Verify credentials
Confirm the business identity, Virginia license classification, insurance and responsibility for permits and specialty trades.
Choosing a Northern Virginia remodeler
Compare accountability—not just the bottom-line number.
A strong remodeling proposal explains who is responsible, what is included, how changes are handled and what protects the homeowner after completion.
Discuss your projectPlanning context
Evidence should support the promise.
Homeowners should verify the contractor’s legal identity, Virginia license, insurance, relevant work, written scope, payment schedule, change-order process and warranty. HOM Design & Build is a licensed and insured Virginia Class A RBC contractor with a 5-year workmanship warranty subject to the signed agreement.
Learn about HOM Design & BuildWhat shapes the plan
Three decisions to resolve early.
Compare complete scopes
Look for demolition, protection, preparation, waterproofing, utilities, allowances, cleanup, exclusions and closeout.
Review the process
Ask how selections, scheduling, communication, changes, inspections, quality control and warranty service are handled.
A more useful consultation
Bring the right questions into the room.
Verify license and insuranceReview similar completed projectsCompare detailed written scopesUnderstand allowances and exclusionsReview payment and change termsGet the workmanship warranty in writing
Bring both proposals
Compare remodeling estimates line by line.
A lower total may cover less work, or it may reflect a different approach. Ask each contractor to mark the same items as included, excluded or an allowance. Do not assume that a missing line item is included.
| Scope area | Compare in each proposal | Ask before signing |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition and protection | Which finishes are removed, what stays, how adjacent rooms are protected, and who handles debris and cleanup. | Is removal, haul-away and final cleaning included? |
| Preparation and concealed conditions | Subfloor or slab repairs, wet-area preparation and what happens if damage is uncovered. | Which repairs are included, and which require a written change? |
| Materials and allowances | Product models, quantities, allowance amounts, delivery, tax and responsibility for owner-supplied products. | Does each allowance cover materials only or installation too? |
| Waterproofing and trades | The specified wet-area assembly, testing, plumbing, electrical and ventilation work relevant to your scope. | Are the valve, drain, waterproofing and testing actually listed? |
| Approvals and schedule | Responsibility for applicable permits, fees, inspections, HOA paperwork, lead times and access restrictions. | What must be ready before construction starts? |
| Changes and closeout | How changes are priced and approved, payment milestones, final details and written workmanship coverage. | How will a scope change affect price and timing? |
For HOM, the signed scope, selections, allowances, exclusions and written changes govern the project. This checklist helps you ask questions; it does not add work to an estimate or replace the agreement.
Prepare your scope before the consultationCommon questions
Clear answers without false promises.
Should I automatically choose the lowest estimate?+
No. First confirm that each estimate covers the same preparation, permits, materials, trade work, protection, cleanup and warranty.
How can I verify a Virginia contractor?+
Use the current Virginia DPOR license lookup and confirm the legal business name, license status and classification.
What should a remodeling contract explain?+
It should define the parties, scope, price, payment schedule, allowances, exclusions, change process, responsibilities and warranty terms.
Your next project
Let's make the plan clear.
Tell us what you want to change, and we will help you understand the smartest next step.