I am looking at a few home addition contractors: Michael Nash (they are the largest group in the area), Hunter Contracting, Inc., and Davis Contractors (the last two are smaller businesses but I like them too). My questions are....has anyone worked with anyone I've listed and if so, what were you impressions? Any pros and cons with the contractor? Finally, if you had an addition built by a local contractor, do you have any suggestions (who to check out, who to stay away from)? I figure there has to be quite a few posters and lurkers who have been where I am now, and I could really use some guidance. Thanks all!

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idontlikebeingrightaboutshitlikethisbutiam



Edited 21 time(s). Last edit at 5/31/1967 05:57AM by WingNut.

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/05/2015 11:44PM by WingNut.

Some background, I live in a rambler witness .33 acres. I thought of building a second story but with such a huge backyard, I decided to build back. My house is 36 wide x 30 long and I plan to double the space adding to the back. The basic plans are complete and we are looking at contractors. The pricing varies so now I am looking for referrals. The two smaller contractors were referrals from friends. Nash (I am embarrassed to admit) I found through the valuepak mailer and liked their website. They've won lots of awards, the bbb listed them at A+, and they have a great showroom. Thanks for the reply. I hope this info helps with other replies. Thanks again!

Make sure you go to the DPOR Website http://www.dpor.virginia.gov/dporweb/dpormainwelcome.cfm

To find out if they have a Virginia Contractor's License. If not do not use them....

Try reading reviews at servicemagic.com, contractors.com or Angie's list which has a fee.

The people who use the ValPak and similar mailers may be good, but it is unlikely that you will get the best price for the work you are having done. There are still a lot of smaller, high quality contractors out there and you will typically do better financially if you act as the GC and sub out the plumbing, electrical, carpentry, etc.

There is already a thread here for electricians, but I highly recommend Delivered Electric (Bryan 'Ty' Martin) and I know that Ty can suggest other trades based on folks that he has worked with over the years and I am sure that most others can as well.

Is misspelled Brian's middle name name Tyrone?

Why Ty? If your name is misspelled Brian, go by Brian.

Jeez.

Home addition Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I am looking at a few home addition contractors:
> Michael Nash (they are the largest group in the
> area), Hunter Contracting, Inc., and Davis
> Contractors (the last two are smaller businesses
> but I like them too). My questions are....has
> anyone worked with anyone I've listed and if so,
> what were you impressions? Any pros and cons with
> the contractor? Finally, if you had an addition
> built by a local contractor, do you have any
> suggestions (who to check out, who to stay away
> from)? I figure there has to be quite a few
> posters and lurkers who have been where I am now,
> and I could really use some guidance. Thanks all!


If you want outstanding results you need to talk with the guys at Morris-Day. They are not cheap but they are the ones that get it right every time.

I can tell you do not hire Unlimited Service Construction 703-440-9200 they are not to be trusted. Has a F rating with the BBB.

But I would also recommend hiring someone who can not start right away, because that is a sign that they are actually busy with other jobs and not desperate to start right away. Also do not give up more that 10-20% upfront, real contractors that are reliable will not want everything upfront, they have relationships with suppliers that give them time to repay. Look at references, and don't be afraid to actually go to the places to ask the customers about them.

Michael Nash is the worst. I can't bealive this guy is still in business.
I used to work next door to him by Old Lee hway. I used to see all the complaint letters taken to the dumpster all un opened. I was the only person that I knwe that will open them. I will dumpster dive out of curiosity. This people were really upset. It broke my heart but there wasn't any FXU at that time.
I would go to Service Magic. I found Ty Martin at service magic. You can sub it all with service magic. You can even use Ty Martin for the electric.

Use Angies's List. Worth every penney of membership to get all the dirt.

Lucas Remodeling is a very good local company...

http://lucasremodelingandrestoration.com/about.html

The big marketing slicky sellers like Nash will bloat your budget. You need a local, vested in their reputation type - you'll be very happy with this outfit.

A fantastic company that is locally owned is called Sorensen Construction Corp./Sorensen Homes. They have over 60 yrs. building experience and you work directly with the Owners. They build new custom homes but have been working in the remodeling end for quite some time. They can do it all from smaller jobs to huge additions. Apparently they are doubling the size of an existing home in FFX. Co. currently. They not only know construction inside and out but they've got the permitting process down to a science. Very well respected company with many awards won. Oh, most important part, once they give you a schedule of construction, they meet the dates and you have your job done on time.......always. Check them out, www.sorensenhomes.com.

Va Consumer Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I can tell you do not hire Unlimited Service
> Construction 703-440-9200 they are not to be
> trusted. Has a F rating with the BBB.
>
> But I would also recommend hiring someone who can
> not start right away, because that is a sign that
> they are actually busy with other jobs and not
> desperate to start right away. Also do not give
> up more that 10-20% upfront, real contractors that
> are reliable will not want everything upfront,
> they have relationships with suppliers that give
> them time to repay. Look at references, and don't
> be afraid to actually go to the places to ask the
> customers about them.


Don't let the contractor hand pick their references. Ask for their last 4 references on a similar scope project. If you're putting on an addition, you don't want a bathroom renovation reference. And by getting their last 4, you should have a good shot at finding someone who isn't happy. If you don't find any complaints then they're probably good.

__________________________________
That's not a ladybug, that's a cannapiller.

Also do not give up more that 10-20% upfront, real contractors that are reliable will not want everything upfront, they have relationships with suppliers that give them time to repay. Look at references, and don't be afraid to actually go to the places to ask the customers about them.

The above is absolutely true and I wouldn't even give them 10% up front. It would be reasonable to give them a relatively small down payment, they do have to spend time and money getting the permits and all. Think of it this way, if your job is $80,000, are you going write a check for $8,000 to someone you don't really know? Make sure you have a sound contract. And, make sure it includes a "draw schedule", this is a list of payments that you make as progress is made on the job. Usually the "draws" are tied to phases completed. For example, you might give the guy a draw when he actually breaks ground, then once he get's his footing inspection, you might make another payment. Once the footings and foundations are done, another payment, once the deck (floor joists and sub flooring but no walls) another, then when it's framed and dried in, another, etc, etc, etc. A good contractor will present this to you. It will show that he is organized and understand the sequencing of the job.

INSIST that you get copies of all inspections. For a substantial project like that, costing 10s of thousands of dollars it might be well worth getting your attorney to review the contract before you sign it.

Subbing out the job can certainly save you money, but you have to be able to be on the job site at various times, issues inevitably arise and that's what the contracotr does, he schedules the job and oversees that it is done, makes sure the materials meet specificaitons, etc. Sometimes he might do some of the work, but not always. Very few contractors have excavators, masons, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, insulators, drwayllers, painters, roofers, on their payroll, just not practical.

Also make sure they have insurance, liability, workers comp, etc. Otherwise you are liable. You can get a construction liability (that might not be what it's called exactly) rider from your homeowners insurance company. If you had an architect draw the plans he very will might know contractors that he's worked with.

Never agree to any changes without it be written out, with an agreed price and signed by both the contracotr and you.

And...demand they maintain and give you a copy of the release of liens. This is proof that the subcontractors have been paid. Because if you pay him a bunch of money and he doesn't pay the subs they can place a "mechanics lien" against the job, which mean agains you. This is an area where a lot of problems arise.

Also, if you have plans make sure the contract specifies that the contractor will build according to the plans and specificaitons, not some generic phrase like a "30X30 addition"

Finally, don't become friends with the contractor, there will be times when you will have to be firm and businesslike. It doesn't have to be confrontational or contentious but you do have to be able to demand that you get what you are paying for.

Hafer Construction is a local contractor that I have used in the past and I would highly recommend. They were not the lowest price but they were not the highest. Their work was great and the owner is your main contact. I believe the only part that they sub out is the plumbing. Check out their website at www.hafercon.com

Regardless of who you choose to do your work your contractor should provide you with proof of licenses and insurance. They should also be the ones that pull your permits. I had one contractor that asked me to get my own permit and the only license they would show me was their building license but they were planning to do all the electrical themselves. They should have a seperate license for the electrical work. They should also provide you with a written contract. Our contract showed all of our payments (I think it was broken down into 4 or 5 payments) and the estimate was free.

slubdawg Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------


> Never agree to any changes without it be written
> out, with an agreed price and signed by both the
> contracotr and you.

Know EXACTLY what you want before the process starts. When you change your mind about where you want the door to a room, it could very easily involve calling back the plumber, electrician and mechanical contractor.

Change orders are usually what make people go over budget on a job.

been there Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> slubdawg Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
>
>
> > Never agree to any changes without it be
> written
> > out, with an agreed price and signed by both
> the
> > contracotr and you.
>
> Know EXACTLY what you want before the process
> starts. When you change your mind about where you
> want the door to a room, it could very easily
> involve calling back the plumber, electrician and
> mechanical contractor.
>
> Change orders are usually what make people go over
> budget on a job.

Some contractors will low-ball the bid because they know they will make it up in change orders, be disciplined change orders are always costly because it takes more than twice as much work to change somethingas it does to doit to begin with.

HTL Contractors 703-765-7118

Moss Building and Design in Chantilly is reputable.

We've used Jenkins Restorations a number of time. Mostly they do insurance work. Anyhow, they are experienced and reliable.

HelpMeHelpYou Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Lucas Remodeling is a very good local company...
>
> http://lucasremodelingandrestoration.com/about.htm
> l
>
> The big marketing slicky sellers like Nash will
> bloat your budget. You need a local, vested in
> their reputation type - you'll be very happy with
> this outfit.


I have to second the recommendation for Lucas Remodeling. We've had them do numerous projects for us, including 2 bathrooms and our kitchen. The owner does the work himself and takes tremendous pride in his work. They do sub out electrical as they are not licensed for electrical work. Everything else they do themselves and do great work!

What part of Fairfax do you live in? This is a big factor in your decision.

HTL did a basement job for someone recently that I know and they were very happy with him and also did two house renovations in Hollin Hills and they recommended him in the neighborhood news letter. He has completely renovated two of my homes, popped the top, new kitchen, basement, and renovated my new home almost 100% renovated, never a problem, never a worry. Call him if you want hassle-free contractor, trust me.

We've had the same guy for 25 years or so, and he never disappoints when working on the house. He's recently been working on multiple houses in our neighborhood at once, because he's so good at what he does, so he's been stacked schedule wise.

==================================================================================================
"And if any women or children get their legs torn off, or faces caved in, well, it's tough shit for them." -2LT. Bert Stiles, 505th, 339th (On Berlin Bombardier Mission, 1944).

I got an estimate from Lucas Remodeling after having read this thread. Labor alone was very close to $1000/day. Is that the usual?

I am the director of Business Development at a sub for solid surfaces and they owe us a ton of money....I have a few contacts if you are still interested...just reply back. From a marketing stand point...they are the "biggest" contractor in the area in regards visual marketing....but trust me...thats where they must be spending their income cause its def not customer service,loyalty,and satisfaction:)

granite Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I am the director of Business Development at a sub
> for solid surfaces and they owe us a ton of
> money....I have a few contacts if you are still
> interested...just reply back. From a marketing
> stand point...they are the "biggest" contractor in
> the area in regards visual marketing....but trust
> me...thats where they must be spending their
> income cause its def not customer
> service,loyalty,and satisfaction:)


Exactly whom are you referring to?

novaguy81 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I got an estimate from Lucas Remodeling after
> having read this thread. Labor alone was very
> close to $1000/day. Is that the usual?


What was the estimate for?

To the Nash contractor....

novaguy81 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I got an estimate from Lucas Remodeling after
> having read this thread. Labor alone was very
> close to $1000/day. Is that the usual?


It would depend on how many guys they have working and what they are doing. If they are adding a second story to your house - maybe. If they are putting a bathroom - no.

__________________________________
That's not a ladybug, that's a cannapiller.

If its one guy thats a lot unless hes working a 15 hour day or so.

I used Brave construction for the basement remodel, I also used Alliance Plumbing for my pipe work, and a retired master electrician for the electrical. Greg is a great guy and they are really cheap, same with brave construction, they just want the work and won't bug you about the price.

Michael Nash sucks. Wish I never hired them! Do not fall into their trap.

Yikes! We recently signed a contract with Nash. The work is not going to start until February, and we paid a lot of money upfront. No way of getting out of it now. I read good reviews about them from customers on checkbook.org. What gives?

I work in the industry- Nash is the laughing stock of our office, good luck with it. We charge about $850 a day for a lead carpenter, helper and basic building supplies.


Try TW Wallace, they are the white glove service of additions- Davis and Lucas are reputable too. And Angie's List is def worth the cost of subscription...

South County Design & Build, Terry Mendes, (703) 899-7973

Done many baths, kitchens, remodel work in the neighborhood, including master & hall baths and master closet in my home. Excellent work, easy to work with, reasonably priced.

Angies list has them as the best. This is false. Delayed by several months starting, 1/2 days, a guy or two each time, no more than a few days a week. Might as well add 6 months to the complete date, minimum. Several years later, we still regret using them.

Go to HORIZON HOMES in Annandale, Va.
You won't go wrong.

Washington Consumer's Checkbook Magazine gives Michael Nash an 84% rating (143 out of 170 recommended) which is pretty good for a remodeler.