The 10 Best Virginia Beach, VA General Contractors

You must hire a licensed contractor in Virginia for all construction and remodeling work that cost $1,000 or more, labor and materials combined. There are three classes of license for contractors, from A to C. These are based on the size and scope of projects.

The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation’s Board for Contractors is responsible for issuing contractor licenses. Class A and B contractors must take an 8-hour pre-license education course, pass an examination on relevant law, business and general trade knowledge, have 2-5 years of relevant work experience and pay a licensing fee of $235 to $385. Class A and B contractors must submit a financial statement to prove their net worth. Licenses must be renewed every 2 years.

Virginia state law does not require licensed contractors to carry general liability or workers' compensation insurance. It is highly recommended to only hire contractors that have current policies of both. Request copies of the insurance certificates for each prior to beginning any work on your property.

Generally, a building permit is required in Virginia Beach for all new construction, additions, and alterations, particularly those which involve the cutting away of any wall, the removal of a structural beam, and work affecting a means of egress. Permits are needed for most alterations, including converting garage or porch space into living space, foundation repairs, the replacement of windows or doors if frames are altered and roofing or siding replacements. Common projects requiring a permit include building carports, garages, and screened in porches, and the construction or alteration of chimneys, decks, driveways, fences, most pools, portable buildings, detached structures more than 256 square feet and all waterfront construction such as piers and boat lifts. Structures in the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area (CBPA) or Southern Watershed Area may need a permit when otherwise not required. If you are unsure if your project requires a permit, contact the Permits and Inspections Office at 757.385.4211.

The Virginia Beach Permits and Inspections Division is responsible for the permit process, which is designed to ensure projects comply with all applicable codes and ordinances. You should decide with your contractor at the start of project planning who will be in charge of acquiring permits. The Permits and Inspections Division offers a number of services to assist you throughout your project, including operating the Development Services Center. Most permits must be acquired in person and require the submission of construction plans for review. Some trade and roofing/siding permits can now be issued electronically. More details are available on the Virginia Beach Permits and Inspections Division’s website.

The Virginia Contractor Transaction Recovery Act provides financial relief to eligible consumers who have incurred losses through the improper or dishonest conduct of a licensed residential contractor. The Recovery Fund is supported entirely by assessments paid by licensed contractors. Filing a claim is not a guarantee of payment.

The BuildZoom score is based on a number of factors including the contractor's license information, which is gathered from the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation’s Board for Contractors; building permit data, gathered from the Virginia Beach Permits and Inspections Division; and feedback and behavior we have observed in the BuildZoom marketplace and in other, third-party review sites.

We have analyzed every licensed contractor who has worked in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Using this information, we’re able to save you time, money and lessen your risk by providing you with a simple and straight-forward way to gather and receive multiple bids from vetted general contractors in Virginia Beach. Click here to get started by providing us with a few details about your project.