This week’s Q&A column is sponsored and written by Kristy Crombie of McEnearney Associates Realtors®, the leading real estate firm in Alexandria. To learn more about this article and relevant Alexandria market news, contact Kristy at 571-969-1774 or email [email protected]. You may also submit your questions to McEnearney Associates via email for response in future columns.
Question: What’s important when hiring a contractor for a renovation project?
Answer: As realtors, we are often asked about home renovations, whether for a new home or preparing a home for sale. We certainly know a thing or two about which renovations add value to a home and which are particularly appealing to potential buyers.
And, we often suggest homeowners consult a designer, especially for larger projects, since doing so will be well worth the cost in order to achieve the results you want. But the most important factor in determining whether you achieve a quality outcome is the quality of your contractor.
Here are some key considerations in working with a contractor:
1. You should work with a contractor who is licensed and insured. One of the ways to verify a contractor’s license is by visiting the Department of Professional and Occupational Registration (DPOR) website. This agency issues state credentials — licenses, certificates or registrations — to those qualified to practice in regulated professions.
In short, they protect the public by verifying competency, investigating complaints and upholding professional compliance with state laws and regulations. Their website is user friendly and is state specific. Most important, you should feel comfortable with whomever is working in your home. In addition to the DPOR website, check your local or state consumer protection agency website to protect yourself. It is also worthwhile to check the Federal Trade Commission website for additional information and protection information.
2. For large renovation jobs, you will likely hire a general contractor to oversee your entire project. General contractors (or GCs) will often hire sub-contractors for specific work such as tiling a bathroom or installing hardwood floors. Sub-contractors (subs) should also be licensed and insured. It is the responsibility of the GC to hire and communicate with subs and ensure that their work is being done properly and in a timely manner. It is also the job of the GC to pay the subs directly, but within your agreed-upon budget.
3. Your general contractor should apply for (or “pull”) permits depending on the scope of work being done. Each county and state has specific rules and regulations on the use of permits. In addition to safety, permits also serve as a way to update county tax records, as well as make sure the home’s features are accurately recorded if there is ever an insurance claim (it is not unheard of for insurance claims to be denied related to damage to additions/changes that were never permitted).
Visit your county’s official government website for specific information on building permits, whether they are necessary, and how to apply for them. This same website will also provide up-to-date code information.
Freedom House to Expand — “An expansion of the Freedom House Museum and renovations to the historic building it is in are in the works. Earlier this year, the Northern Virginia Urban League put the historic townhouse at 1315 Duke St. it owns up for sale for $2.1 million, after going through a difficult period keeping up payments on the property.” [Alexandria Living]
Former NFL Cheerleader Opens Salon — “From a loft-like space off a busy street in Alexandria, Stephanie Prinzbach runs the one-woman-show that is District Chic Hair Co., providing hair styling to over 115 customers spanning from Washington, DC to Richmond.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Treatment Court Shows Results — “In August, the City of Alexandria launched the Alexandria Treatment Court (ATC) as an alternative to jail for people accused of nonviolent felonies with significant substance use disorders… re-arrest rates of treatment court graduates are approximately half or less than that of non-treatment court graduates — which not only saves the judicial system money but also changes lives.” [Zebra]
New Rail Bridge, Expanded VRE Service Announced — “Virginia will build a new rail bridge over the Potomac River connecting Arlington and the District to significantly expand commuter and passenger train service over the next decade, Gov. Ralph Northam (D) announced Thursday.” [Washington Post, ARLnow]
