Are you considering remodeling your Virginia Beach home? Finding the right contractor is key to getting your dream kitchen, bathroom, or other living space. This guide shares tips on how to choose remodeling contractors in Virginia Beach VA. on choosing the most qualified renovation professionals in your area.
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Get Recommendations from Family and Neighbors
Ask your family, friends, and neighbors if they had any recent home remodeling projects. Find out which contractors they used and if they were satisfied with the work. Personal referrals from people you trust are a great way to find experienced and reliable remodelers.
Make a list of the companies that get positive feedback. Ask what specific projects they handled, how the crews worked, and if the jobs were completed on time and within budget.
Review Each Contractor’s Portfolio
Shortlist 3-5 recommended remodeling contractors in Virginia Beach and look over their project portfolios. Most companies have photo galleries on their websites showcasing bathroom remodels, kitchen upgrades, tile jobs, painting projects, and more.
Pay attention to portfolios highlighting work similar to your planned renovation. For example, if you want to re-tile your bathroom walls and floor, look for contractors experienced with tile installations.
Verify Licensing, Insurance, and Certifications
Never hire non-licensed contractors for major home improvement projects. Verify that potential hires have up-to-date licensing through platforms like Virginia’s State Corporation Commission website.
Additionally, your chosen professional remodeling company should carry general liability insurance as financial protection against onsite accidents and damages.
Check References and Online Reviews
Home improvement experts at Consumer Reports advise homeowners to call at least three contractor references before deciding who gets the job. Speaking directly with previous clients offers invaluable insights.
Inquire about overall customer satisfaction levels and if there were any issues during the renovation process. Also, check independent homebuilder review sites like Angie’s List and the Better Business Bureau for customer feedback.
Be wary of remodelers with no online reviews or predominantly negative complaints around meeting project timelines, responding to callbacks, or sub-par workmanship. These are red flags to avoid.
Review an In-Person Example of a Finished Project
Before signing any contracts, ask to visit one of your potential contractor’s recently completed remodeling projects. Seeing and touching an actual kitchen or bathroom renovation helps you better determine work quality.
Pay attention to fine details like:
- Cabinetry Joints and Hardware
- Precision of Tile Work
- Paint Lines and Wall Finishes
- Overall Craftsmanship of Details
Ideally, visit a project similar in size and scope to your planned renovation. This gives the best sense of what you can expect from the contractor if hired.
Get Competitive Bids and Hire Your Contractor
After vetting qualifications, create a detailed project scope document for your remodel. Get at least 3 official bids from shortlisted contractors outlining project costs and timelines.
Compare pricing transparently by using the same scope of work document for each bid. Also, clarify what factors might lead to possible cost changes down the road.
Key Questions to Ask Prospective Contractors
Here are crucial questions to ask during initial phone calls and consultations:
- How long have you been in business? Look for 5+ years locally.
- Are you licensed and insured? Verify coverage amounts.
- May I have a list of recent client references? Call them.
- What renovation projects do you specialize in? Match experience to your specific project.
- Will you handle securing all permits for the job? Ideally, the answer is yes.
- What warranties do you provide on project workmanship? Compare coverage.
- Do you have a showroom or past project I may view in person? Go inspect prior work closely.
End Notes
Follow the recommendations here for checking licenses, verifying insurance, reading reviews, and inspecting finished work samples with a discerning eye. Ask targeted questions and watch for any red flags too.
Taking these steps leads to confidently hiring a five-star contractor ready to make your home renovation vision a reality. Before you know it, you’ll be hosting friends and family eager to admire your newly remodeled pride and joy interior spaces! The peace of mind and added home value make the contractor search worthwhile.
