{"id":1631,"date":"2024-02-26T07:48:04","date_gmt":"2024-02-26T12:48:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/?p=1631"},"modified":"2024-01-25T01:49:59","modified_gmt":"2024-01-25T06:49:59","slug":"what-are-the-different-types-of-contractors-in-virginia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/what-are-the-different-types-of-contractors-in-virginia\/","title":{"rendered":"What are the different types of contractors in Virginia?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Renovating the bathroom in your home is very different than <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/case_studies\/mccormick-law\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">remodeling a law office<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">. Both require different skill sets, permit types, and estimated timelines and budgets. Getting the many moving parts of a construction project right often boils down to choosing the correct contractor.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you\u2019re looking to pursue a construction project in Hampton Roads, Norfolk, or another city in Virginia, here\u2019s what you need to know about the different types of contractors in Virginia. We\u2019ll also reveal an easy three-step process to choose the right contractor for your project.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Work with a Licensed Contractor\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In the state of Virginia, there are three <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/type-of-commercial-contractor\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">different types of contractors<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, but they all share one important similarity: they are licensed contractors in the state. Along with checking a contractor is licensed before working with them, it\u2019s important to understand the type of license they possess and what scope of projects they can complete with their license.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The scope and project cost a contractor can take on is determined by their license class. This class indicates their specialty, what type of training they\u2019ve had, and the type of work they can manage. In Virginia specifically, there are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dpor.virginia.gov\/sites\/default\/files\/Boards\/Contractors\/A501-27INTRO.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">three contractor classes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Class A Contractor<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Class A contractors can take on the largest projects price-wise. Two requirements can classify a contractor as class A, but only one has to be met:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In a single contract, a class A contractor can manage $120,000 worth of work or more. This includes performing or managing a construction project. It applies to new projects and removals, repairs, and improvements.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Class A Contractors can also only work on properties where the total construction costs in one twelve-month period is $750,000 or more.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Often, Class A contractors work on bigger commercial projects or new residential builds.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Class B Contractor<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Like Class A contractors, Class B contractors can manage new projects, removals, repairs, and improvements.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">They also have two standards to meet to be classified as class B. Again, only one has to be met:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The cost for a single project must range between $10,000 to $120,000.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The total value of all work done in twelve months must fall between $150,000 and $750,000.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Class B contractors may be a good choice for smaller commercial projects or residential repairs, removals, and improvements.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Class C Contractor<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Class C contractors are licensed to perform projects where the project costs fall between $1,000 and $10,000. If the total value of work completed in twelve months must fall below $150,000, they can also be classified as Class C. Similar to Class A and B contractors, only one of these clauses has to be met.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Because Class C contractors work with smaller budgets, they often specialize in minor repairs or maintenance work.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Renovation vs New Build<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In almost every city in Virginia, including Virginia Beach and Chesapeake, there are different permits for a new build or a renovation. That\u2019s because these two project types are vastly different and require a different skill set.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Before hiring a contractor determine if your project is a new build (constructing a new structure on unused land or knocking down an old building to construct a new construct) or a renovation. Renovations include build-outs, remodels, repairs, and maintenance. When looking at contractors, consider those who specialize in your project type.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Commercial vs Residential<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">While a recruiter may be great at hiring the best talent for a company, you wouldn\u2019t hire them to be matchmaker who \u201crecruits\u201d a romantic partner, or vice versa. Having a skillset for consumer services, like matchmaking, is very different than for a business setting, like recruiting for corporations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Contractors are the same; the person you hire to remodel your home kitchen probably doesn\u2019t have the experience to renovate a healthcare facility. Before selecting a contractor for your project, you first need to define if they are a residential or commercial contractor, as these are two different types of contractors in Virginia.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A commercial contractor completes construction projects for businesses. These include retail locations, healthcare facilities, and office spaces. It can also include multi-unit living facilities, such as condo complexes or assisted living communities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A residential contractor deals with single-family homes. Often, they are more up-to-date with home renovation and interior design trends and specialize in working with individuals or families on new builds or renovation projects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Project Type<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Deciding if a project is residential or commercial, a renovation or a new build is important, but you should get even more specific when defining your project type. Consider the industry you work in and the unique needs of renovating a site for your industry.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">A hospital, for example, will require a contractor with a different skill set than a restaurant.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Types of businesses that may need a contractor with experience in their industry include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/condo-remodel-contractors-in-virginia\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Condos and multi-family properties<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/retail-renovation-in-2024\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Retail locations<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/healthcare-building-renovation-in-2024\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Healthcare facilities\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/the-ultimate-guide-to-2024-office-renovations-in-virginia\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Offices<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As you search for a contractor, make sure they can point to at least two examples of previous projects in the same industry, or a related industry, as your own. You also want to hire a contractor who takes the time to understand your business and your goals; a good contractor is a partner to build the future of your business with.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Choose the Right Type of Contractor in Virginia<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As promised, here\u2019s an easy three-step process to choosing the right contractor in Virginia:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Determine the type of licensed contractor<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: is it a contractor who specializes in new builds or renovations? A commercial or residential contractor? What type of license do they need?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Ensure they are licensed and provide high-quality work<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: you can use the state\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dpor.virginia.gov\/LicenseLookup\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">license look-up tool<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> and talk to past clients.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><b>Explore past work experience<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">: make sure they have worked on projects similar to yours. To find this out, either look at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/pph\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">past project highlights<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> on their website or ask for examples of similar projects.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As a caveat, this process helps you get to a shortlist of potential contractors. Once you have that list, you should interview each contractor and ask for an estimate and proposal. When reviewing choices, follow the State of Virginia\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dpor.virginia.gov\/Consumers\/Guide_Contractor\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">consumer guidelines on finding a contractor<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Frequently Asked Questions\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What is a Class A contractor in Virginia?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Class A contractors in Virginia work on larger projects. These projects fall above $120,000 for a single project or the contractor completes more than $750,000 of work within twelve months.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What is a Class B contractor in Virginia?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Class B contractors can manage projects where the cost is between $10,000 and $120,000. The price for all work completed in twelve months for Class B contractors falls between $150,000 and $750,000.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What can a Class C contractor do in VA?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Class C contractors manage small projects, such as repairs and maintenance. These projects must fall between $1,000 and $10,000. All work done in twelve months equals less than $150,000.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Renovating the bathroom in your home is very different than remodeling a law office. Both require different skill sets, permit types, and estimated timelines and budgets. Getting the many moving parts of a construction project right often boils down to choosing the correct contractor. If you\u2019re looking to pursue a construction project in Hampton Roads, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1629,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[158,171],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1631"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1631"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1631\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1632,"href":"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1631\/revisions\/1632"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1629"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1631"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1631"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1631"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}