10 Questions to Ask Before You Hire
- Are you licensed in Virginia?
Virginia requires a DPOR contractor license for any work over $1,000. Ask for their license number and verify it at dpor.virginia.gov. - Do you carry liability insurance and workers' comp?
Without it, you're personally liable if a worker is injured on your property. Ask for a certificate of insurance. - Will you pull the building permit?
A quality builder handles permits and inspections. If they suggest skipping the permit, walk away. - Do you handle HOA submissions?
In Northern Virginia, most homes need HOA approval. Your builder should prepare and submit the ARC package. - What brands/materials do you install?
Ask builders how they work with Trex, TimberTech, or AZEK product lines and verify any certification claims directly with the manufacturer. Avoid builders who are vague about materials. - Can I see recent local references?
Ask for 3-5 local photo examples or source-verified references in your area, ideally within the last 12 months. Visit one if the homeowner and builder can coordinate it. - What are your written warranty terms?
Get warranty terms in writing before signing. They should separate workmanship coverage from manufacturer material warranties and explain exclusions clearly. - What's included in the estimate?
Materials, labor, permits, dumpster, cleanup, and timeline should all be itemized. Lump-sum quotes hide problems. - What's your projected timeline?
Get a start date and estimated completion in writing. Ask what happens if weather or supply delays occur. - How do you handle change orders?
Changes happen. A professional builder documents changes in writing with cost impact before proceeding.
5 Red Flags Walk Away If You See These
- No Virginia contractor license
Illegal for work over $1,000. Zero recourse if something goes wrong. - Cash-only or large upfront payment
Standard is 10-30% deposit, progress payments, and final on completion. 50%+ upfront is a red flag. - No written warranty
Verbal promises are worthless. If they won't put it in writing, they won't honor it. - Suggests skipping the permit
Unpermitted decks create legal liability, insurance issues, and kill home sales. - Price significantly below all other quotes
Usually means cheaper materials, no permits, no insurance, or they'll ask for change orders mid-build.
How to Verify a Virginia Contractor License
- Visit dpor.virginia.gov → License Lookup
- Search by company name or license number
- Verify the license is active (not expired or revoked)
- Check the classification: Class A (unlimited), Class B (up to $120k), or Class C (up to $10k)
- For deck projects over $10k (most composite decks), you need a Class A or B contractor
Our Credentials (Transparent Answer to Every Question Above)
- Licensed: Virginia Class A Contractor DPOR verified
- Insured: Full liability + workers' comp certificate on request
- Permits: We pull permits, coordinate inspections, and address reviewer comments
- HOA: We prepare and submit ARC packages for communities across Northern Virginia
- Materials: Trex profile-verifiable installer + TimberTech + AZEK
- Warranty: Written workmanship warranty terms, on top of manufacturer warranty information
- Reviews: Public Google review profile
- References: Happy to share recent project contacts in your neighborhood
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I verify a contractor's license?
Visit dpor.virginia.gov → License Lookup. Search by name or number. Must be active, Class A or B for projects over $10k.
What should be in the estimate?
Itemized materials (brand/model/color), labor, permits, dumpster, cleanup, timeline, and warranty all in writing.
Should I get multiple quotes?
Yes 2-3 quotes from licensed contractors. Compare scope, materials, and warranty, not just price.
What are the biggest red flags?
No license, cash-only demands, no written warranty, suggesting to skip permits, and prices far below other quotes.