You have secured your financing, you have picked your lot, and you have a vision. Now comes the most critical decision of the entire project: Who is going to build it?

The builder you choose acts as your partner, your banker, and your project manager for the next 6 to 12 months. In the market for new construction homes in Virginia, there are hundreds of builders, ranging from massive national corporations to small "pick-up truck" contractors. How do you distinguish the professionals from the risky bets? At Sharpline Inc., we believe an educated buyer is our best customer. Here is a checklist for vetting your Virginia home builder.

1. Verify Licensure and InsuranceThis sounds basic, but it is often overlooked. In Virginia, a builder must hold a Class A, B, or C license depending on the size of the project.

·        The Check: Ask to see their DPOR (Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation) license number.

·        The Risk: If you hire an unlicensed contractor and they get injured on your property, or if the structure fails, you could be fully liable. Sharpline Inc. is fully licensed and carries comprehensive General Liability and Workers' Compensation insurance to protect you.

2. Inspect Their Warranty ProgramA builder who trusts their work will back it up. In Virginia, implied warranties exist, but you want a written, express warranty.

·        The Standard: Look for a "1-2-10" warranty structure.

o   1 Year on workmanship (paint, drywall).

o   2 Years on systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical).

o   10 Years on structural integrity (foundation, load-bearing walls). If a builder hesitates to show you their warranty document before you sign the contract, walk away.

3. Visit a Job Site (Not Just a Model Home) Model homes are staged to perfection. To see the real quality, ask to visit a home that is currently under construction (a "dusty shoe" tour).

·        What to Look For: Is the site clean? Are materials protected from the rain? Do the sub-contractors look professional? A messy job site usually leads to a messy finish. At Sharpline Inc., we pride ourselves on maintaining clean, safe, and organized job sites throughout the build.

4. Communication Style Building a home involves thousands of decisions. You need a builder who communicates clearly.

·        The Test: How long does it take them to return your initial call? If they are slow to sell you the house, they will be even slower to fix a problem after you move in.

·        Technology: Does the builder use construction management software (like CoConstruct or BuilderTrend) to keep you updated with photos and schedules? Or are they relying on text messages and sticky notes?

5. Transparency in Pricing The biggest fear for new construction buyers is the dreaded "Change Order." Some builders bid low to get the job, then hit you with extra costs for basics like recessed lighting or hardwood floors. Ask for a detailed "Inclusions List." Know exactly what is standard and what is an upgrade. At Sharpline Inc., we provide detailed, itemized estimates so you know exactly where every dollar is going before we break ground.

Conclusion Building a home is a relationship. You need a partner who values integrity as much as they value blueprints. Sharpline Inc. has built a reputation across Virginia for quality, transparency, and delivery. If you are ready to interview your future builder, contact us today. We are ready to answer the hard questions.