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?
Look for Trex Pro, TimberTech, or AZEK certifications. 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 Pro certified 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.