Check on their reputation. Ask to speak to some of their past clients. Go to their website to view some of their work and reviews. At B and G Contracting LLC we have an array of pictures of past work.

Check out their licenses. They need to have a Class A (unlimited contract amount per job), Class B (up to $120,000 per job), Class C (up to $10,000 per job). They will also need a county and maybe a city license depending on the locality of the work. This is needed to pull any permits. If they want you to pull the permit, this is a sign that they are not properly licensed. Also, whoever’s name is on the permit, is responsible and liable for the work. We are a fully licensed and insured company. We offer turnkey jobs so you can just sit back before and during the job. Turnkey means we pull the necessary permits, supply all materials and labor needed for the job.

Check on their insurance. They need to have General Liability and Workers Comp. General Liability will cover any damages to your house. Workers Comp covers them while working on your property. If they do not have Workers Comp, and get hurt on your premises, they can sue you for all costs associated with them getting hurt. Check on the corporate licenses at DPOR.virginia.gov, under “License look up.” You can also see if they have any complaints against them, that may be in court. At SCC.virginia.gov you can check to see if they are incorporated. We are a licensed LLC company.

Ask about what makes them stand out from other companies. We use UC4B treated for the support posts if buried in the ground. This is the highest residential treatment you can get. We also install bridge blocking at the mid span of the joists. This stiffens the deck up. We also boot the support post underground. This lets the post stand a bit above the concrete footing. The boot attaches the post to the footing. By keeping the post off the concrete, it doesn’t sit in water after it rains. We also fill out and send in all your warranties to the manufacturers once the job is complete.

Ask about their warranties. What is their standard warranty? We offer (1) year on all treated decks, (3) year for composite decks with vinyl rail (minimum), (5) year if you purchase the joist tape option. This will prolong the life of the joists.

When comparing bids from different contractors, make sure you are comparing the same products and product lines. For example, one contractor may generically just list “composite decking,” another may list out “Fiberon Sanctuary” decking with hidden fasteners. The Fiberon Sanctuary may be considerably higher than what the first contractor will use. Railings are the same. Make sure they priced exactly what you asked for.

Eze-Breeze Vinyl is a strong and resilient material specially formulated to resist deterioration from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. With proper care and cleaning, Eze-Breeze sliding panels will give you years of trouble-free use and will prevent them from drying out or becoming brittle.

One of the many things that sets Eze-Breeze panels apart from other products is that the vents tilt in for easy cleaning, inside and out. Regular inspections and cleaning of your Eze-Breeze panels will keep them in top shape for years to come and protect you from voiding your product’s warranty.

The first step in maintaining a beautiful porch is to clean it regularly. If you have a wood floor, sweeping and vacuuming prevents the dirt from getting ground into the grain of the wood or scratching the surface of the floor. 

Composite decking has become a popular choice for homeowners seeking a low maintenance and durable outdoor living space. While composite decks are known for their resistance to weathering and rot, proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure their longevity and lasting beauty.

Sweep regularly, act quickly if there is a spill to prevent them from setting into the composite material. Use a mild soap and water solution to clean the affected area. 

Avoid Grease and Oil: Keep cooking and grilling activities away from your composite deck to avoid grease and oil stains. If a spill occurs, clean it up as soon as possible to prevent staining.

With spring’s pending arrival, it’s time to start tackling your list of outdoor cleaning projects, including cleaning patio pavers. Your yard’s patio brick pavers bear the brunt of passing foot traffic and may begin to look worn and dirty by the end of winter. Living in Northern Virginia with high humidity can lead to mold growth on your pavers. Cleaning patio brick pavers can restore their natural look and keep them looking their best for years to come.

Removing build-up allows for better water drainage and makes space for debris to fall through the cracks. Sweep the entire deck of dirt, debris, leaves, and salt at least once per season. Move your furniture, grill, and other accessories out of the way. A thorough sweep ensures your deck remains clean and dry.

• Build Your Fence With Metal Fence Posts 
• Add a Rot Board to the Bottom of Your Fence 
• Stain & Seal Your Fence 
• Inspect & Repair Your Fence Every Year 
• Minimize Contact With Water, Soil & Vegetation 
• Clean Your Fence Every 2-4 Years

When removing snow from your deck, make sure to use a plastic shovel, leaving one inch of snow. You can sweep off the remaining or let it melt. Shovel in the direction of the decking. This will keep your deck from getting scratched. Never use salt on any decking products as this can stain the decking.