If you’re thinking about remodeling your home this year, whether to update the kitchen, add another bathroom or convert your garage into an office, it’s essential that you have a reliable and skilled Virginia home improvement contractor working on your side.
Renovations and improvements can add a great deal of value to your home, but only if they’re done well, and for a fair price. To that end, today we’re sharing tips that will help you find a quality contractor for your next renovation project.
9 Tips for Choosing Your Virginia Home Improvement Contractor
#1. Educate yourself before you begin
Before you even start looking for a Virginia home improvement contractor, spend some time researching renovation ideas. Then, benefit from the wisdom of others by reading about the renovation experiences of other homeowners. Contractor horror stories can help you figure out what to avoid, while positive encounters can show you what to look for.
#2. Have a plan
You should also have a clear idea of exactly what you want to do with your renovation since this will give you control of both the project and its budget. You don’t want these elements under someone else’s control.
#3. Check credentials
In Virginia, contractors are required to carry valid licenses. Always ask a contractor you’re considering for a copy of their license, but remember that there are also numerous optional professional organizations that top-notch specialists can join. Ask if the contractor holds any optional memberships—it’s a good sign if they do.
#4. Be honest about your budget
Sometimes, people with limited budgets worry that contractors won’t want their business. Inflating the budget just to attract a contractor is a mistake, as it can lead to all kinds of problems. Instead, just be honest upfront. You’re the paying customer, so you should get what you want.
#5. Ask for samples of past work
Reputable contractors with strong experience will always be able to show you successful past projects. Ask for “before and after” photos of the contractor’s previous work to see how well they are able to execute their customers’ visions.
#6. Be wary of “scope creep”
One red flag to watch for is a contractor that tries to leverage their professional standing to talk you into a more elaborate and more expensive project than you had planned. This is why it’s so important to know what you want to do before you start calling contractors. The advice here is to avoid working with anyone who tries to tell you that a project can’t be done to your specifications.
#7. Shop around
To that end, you should always shop around and collect quotes from various professionals, just as you would with any other major purchase. Let contractors know you’re running a competitive bidding process. They might give you a better quote to secure your business, especially if you’re got a sizable project in mind.
#8. Consider more than just the price
Many factors influence costs, including the building materials you choose and the contractor’s skill. You’re making a major investment in your home, so you’re better off spending a little more for superior quality than cutting corners to save a few dollars. Your home’s resale value will thank you later.
#9. Put everything in writing
When you’ve chosen your contractor, put your agreement in writing before any work begins. The contract should specify exactly what work is to be done, indicate a timeframe for completing it, and detail the cost. Under no circumstances should you allow a contractor to start a project without a finalized contract.
Whether you’re thinking of building a patio, renovating your kitchen, or adding a garage, investing in a skilled contractor can go a long way. Here at Mid-Atlantic Home Improvement, we can help you turn your dreams into reality!
Over the last 45 years, we’re performed countless custom home improvement and high-end remodel & renovation projects throughout Virginia. From high-quality home additions to kitchen upgrades, fire and water damage repairs, basement renovation projects, and much more, we are your one-stop-shop for all your home improvement needs, large and small.
We are a fully licensed, insured, and bonded Virginia Class A Builder, in business since 1975!
We are a family-owned and operated Virginia general contractor with over 45 years of experience in construction, restoration and remodeling. Our dedication to your satisfaction is our number one priority!
Call (804) 647-0649!
Dean Phillips says
I like how you said to ask a potential contractor samples of their past work. My father has been wanting to renovate his house for the last little while. It may be good for him to hire a reputable home renovation contractor.
Insta Job Pro says
Exactly most of the people confused about how they’ll choose a contractor for renovations, and they aren’t sure of how they’ll start the search for a skilled remodeling contractor. I appreciate the tips that you gave on Home Improvement Contractor Brooklyn are really very informative. I’ll be sure to look for a contractor online to help us remodel.
Rosie Beckett says
My mom is moving in with us next year and we are thinking about building an add-on to our home so that we can create an apartment feeling and a separate space for my mom so that she can still feel independent. We are looking for a general contractor who can create this add-on for our house and you make a great point that we should ask potential contractors for samples of their past work. This way I can see if I like the style and quality of their work before hiring them.
Donald Jack says
I completely agree with your suggestion of asking for a copy of the contractor’s license. It’s a straightforward way to verify their legitimacy and qualifications. Plus, it gives us peace of mind knowing that the person or company we’re hiring is recognized by the state as a legitimate service provider. Thanks for sharing this important information about hiring contractors in Virginia.
J Bautista says
I completely agree with these suggestions. Having a contractors License is super important. You don’t want anyone working on your home. I’ve recently come across this company’s site, I think they are nice, I spoke on the phone with them. Does anyone know if they are good?
Japheth Richards says
This post offers some fantastic advice for homeowners looking to hire a contractor for their renovation projects! I especially like how you emphasize the importance of educating yourself and having a solid plan before starting—knowing what you want helps ensure the project stays on track and within budget. Checking credentials is also key to ensuring the contractor is qualified and trustworthy, and asking for past work samples gives you a clear picture of their abilities. Your point about avoiding “scope creep” is crucial too—having a well-defined project scope can prevent unnecessary upsells. Overall, this is a very comprehensive guide that will help anyone find the right contractor for their needs!