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Free homeowner guide · Fredericksburg, VA

7 Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Contractor

Most people compare price. The contractors who finish on time, pass inspection, and don’t disappear after the deposit are the ones who can answer these seven questions cleanly — in writing.

Question 01

What’s your Virginia DPOR license number and classification?

Ask for the number, then verify it at dpor.virginia.gov. Strive is Class A #2705196445 — the highest GC classification in Virginia. If they won’t give you a number, stop there.

Question 02

Who is actually doing the electrical, plumbing, and HVAC?

Many GCs bid the job, then farm MEP to whoever is cheapest that week. Ask if they self-perform or sub it out — and whose license is on the line. We self-perform electrical, plumbing, and HVAC in-house.

Question 03

Is the estimate line-itemed, or is it a lump sum with vague allowances?

Vague allowances are how change orders hide. You want a written, line-item estimate before work starts — materials, labor, and what’s excluded.

Question 04

Do you carry general liability and workers’ comp — and can I see the certificates?

Accidents happen. Confirm coverage is current and that your property isn’t exposed if a worker gets hurt on site.

Question 05

Who pulls the permits, and who meets the inspector?

If the answer is “you handle permits,” that’s a red flag on most remodels and generator installs. Your contractor should own permitting and inspection coordination.

Question 06

What’s the payment schedule tied to?

Deposits should match milestones (materials ordered, rough-in complete, final), not “half up front because we said so.” Get the schedule in the contract.

Question 07

Can you show recent local work — and talk to a recent customer?

Photos help. A phone number for a Stafford or Spotsylvania homeowner who finished in the last year helps more. Check Google reviews too, and ask how punch-list items get closed.

Ready when you are.

If those answers check out with us — or you want a second set of eyes on another bid — we’ll walk the job and send a detailed written estimate.

Get on Our Schedule    Call (540) 218-6738

Strive Contracting, LLC · 145 Harrell Rd Suite 109, Fredericksburg VA 22405 · Class A #2705196445 · Generac authorized dealer