How to find best contractors after moving to Virginia from Germantown
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You have decided on moving from Maryland to Virginia and there is a lot to do before you can settle down and begin a new chapter of your life. You must find a reliable moving company, pack like a pro, dedicate an appropriate budget, cover legalities, and renovate your new place. The renovation is what concerns you the most because it can slow everything down. And to adapt and settle in smoothly, you must find best contractors after moving to Virginia from Germantown. So, let us help you to do just that. We will teach you how to search the market, what to be aware of, and how to secure your investment.
You must do your part first
Before you can find best contractors after moving to Virginia, you must prepare your new home for renovation. This depends on what kind of moving services Maryland you have purchased as well. If you obtained packing services, then you must instruct your movers where to unpack your belongings and which areas of your home to leave empty. If you are renovating all drywalls then all boxes should go into your garage temporarily or into a living room. Find a similar solution that will work best for you. Of course, this widely depends on the size of your home.
The same goes for the robust furniture. Do not clutter your space with it unnecessarily. Use your movers Germantown MD trusts while they are still on-site and tell them where to position your furniture. If you let them simply load your home aimlessly, you will have to do the hard labor yourself once the time comes for renovating. Or even worse, your contractors will have to help you. It is not a good scenario indeed. Therefore, create a temporary storage plan in advance so you have a fairly empty home while renovating. Maybe a good solution is to rent a storage unit, portable storage POD, or store everything in your garage. Think about it.
Search online and find best contractors after moving to Virginia from Germantown
The easiest way to find best contractors in Virginia is to search for them online. The digital age has simplified the process of finding reliable contractors, particularly in Virginia’s burgeoning tech-savvy environment. Start with a general search for ‘Best contractors in Virginia’ to get a broader understanding of what’s available. HomeAdvisor and Angie’s List, for instance, are trusted online platforms that can provide a wealth of information. You can filter by the type of work you need, your locality, and even budget. You can also search the local ads, check the papers, or even ask your movers Maryland relies on.
To delve deeper, you can explore companies like “Hitt Contracting” headquartered in Falls Church, known for their extensive range of services and national reputation. For a more design-focused approach, “BOWA”, a luxury home design & remodeling company based in McLean, has won numerous accolades for their quality of work and customer satisfaction. Moving companies in McLean VA could also be a useful source of information.
If you’re looking for a green approach, consider “Virginia Tradition Builders” in Richmond, acclaimed for their commitment to sustainable building practices. Remember, the best fit depends on the nature of your project and personal preferences. You can always ask the local movers West Virginia trusts for their opinion, as well.
Harness the Power of Social Media and Reviews
As you narrow down your search, social media can offer a more informal glimpse into your potential contractors’ work. On platforms like Instagram or Facebook, you can find images of past projects, customer testimonials, and even get a feel for the company culture. For example, “Home Sweet Home Improvements” in Warrenton frequently shares before-and-after renovation photos and customer experiences on their Facebook page. Northern Virginia movers are also great people to ask for advice on finding good contractors.
Additionally, local community groups on Facebook or Reddit often discuss personal experiences with contractors, giving you authentic, first-hand reviews. Contractors like “Horch Roofing” in Fairfax and “Dovetail Construction Company” in Charlottesville come highly recommended on these platforms. In terms of pricing, each contractor has a different model. Some charge on a project basis, like “Criner Remodeling” in Newport News, while others might charge hourly, like “Peak Roofing Contractors” in Warrenton. Be sure to inquire about this during your initial communication.
Accredited Contractors – Your Assurance of Quality
Lastly, while online reviews and social media posts offer insight, nothing beats official accreditation. Websites like the Better Business Bureau and the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation maintain records of licensed contractors and any complaints or actions against them.
Companies such as “Paragon Construction Company” in Midlothian, “Lane Homes & Remodeling Inc.” in Richmond, and “NV Kitchen and Bath” in Falls Church have received A+ ratings from the BBB. They are known for their quality work, customer service, and fair pricing. For instance, Lane Homes & Remodeling Inc. offers renovations starting at around $125 per square foot, whereas NV Kitchen and Bath provides detailed estimates based on project specifics.
Embarking on a renovation journey in Virginia is an exciting process. With the variety of contractors available, you’re sure to find one that aligns with your vision, budget, and expectations.
Start with the bids and home inspections right after you relocate
When you’ve made your move to Virginia and are ready to renovate, the first step is obtaining bids and home inspections. This step is crucial in getting accurate estimates for the work needed, before you hit the road with movers in Montgomery County. Having an empty home allows contractors to fully understand the extent of the work needed, so try to organize this before you settle in. Contact a variety of companies and arrange for their inspection visits to span different dates. This gives you the opportunity to gather diverse professional perspectives on what needs to be done.
For instance, if you’ve purchased a Colonial-style home, a prominent architectural style in Virginia, your renovations might revolve around preserving its historic appeal while ensuring it suits contemporary living needs. You might consider refurbishing the ornate woodwork, often a standout feature of such homes, to breathe new life into the property. Updating the kitchen and bathrooms with modern amenities while maintaining the traditional aesthetic can also be a primary focus. These areas often require work due to aging fixtures and outmoded layouts.
Furthermore, the distinct segmented rooms of Colonial-style homes may necessitate a change in layout to create a more open, fluid living space that’s preferred today. Similarly, improving insulation and installing energy-efficient windows can help enhance comfort and lower utility bills without disrupting the home’s charm. The timeline for these renovations can span 2-6 months, with costs typically ranging from $20,000 to $80,000, depending on the intricacy and scale of the updates required.
Evaluating Reports and Prices: Making an Informed Decision
Once the inspections are complete, you’ll have a stack of reports and estimates. It’s crucial to carefully compare these, focusing not only on the price but also on the scope and timeline of proposed work. Each contractor might bring unique insights to the table, providing different solutions for the same problem.
If you’re relocating to a mid-century modern home in Virginia, your renovation plans might focus on modernizing interiors while retaining the home’s original aesthetic. The characteristic simplicity and functionality of these homes provide a great base for interior updates. This could include refreshing the original hardwood floors or refurbishing the sleek, flat-panel cabinetry typical of this era. To embrace the era’s ethos of bringing the outdoors in, you might consider updating window fixtures to improve energy efficiency while enhancing natural light.
With an eye toward eco-friendliness, improving insulation, installing energy-efficient HVAC systems, or potentially adding solar panels could be on your renovation agenda. These homes often have unique roof designs that could benefit from updates for better insulation and leak prevention. A renovation timeline for these types of projects typically spans 1-3 months, with costs for minor updates starting from $10,000 and major renovations potentially exceeding $100,000.
Embracing the Virginia Lifestyle: Renovation Based on Property Types
Given Virginia’s diverse range of properties, from urban apartments to farmhouses, renovations often vary widely:
- If you’re settling into a high-rise apartment in Arlington, a hotspot for urban living in Virginia, your renovations might emphasize optimizing space and updating fixtures. You might consider installing multi-functional furniture or built-in storage solutions to maximize your living area. Updating kitchen appliances and fixtures in the bathroom, like faucets, showers, and vanity units, can add a modern touch and improve functionality. Such projects typically cost around $15,000-$50,000 and can be completed within 1-2 months. On a similar note, affordable movers Arlington VA trusts could be of some assistance here.
- On the contrary, if you’ve chosen a picturesque farmhouse, your renovation plans might be more extensive. These may include structural enhancements, like strengthening foundations or updating roofing for durability against Virginia’s diverse weather. Furthermore, updates to improve functionality and comfort, like modernizing the heating and cooling systems, or renovating kitchens and bathrooms to incorporate modern amenities while preserving the rustic charm, can significantly improve living conditions. These large-scale projects can extend up to a year, with costs easily escalating to $200,000 and beyond.
Remember, the key is to find a balance between the house you have, the home you want, and the budget you’re working with. Take your time to understand each contractor’s approach, time estimates, and costs involved before making your decision.
Consider the complexity of repairs and apply your budget accordingly
Once your contractor provides the renovation plan you should consider the costs and the repairs included. If there are minor repairs included then you shouldn’t think much about it. But if there are more complex repairs like changing entire hardwood floors or remodeling your entire home, then you want to think more thoroughly about your contractor’s experience. Check again if they have enough of it and dig some references to confirm they can undertake this job. Simply because you want to be sure they will do the job successfully. Besides, such a huge project will cost quite a lot and you want to secure your investment as well. So, confirm your contractor is up to the task, and then prepare your budget accordingly.
Find best contractors after moving to Virginia from Germantown and schedule the repair dates
Now, this can be a tricky part. Depending on the nature of the repairs and renovation, you might have to leave your home for up to a month. Or in some situations even more. Or you will stay there and supervise the entire project. Whatever might be the case, you should set the renovation dates and the period when you want to do this. This is not something that is only up to you but up to your contractor as well. Both parties must agree on a certain time interval when this work can be performed.
Therefore, keep this in mind when you start looking for a contractor and check the availability according to your schedule as well. Ask your contractor right away if they are available. Moreover, keep in mind that you can buy their time so to speak. If you pay more, you can lease subcontractors and then time becomes irrelevant. But this option is available only to those who have a stretching budget.
Meet with the team that will renovate your home
In the end, do not forget to meet the team of people that will work on your renovation project. The team of people can be extensive. There will be electricians, HVAC professionals, plumbers, and other workers involved. Apart from the contractors you hired there are subcontractors as well so you want to meet them all and talk with the person who is in charge of the entire project. They must assure you that they spend enough time and resources overseeing the entire project. They also must vouch for the integrity and behavior of all workers involved. So, do not forget to communicate clearly and openly about this subject. But most importantly is to meet all these people in person. The first impression is important.
Find best contractors after moving to Virginia from Germantown with ease!
Now you know how to find best contractors after moving to Virginia from Germantown. Just remember to check your contractors on the Better Business Bureau and confirm they are accredited businesses. You want to avoid any unnecessary costs and delays . Do your research, read our guide again if necessary, and secure your investment. We wish you the best of luck on your next big project!
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