How common is bad contracting?

You’ve worked for months with contractors to build your dream home and just as you begin to marvel over the brilliant wood floors and marble kitchen counter, the worst happens. It has to be torn down. Why? Because you, like hundreds of other Virginians, unknowingly hired an unlicensed contractor. Believe it or not, this happens to people just like you every year. It’s contractor fraud, but you can avoid it really easily.

First things first, ask yourself “What do I want done?” Sounds like a silly question, but it’s truly far from it. It is crucial to carefully itemize exactly what you want done and how you want your home to look when it’s finished. Carefully prepared plans will be helpful in getting accurate proposals from contractors. Make sure you consider what you realistically expect to spend and what kind of professionals should be brought in to do the job.

Then stop by your local building and code officials office to show them your plans, get a list of licensed contractors, and ask initial questions about your project. They can help point you in the right direction and hook you up with members of the New River Valley Home Builders Association.

Check out our new commercial!

We're kicking off the "Better Building. Safer Homes." campaign on a TV near you! Check out our new commercial here or on your local WDBJ station for the next several weeks. A special thank you to our homeowner, Cory Donovan, and Horse Archer Productions for producing the spot.

Changing a Stereotype into Better Building and Safer Homes

When people think of builders and building code officials, they often think of a bitter rivalry where two sides simply can’t get along. But here in the New River Valley, the two groups have decided it’s time to change that.

The New River Valley Home Builders Association (NRVHBA) and the Virginia Building and Code Officials Association, Region II chapter (VBCOA) are working together to show their joint commitment to better construction practices and safer homes for all those who live in the New River Valley. 

“Our goal is to work together with citizens, contractors, and local government to ensure that our buildings and communities are as safe as possible,” said Cathy Cook, VBCOA Region II Chair. “In a nutshell, we’re promoting better building and safer homes.”

The goal of the “Better Building. Safer Homes.” is to create a more informed general public when it comes building safety and protection from contractor fraud. Through community outreach, the campaign will educate the general public on issues involved in new construction, remodeling and home improvement, and how to locate professionals that can guide and protect them during the process.
 
“By partnering together, our two organizations can fill in the gaps for anyone who is building, remodeling or in the beginning stages of planning,” said Chris Pfohl, NRVHBA president. “Together, we’re building homes that are safe, healthy and will grow in value.”

The two organizations will be airing public service announcements on local media throughout the month of March, as well as kicking off their How-to classes at the New River Valley Home Expo on Saturday, March 13 at 1 p.m. at the Christiansburg Recreation Center.

Photo Caption: Cathy Cook, VBCOA Region II Chair, and Chris Pfohl, NRVHBA President, sign a partnership agreement for the "Better Building. Safer Homes." campaign.