HOMEOWNERS

Baxter Safe Homes is committed to guiding homeowners through every step of their remodeling journey. From understanding the renovation process to budgeting, permits, and timelines, we provide the knowledge and support you need to make informed decisions. Our goal is to create a stress-free experience, ensuring your home improvement project is smooth, efficient, and built to last.

Home Owner Tools

  1. Homewyse
    Estimate the cost of your project.

  2. Wolfram Alpha
    Easily calculate job quantities without the hassle of converting units (i.e sqin to sqft).

  3. Magic Plan
    Effortlessly create floor plans from pictures taken with your phone.

  4. Hover
    Create a full 3D home exterior model by taking pictures from the comfort of your yard.

Construction Codes

All codes are free online access to the public. These Codes are some of the common codes used in construction.

Don’t want to Pull Permits?

  • It might be tempting to skip pulling permits, but don't convince yourself with excuses. If your project requires a permit and you don’t get one, you’re breaking the law—plain and simple. If you’re unsure whether a permit is needed, call your local permitting office. They’ll be happy to help.

  • That said, I know some homeowners will move forward without permits. My main concern is your safety. Cutting corners might save time or money upfront, but it can cost you much more in the long run. If a certified inspector isn’t verifying your contractor’s work, make sure you hire someone who understands building codes and can explain their recommendations clearly.

  • As a backup, ChatGPT can be a helpful tool for checking code requirements or clarifying technical details. I’ve found it useful myself, even as a licensed contractor. Just remember—when in doubt, always verify with a professional.

Contractor Recovery Fund

State Website
Protection Against Contractor Fraud!!!

In Virginia, the Contractor Transaction Recovery Fund offers financial relief to homeowners who experience losses due to the improper or dishonest conduct of licensed residential contractors. This fund is maintained by the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) and is financed entirely through assessments paid by licensed contractors, not tax revenues.

Eligibility Criteria:

  1. Licensed Contractor: The contractor involved must have held a valid Virginia license during the time the misconduct occurred.

  2. Court Judgment: Homeowners must obtain a judgment from a Virginia court against the licensed contractor, specifically citing improper or dishonest conduct.

  3. Collection Efforts: Before filing a claim, homeowners are required to attempt to collect the awarded judgment from the contractor, including conducting debtor interrogatories to identify any assets.

  4. Timely Filing: Claims must be submitted to the DPOR within 12 months of the judgment becoming final.

Disqualifications:

  1. Unlicensed Contractors: If the contractor was not licensed in Virginia at the time of the contract, the homeowner is ineligible for recovery through this fund.

  2. Non-Residential Projects: The fund covers only residential property contracts; commercial or non-residential projects do not qualify.

  3. Ineligible Parties: Employees, vendors, spouses, children of the contractor, other licensed contractors, financial or lending institutions, or individuals/businesses involved in real estate construction or development are not eligible to file a claim.

Claim Limits:

As of February 2025, legislation has been enacted to increase the individual claim limit from $20,000 to $30,000 per claim. Additionally, multiple claims against a single contractor are capped at $40,000 per biennium.

General Liability Insurance

Hiring a contractor without verifying their insurance can put you at serious financial and legal risk. A Certificate of Insurance (COI) for General Liability (GL) is a document that proves your contractor carries insurance to cover damages, injuries, or accidents that may occur during the project. Here’s why you should always request one:

1. Protection Against Property Damage

Even the most experienced contractors can make mistakes. If an accident results in damage to your home, general liability insurance covers the cost of repairs. Without it, you may be left footing the bill.

2. Coverage for Injuries on Your Property

If a worker gets injured on your property and the contractor doesn’t have insurance, you could be held liable for medical expenses. A COI ensures that the contractor’s insurance will handle these costs, rather than you being sued.

3. Proof of a Legitimate, Responsible Contractor

Reputable contractors carry insurance and will readily provide a COI upon request. If a contractor hesitates or refuses, it could be a red flag that they are unlicensed, uninsured, or unreliable.

4. Compliance with Lender or HOA Requirements

If you are financing your renovation or live in an HOA community, your lender or HOA may require proof of contractor insurance before approving the project. A COI ensures you remain compliant.

5. Avoiding Personal Financial Loss

Without proper insurance, any legal claims, property damage, or medical bills resulting from the project could come out of your pocket. Ensuring the contractor has GL coverage protects your finances.

How to Request and Verify a COI

  • Ask for it upfront – A professional contractor should have no issue providing a COI.

  • Verify the details – Ensure the policy is active, covers general liability, and lists your project location if needed.

  • Confirm directly with the insurer – Call the insurance provider listed on the COI to verify coverage and prevent fake documents.

By taking this simple step, homeowners can prevent major financial headaches and ensure peace of mind when hiring a contractor.

Free Dig Permits

VA811: Protecting Your Property and Safety Before You Dig

VA811 is Virginia’s official utility marking service, designed to prevent damage to underground utility lines during excavation projects. Whether you’re a homeowner planting a tree, installing a fence, or digging for any reason, state law requires you to contact VA811 before breaking ground.

Why Homeowners Should Use VA811:

✅ Avoid Costly Repairs – Striking a buried gas, water, or electrical line can lead to expensive repairs and service disruptions.
✅ Prevent Accidents & Injuries – Hitting a utility line can cause serious hazards like gas leaks, electrocution, or flooding.
✅ It’s Free & Required by Law – Submitting a locate request is free, and Virginia law mandates calling at least three business days before digging.

How It Works:

  1. Submit a Request – Call 811 or submit an online request.

  2. Wait for Markings – Utility companies mark underground lines with color-coded flags or spray paint.

  3. Dig Safely – Use hand tools when working near marked lines to prevent damage.

What If a Utility Line Is Not Marked?

If you obtain a dig permit and accidentally damage a utility line in an area that was not marked by the utility companies, they will repair it at no cost to you. However, if you damage a properly marked line, you may be held responsible for the repair costs.

Before you dig, contact VA811—it’s fast, free, and keeps you safe! 🚧🔍