Building Updates and Tips

2018 USBC Tiny Houses:  https://dhcd.virginia.gov/sites/default/files/Docx/technical-memos-bulletins/tiny-houses-2018-usbc.pdf

For access to the most up to date Building Codes, please click here

 LINKS & GUIDES 

DPOR Consumer Guide: Hiring a Contractor

NASCLA: A Consumer's Guide to Hiring a Licensed Contractor

NASCLA : A Consumer's Guide to Solar Power for the Home

NASCLA: A Consumer's Guide to Protecting Yourself After a Disaster

 

Tips for Hiring a Contractor

  • Deal only with licensed contractors who meet state requirements for minimum competency.
  • Verify license status and check for any past disciplinary actions using License Lookup.
  • Educate yourself about the type of contractor you need for the job. Read What You Should Know Before You Hire a Contractor. 
  • Ask friends and neighbors for referrals. A paid advertisement isn't necessarily a good indication of the quality of a contractor's work, and not all online reviews are unbiased or truthful.
  • Get written estimates from at least three contractors. Don't automatically choose the lowest bidder! Ask for explanations on price variations among proposals.
  • Insist on a detailed contract, including agreed-upon start and finish dates. Licensed contractors are required by law to provide a written contract for residential work, signed by both parties.
  • Don't rely on verbal agreements. Get all guarantees, warranties, and promises in writing.
  • Limit your down payment or deposit. A reputable contractor should be able to front the costs of most supplies without a large sum of money from you. 
    • A good rule of thumb is an initial deposit of no more than 10% down or $1,000, whichever is less.
    • Unless the job requires custom-made items or special orders, in which case an initial down payment should be no more than 30% of the total value of the contract.
  • Consider making payments during the project contingent upon completion of certain tasks--that way, if the contractor is behind schedule, your payments are delayed.
  • Don't pay 100% of the bill until the work is 100% complete.

 

Tip-Offs to Potential Rip-Offs

Spring is a popular time for scams aimed at unsuspecting homeowners. Here are some warning signs. Watch out for scams or an unlicensed contractor who:

  • Solicits door-to-door (you have a three-day right to cancel a contract negotiated in your home!)  
  • "Just happens" to have materials left over from a previous job (very popular with asphalt!) or is “doing work for your neighbor down the street.”
  • Pressures you into making an immediate decision
  • Asks you to pay for the entire job up-front
  • Only accepts cash or Venmo type payments 

For more information about contractor licensing, visit the Board for Contractors website.