response, allowing you to check their track record in just a few minutes. Find out whether the contractor is involved in any local construction associations as well.

Responsive Virginia general contractors will make your home improvement project run smoothly. You’ll still need to compare price, experience and relational skills, but the contractor’s level of responsiveness is important to your level of satisfaction with the renovation.

Many homeowners use their garage exclusively for storage, never realizing the full potential of this space. Garage conversions transform the area into usable living space. Your home value surges with the creation of another bedroom, bathroom or playroom. When considering a garage conversion project it’s best to hire a general contractor Virginia homeowners can trust. Their experience and knowledge will drive this unique project to completion.

The Challenges of a Garage Conversion Renovation

Transforming your garage from its current state into safe and comfortable living space presents certain challenges. Many garages are not built to include the same standards of comfort that interior spaces include. A remodel project requires additions, repairs and replacements, all of which are best handled by a seasoned professional.

The garage door presents the first challenge. Once this component is removed, the empty space needs to be enclosed and insulated. Many times this is the ideal area for a window or exterior door, although that will depend on the design of your new living space.

The foundation of your garage may need work as well. Often the garage is built on a slab, which may or may not be sufficient to support all of the walls. Your general contractor will assess the foundation depth and soil condition in order to discover whether any initial repairs or additions are required.

Insulation and Damp Proofing

Wall construction in the garage is significantly different than the design and construction of walls around your home. Building standards ensure your house remains comfortable and energy efficient by specifying the amount and style of insulation used around your living space. The newly converted garage space often requires a second wall be erected, with thermal insulation between the existing and new wall.

Vapor barrier and other forms of damp proofing are added to either the new wall or the existing structure, based on your contractor’s preferred method. Hiring a general contractor Virginia homeowners can trust gives you assurance and confidence, knowing the conversion process will run smoothly and efficiently resulting in a warm, affordable home.

Can You DIY a Garage Conversion?

Converting raw, often underserviced garage space into cozy living quarters is difficult. Imagine the amount of research required just to figure out whether the foundation is adequate. Not to mention that additional insulation and moisture resistance is required and code specifies that a licensed electrician install any necessary wiring. A subfloor may need to be installed in order to bring the floor level up and provide a moisture barrier. Proper ventilation may also present an issue and renovations to the ceiling and roof could be required.

If you have extensive experience with a wide range of home improvement projects, tackling a garage conversion yourself may be possible. Otherwise it only makes sense to contact a local general contracting firm. Look for one that has experience with this type of project and arrange for a few different estimates to compare prices, experience and overall design.

Expand your living space without changing the footprint of your home through garage conversion. This type of project requires a general contractor Virginia homeowners can trust, with the expertise and skills to make your renovation dreams a reality.

Going green is on everyone’s mind these days. There is a push to recycle more, waste less and generally take better care of the planet. Whether you are building a new home or planning a renovation, your Virginia contractor can help you design and build a greener home. Move forward into a cleaner future with green building materials and construction techniques.

Contractors Offer Expert Advice

General contractors are experts in their field. Because they deal with subtrades, material suppliers and manufacturers, these professionals have an insider’s view on industry evolutions. As the green building industry expands and new products and technologies are offered your Virginia general contractors will have premiere access.

They can also help you to decide which green projects will work in your home. In some cases, a certain type of recycled material or construction technique will not be advantageous on your property. It could be that exposure or climate conditions will wear down materials quickly. Or possibly the size of your home will push the cost of a certain project element out of reach. You can trust a professional contractor, relying on their extensive experience and industry knowledge.

Elements of a Green Home

When working from the ground up, homeowners and house designers have many more options for green building. Consider advanced wall framing techniques (this style of framing cuts down on the amount of wood used, as well as reducing heat loss with comparable amounts of insulation used), high efficiency lighting and the latest window and door designs.

Interior finishing materials can also be green. Products made from renewable resources like bamboo, cork and other wood species are considered excellent choices that deliver minimal environmental impact. Think about the paint and wall treatments used, and try to reduce the amount of toxins and VOCs used. Recycled materials are popular in the kitchen and bath. And high efficiency heating and cooling systems will also help to create a greener home.

Professional Installation

Choose a Virginia contractor with a solid reputation and you can look forward to professional installation. Your new energy efficient windows will be handled with care, bamboo flooring and recycled glass counters will fit perfectly and lighting and solar panel systems will be wired well.

If your project includes an element that the contractor does not normally handle - such as solar panels - they should have connections within the industry. You can expect a reliable recommendation, at the very least.

A Warranty to Count On

One of the best things about hiring a reputable contractor for your green home renovation is the warranty. Smaller firms or handyman services do not often offer comparable coverage, and an investment of this size should come with the security a warranty delivers.

There is often separate warranty coverage for the materials and installation. Your contractor may cover the labor and installation for a certain period of time, while the materials will be covered by the retailer or the manufacturer. Be sure to obtain all of the details before the project is completed, including any paperwork or registration information you will need. Be aware that manufacturers of some products (windows, doors, lighting , etc.) will keep your personal information on file in order to validate the warranty.

Talk about how to build a greener home with your Virginia contractor. They will offer informed suggestions and help you to design a home that is truly environmentally friendly.

When you are planning a home improvement project it is very important to hire the right contractor. Not just the best company in your area, but the proper type of firm. Many homeowners are not clear on the differences between Virginia general contractors and a local handyman. They wonder whether hiring the handyman will save them money and what kind of specialized service they can expect from an experienced general contractor.

Let’s clear up the confusion.

The Basic Difference

Although there may be exceptions to the rule, most often a general contracting firm has a licensed tradesperson on staff. Sometimes there is more than one and several disciplines are covered. You may find a contracting firm with licensed plumbers and electricians on staff, or engineers, planning consultants and architects.

A handyman is most often a highly skilled individual who can handle many different projects, but cannot offer you the value of papers, certifications or designations. It may seem to be a trivial difference, but those credentials come with some very serious specifications and deliver immense value to homeowners.

Look at What Those Certifications Offer

When you are tackling a major Virginia home improvement project, such as a kitchen remodel or home addition, the skills of Virginia general contractors are essential. They will help you with the design stage and have the knowledge of building codes and permits that you need to get the project off of the ground. Without a well planned renovation you are not going to get approval from the municipality or state to begin the project. And that plan needs to be drawn up by a certified professional.

You are also covered under the general contractors liability, from start to finish. The plans must be written to follow building code, which will be the engineer’s responsibility and not the homeowner’s. Liability on the jobsite in case of accident or injury is also covered by the company, which is standard practice for a general contracting firm. You may find that a handyman company offers worker’s compensation or liability coverage, but most often that is not the case.

What About Small Projects?

You may feel more inclined to hire a handyman for those smaller projects around your home. Do you need your siding painted? Or a new bathroom put in? A handyman can look after that for you without the need for all of those designation and certifications, right? Possibly. But are you willing to trust their experience or would you rather know that a third party has licensed the contractor based on proper work practices and current industry standards?

The choice is yours.

It may be true that a handyman can complete these projects for less money. Since budgeting is a big part of renovations, that is a major factor. But if the handyman isn’t able to do the work properly or needs to bring in a licensed professional for inspections, planning and other stages, are you sure that you will save money in the end?

Compare the prices quoted by each type of company based on the value and services offered. Hiring Virginia general contractors will be the right choice in many cases, but a skilled and familiar local handyman may also do the trick for others.

Most homeowners would jump at the chance to secure a good deal, especially in these tight economic times. But when it comes to hiring Virginia general contractors to look after your home renovation, addition or remodel, cash deals can put you in a surprising amount of danger. Find out why these under the table arrangements really are too good to be true.

Assumptions About the Advantages of Cash Deals

Many homeowners assume that a cash deal presents no risk to them. The contractor is simply operating “under the table” to avoid paying income tax. Homeowners also assume that they are saving money by avoiding any state or sales tax. But the reality is that much more is happening during a cash deal, especially when that transaction involves home renovations.

Cash deals are generally un-receipted work, which means that no paperwork is issued and no proof that any particular contractor completed the work exists. This also means that no warranties are in place – neither the workmanship nor the materials are under warranty (unless the homeowner has paid for the materials separately and keeps the receipts). In this way the contractor is avoiding any legal action or service calls in regards to substandard work.

Insurance Coverage Nullified

Homeowners may have trouble obtaining insurance with no receipts to show for the completed renovation work. They may be able to claim that some of the project involved DIY work, but with plumbing, electrical and mechanical work involved that clam could pose a serious problem.

Cash deals often skip the building permit stage as well, since that adds to the cost and also leaves a paper trail (something most under the table Virginia general contractors want to avoid). But your insurance company may cry foul with no building permits issued and coverage could be denied or refused in the case of damage.

In some cases a house sale has been held up or overturned due to the lack of building permits or proper home insurance. Any money saved on the cash deal seems small in comparison to the cost of these hassles.

Beware of Cash Deal Contractor Business Practices

You may be tempted to hire a casual contractor for your Virginia home improvement project. But before you count up any dollars saved, be sure you investigate whether or not that contractor has the proper insurance and safety procedures in place. If not, you could be on the hook for some serious damages should an accident occur.

Liens may also be in place on the materials for your project. If the renovation is large enough, those liens can represent thousands of dollars and the homeowner may be responsible for those dollars should the contractor default on supplier payments. Usually professional and established general contractors will issue a contract spelling out liability and waiving the homeowners from any responsibility for defaulted payments on the contractor’s accounts.

It may seem like that cash deal will save you a lot of money, but if you are not dealing with experienced Virginia general contractors in a professional and legal manner you run some serious risks. Keep it on the up and up and enjoy better peace of mind during your home improvement project.

Home improvement projects are not always straightforward. They may involve a little bit of demolition and repair. They might also require a wide variety of skills and disciplines. But when you are looking for a skilled craftsman who can handle the most complicated and obscure jobs your best bet is to look for Virginia general contractors. These professionals have the knowledge and experience to complete a vast range of projects, including the following:

Replacement or Upgrade of Exterior Finishes

From the siding and trim to the windows and doors, your exterior finishes perform an essential function. These components offer protection from the elements and provide an attractive face for your home. They also serve as the major player in energy efficiency. Older designs can result in excessive wastes and massive utility bills.

Trust general contractors to provide all of the services required for an exterior facelift. They will remove any aged and worn siding and trim, as well as assess the quality and fit of the existing doors and windows. Experienced contractors will have access to any brand or manufacturer you prefer and will have the knowledge required to choose components that work together seamlessly.

Exterior Living Spaces

As well as repairs and replacement of the exterior finishes, experienced Virginia general contractors will have the skills to design and build your dream outdoor living space. Overhead features like pergolas and arbors compliment custom decks. Patios and stone walkways integrate perfectly with beautifully landscaped gardens. And sunrooms or solariums provide the ultimate bridge between indoor and outdoor living.

Building a quality exterior living space requires all of the same skills as building a house, and general contractors are more than qualified. Lighting plays a major role and patio heating will also require contractors skilled in electrical work. Plumbing might even be a factor if water features or an outdoor kitchen are part of the design. Let your imagination soar and allow an established general contracting firm to handle the details of construction of your dream outdoor living space.

Major Room Remodels

When it’s time to refinish the kitchen cabinets or upgrade the bathroom fixtures you may be tempted to call in a company that specializes in those rooms. But don’t discount the skills of general contractors. Experienced firms will have completed plenty of these projects, from flooring to cabinetry, tiling and plumbing.

A benefit of hiring general contractors for this type of work is their versatile experience. The skills acquired through home building and major renovations are applied well in kitchen and bathroom remodels. You can be sure that the designs will flow with the balance of your home and will use sustainable, affordable materials. General contractors are also highly skilled in project management, which allows for a smooth and hassle free renovation (otherwise known as a homeowner’s dream).

They may not be your first thought, but Virginia general contractors are more than equipped to handle almost any home improvement projects you are planning. From upgrades to your windows and siding to exterior living spaces and kitchen or bath remodels, skilled general contracting firms offer a combination of extensive construction skills and highly developed management knowledge. They are your best bet and will leave you satisfied with your home and living space.

We all want to live in a home that is safely built and efficiently designed. Life is just more comfortable that way. But in order for your home to be constructed in a safe manner with properly tested materials and skilled labor there needs to be a system of standards and accountability to ensure those standards are followed. Simply put, that’s why there are building permits. And you can count on your Virginia contractor to help you wade your way through the often complicated world of permits.

From Application to Inspection

Depending on the type of home improvement project you have on the go, the building permit process can be a lengthy one. An initial application will need to be filled out and submitted, along with an application or permit fee.

Your Virginia contractor may include this service and fee in their estimate. Or they may specify that you apply and pay for the permit separately. Good contractors will offer you the advice and information necessary to obtain a permit, even if they do not apply on your behalf.

From the date of application you will generally need to wait for the municipality or state to review the drawings and plans and issue their approval. There could be changes to the project at this stage, forcing you to comply with current building codes or insisting that certain parts of your home be upgraded to today’s standards. Be prepared to have some flexibility in your design until you have that seal of approval from the planning department.

Once the project is underway there will likely be inspections during the process. These usually need to be booked by the contractor, since they know how far along the work will be and when. You may need to be present at the inspections, although some projects and some inspectors will simply leave a confirmation of the process allowing the contractor to move forward.

Always be sure that any changes to the job are handled quickly and professionally. You do not want to take short cuts and have the building department shut down your job.

A final inspection is very often required in order for the final permit to be issued. There may or may not be infractions at this point. Be aware that even the best contractors get infracted at some point or another, sometimes due to error and other times due to design or communication issues. Infractions can usually be taken care of very quickly and the permit issued soon after.

Permits are Important

Your insurance company and financing arrangements may insist that a building permit be issued for your home improvement project. This covers your liability and ensures that the contractor follows building codes and produces good quality, consistent work. It is an added cost and does take a certain amount of time, but in the end obtaining a permit is not only necessary, it’s also wise.

An experienced Virginia contractor will have the tips and information to help speed the building permit process along. You can count on their advice, design and skills to make this portion of your home renovation move smoothly and efficiently.

As is true in nearly every industry, contractors and construction firms often work together to make projects happen. Homeowners can cash in on the benefits of this network by hiring experienced Virginia general contractors that have the connections you need. Are you wondering how these relationships can help in a home addition or construction job? Think about these advantages and consider the value of a well-connected firm.

General Contractors Need to Manage Multiple Disciplines Well

Your Virginia general contractor will be in charge of making your project run smoothly. They will need to coordinate the schedule, order and arrange for the delivery of materials and hire, manage and supervise the various crews working at your home. Starting with a contractor that has a wide range of connections within the assorted areas of expertise needed is a smart idea.

For instance, if your general contractor has worked with a certain plumbing firm on many jobs and is familiar with their style of work, trusts their level of quality and has a decent level of communication with their staff, your project will surely reap the benefits of that connection.

On the other hand, if a general contractor hires a plumber they have not worked with in the past your project may be the testing ground and will suffer from any mistakes and lack of expertise. A general contracting firm without sufficient connections will be flying blind when hiring and managing the subtrades. And the quality of your home improvement project will feel the effects of this state of affairs.

General Contractors Need to Have Skilled Staff

Well established general contractors have connections within the subtrades, which also provides an advantage when hiring their own staff. General contracting firms often employ skilled labor, those who have spent time in various industries and are now using that knowledge to help in the management stage. Most times a connected business will be able to hire staff with good references and the skills required.

Again contracting firms that are new in town do not have this advantage. They may have a select amount of experienced staff, but their lack of connections will show. Be sure to ask the contractors about the level of experience their staff has and hire a firm that will offer proven expertise at every stage.

General Contractors Need to Deal With Government Agencies

Most projects require a certain amount of dealings with government agencies. From the building department to city planning and zoning, the connections your general contracting firm has will help as your project goes through various levels of government. It may not be well advertised, but firms that have done plenty of work in your area will know how to move through the system efficiently.

They will be well versed in how to fill out the applicable forms and apply for the proper variances and permits. Certain Virginia general contractors will have established relationships with the building inspectors and government staff that need to be involved in your project. These relationships will prove helpful, along with their connections in the industry and their experienced staff. It pays in more ways than one to hire a general contractor firm that has proven itself and will serve you well.

Our homes are very important. They offer security, comfort and a place to rest and enjoy life. When disaster strikes in any form - be it natural disasters, through an accident such as fire or due to the age of a building - we lose a lot more than simply a roof over our heads. Families that need to rebuild afterward are looking for trusted support and Virginia contractors will be there to help.

After a Natural Disaster

The recent tornadoes that have brought destruction to many communities in the US are both tragic and fierce. As friends and neighbors begin to pick up the pieces and rebuild, the help of skilled general contractors is much needed. Companies that know the industry will be able to make the rebuilding process smoother, allowing homeowners to focus on what really matters - regaining a sense of security.

Safety is an important factor after natural disasters, since many of the systems we depend on may be damaged or down entirely. Professional contractors will have the equipment and training necessary to get the areas properly cleaned up, as well as getting the services back up and running. There are many dangers present in the after effects of a natural disaster. Some are obvious, while others are quiet and hidden. Allow an experienced contractor to guide you through the process of rebuilding in the safest manner possible.

After an Accident

Many people lose their home or have part of the house damaged by a house fire. Restoration firms can help in certain cases, but the expertise of Virginia contractors is what is needed once the building process begins.
It’s important that the newly constructed areas mesh well with any of the existing structure. Exterior finishes need to be seamless for appearance and proper protection, while the interior framing and structural elements need to work together as well. Experienced general contractors will know which codes apply in your situation and allow you to rebuild a house that is designed with safety in mind - an important element to reinforce after an accident has occurred.

Wear and Tear Due to Aging

Perhaps your home has been damaged by a burst pipe, rotted framing or a build up of mold. All of these are inevitable over the course of time when the proper level of maintenance has been neglected. It could be that you were unaware of the problem or perhaps you simply didn’t have the time. Building materials do not last forever and various conditions can speed up or slow down the process of wear.

Have a contractor assess the condition of your house before the rebuild begins. It could be that certain elements of the structure or finishing materials can be salvaged. A professional will let you know what is needed to bring the house up to code, making it safe and stable. Whether there is major work to do or minor repairs, the skills of a contractor are needed to help the process move along efficiently.

When disaster strikes your home and the need to rebuild arises be sure to get in touch with Virginia contractors for help. You can trust their experience and knowledge to get your home back quickly.

Many properties in suburbia have limited room for an addition. The yard is just big enough for a patio or porch and a little bit of grass to enjoy. But when your home becomes too cramped for a growing family and the darkness of the basement is unappealing, what type of home renovations will help? Virginia general contractors are the professionals that can guide you through an attic addition project and change the face of your home forever.

What Types of Attic Additions Can Be Done?

Bungalows and two storey homes, as well as side splits and back splits, will usually have an attic space. Typically it is filled with insulation or old, dusty boxes full of memories. But that area above can be renovated and expanded to create the perfect casual living space with interesting angles and unique nooks or niches.

General contractors will help you decide whether to add dormers to your home, creating a more interesting roofline and adding space on the top floor, or simply to finish the attic as it is laid out. Does your existing attic have full eight foot high ceilings or will you need to raise the roof and add up? Sometimes the current attic space can be expanded to one side (often towards the back of your house) to create a bedroom, home office or playroom. This requires limited roof work, which can get expensive depending on the current condition of your roofing material and framing.

Adding dormers is an excellent way to get more light into the current space. These windows project out from the current roofline and provide room inside for a decent sized window. Often dormers can be incorporated into the attic in such a way that more seating, storage and floor space are a result of construction.

Important Considerations

Attic additions should be done when the weather is warm and dry. It’s not entirely impossible to complete them in the winter time, but this will require extensive protection from the snow and plenty of wasted energy on heaters, etc. Most Virginia general contractors will suggest that all of the exterior work on an attic renovation is completed before any cold weather hits. And many will suggest waiting for the spring to start on construction.

Roofing is an integral part of this project. Even if the attic space is big enough that dormers and added trusses are not required, it’s wise to make sure the level of insulation in the attic is up to par. The condition of the roofing material will also be inspected to see whether replacement or upgrades are recommended.

Electrical and plumbing may be added to this new space. Hiring a general contractor will ensure this work is done by a qualified professional that follows the building code and designs an efficient and safe system.

Rejuvenate your home with an attic renovation that makes the most of the space you have. Virginia general contractors are here to help design, schedule and construct the ultimate home addition that builds the value and the structure of your house up.