A Builders’ license is essentially a license for new construction. A Home Improvement license is a license to remodel and improve an existing home.  While new construction and remodeling have some things in common, they are actually quite different.  Remodeling contractors usually work on a house where people are living, and they need to concern themselves with the safety and well being of the homeowner’s family, pets, and furnishings.   They need to know about any possibly hazardous materials in the house such as lead paint or asbestos and how to handle them safely.  Builders on the other hand work with volume and may build 20 houses at one time – in assembly line fashion.  They start with a large parcel of land, and have an excavation team come in and dig twenty holes, then concrete people come in and lay all the foundations, frame carpentry crews  come in to frame the twenty structures,  and so on until all the plumbers, electricians, carpet layers landscapers, trim carpenters, and anyone else involved have done their individual parts, and 20 houses are completed almost simultaneously.

I took the Builders Technical Examination for the Virginia Class A Contractors License today.  Now Skye Builders will be qualified to build new houses in Virginia.

Qualifying to build new houses in Virginia, however, is not why I took the test.

We have a Contractor’s home improvement license in both Maryland and Virginia, and have been doing home improvement in both states for many years.  Unlike in Maryland, where you take a home improvement test which pretty much qualifies you to build anything you want, Virginia has several tiers of Contractors’ licenses.

Class C license is needed for projects that do not exceed $7,500.

Class B license is needed for projects that do not exceed $120,000.  The contractor must have a minimum of 3 years experience and provide the names and contract information of 3 people who can attest that the contractor has satisfactory completed building projects.

Class A license is needed for projects that exceed $120,000.  The contractor must have a minimum of 5 years experience and provide the names and contract information of 3 people who can attest that the contractor has satisfactory completed building projects.

Since we started out building decks, installing replacement windows, vinyl siding, and sunroom additions, most of our jobs were less than $120,000, so we began with a Class B license, but we quickly upgraded to Class A when we decided to take on an addition that exceeded that amount.

With Class A license in hand, we thought we were set to build pretty much anything we wanted, but it turned out that was not the case.  We soon noticed that Fairfax County, when we would apply for a permit to build anything more than a simple deck, asked for a Builders’ license.  We were able to get around the Builders’ license requirement by asking our customer for an Affidavit of Permit Authorization.  This affidavit, which must be notarized, states that the Homeowner is aware that Skye Builders is not a licensed contractor (we are, of course) but authorizes us to obtain a permit in the Homeowner’s name and the Homeowner agrees to take full responsibility for the work performed.

Since it is awkward and embarrassing to ask a customer to sign an affidavit such as this – and we don’t think it’s right for a customer who is paying us to build something to have to take responsibility for our work, we decided to build only decks in Fairfax County until such time they would come to their senses and realize that it was ridiculous and excessive to require a Builders’ license along with the Home Improvement license to build something such as a screened-in porch.

But that has not happened.  In fact, Arlington County has followed Fairfax County’s lead, and now requires a Builders’ license for most improvements, as well.  Incidentally, Fairfax and Arlington Counties are the only two counties in the nation that interprets the International Residential Code so as to require this.

So we bit the bullet, took the plunge, I took and passed the exam for our builders’ license. Now we can build custom sunrooms and custom additions in Fairfax and Arlington County.

It’s unlikely that Skye Builders will begin building new homes in Virginia any time soon. But we could if we wanted.

Why a Sunroom May Be the Best Solution for You

Over the last 20 years, decks have become a very popular item to homeowners. Although decks can be great for relaxing or entertaining, barbecuing and dining outside, they do have a few drawbacks. Summer sun can be brutal and bright, and many deck owners have found there are too few days that they can enjoy the outdoors comfortably. One solution for avoiding too much sun is to add a roof over the deck. Skye Builders has built roofs over many decks so our customers can extend their time outdoors.

Bright, hot sun isn’t the only problem of outdoor living, however. When you are out on your deck, chances are you’re not alone. Scores of insects are also sunning on your deck. Most are merely nuisances, but a few – such as ticks and mosquitoes—even carry life-threatening diseases to humans and their pets. For this reason, many families are upgrading the outdoor experience by enclosing their decks with a screened-in porch or by going a step further and building a sun room.

Screened in porches are less expensive than sunrooms, and they provide some shelter from the elements and allow you to enjoy the outdoors without bothersome bugs.

Sunrooms keep out the elements and four-season sunrooms allow you to enjoy the outdoors year round. Many people we have built sunrooms for, tell us it is their favorite room in the house.

A few benefits of sunrooms:

1. Gets you out of the sun into shade, yet you still feel connected to the world.

2. Helps to keep insects away.

3. You can hear the birds, smell the flowers, and feel the breeze without leaving the comfort of your house.

4. A four-season sunroom can be enjoyed no matter what the weather.

5. A sunroom will increase the value of your home.

6. They are the most affordable way to add living space to your home.

7. Sunrooms are a great place to dine.

8. A sunroom makes a great TV and family room.

If you’re thinking about adding on to your house for more living space, consider a manufactured or custom built sunroom instead of a typical addition. It will save you money and you will probably enjoy it more than a traditional room.

Of course, not all molds are toxic, and not all molds are black.  One of the most common molds found is Penicillium.   Penicillium chyrsogenum produces the antibiotic, penicillin, which could save your life.  But there are many other molds which can make you sick.  

Some molds, such as the infamous Stachybotrys chartarum, a.k.a. black mold, produce mycotoxins which, if inhaled or ingested, cause a number of symptoms ranging from chronic fatigue to headaches and vomiting.   Other molds, that do not produce mycotoxins, can produce allergens which cause hay fever-like symptoms and exacerbate asthma attacks.  With either the mycotoxin- or the allergen-producing molds there is an increased risk of infection to people who have suppressed immune systems.

In addition to the health problems they cause, molds can damage your property.  They actually consume the materials they grow on.  They can rot your wood, eat your drywall, and if left unchecked for long enough, they can cause structural damage to your home.  It is generally agreed that most molds are a nasty business, and it’s best to take measures to prevent them from gaining a foothold.

What can you do to help prevent mold from getting out of control in your home?

You can’t eliminate the spores altogether.   They can be tracked in on your shoes and clothing. They will hitchhike in on your pets.   When cool April breezes waft in through your open windows, they‘ll come along for the ride.    

Since you can’t eliminate the spores, you must keep them from growing.  To do this, you must keep in mind what they need to grow. 

In order to grow, mold requires moisture and nutrients.  Unfortunately for homeowners, mold’s idea of a happy meal might be the grout in your shower tiles, or the sheathing underneath your roof shingles, or the insulation between your walls.  Most building materials contain organic compounds, and it is organic compounds which feed mold.

Since it wouldn’t be practical or even possible to eliminate all the organic compounds in your home, you must, as much as possible, eliminate the moisture which is the other requirement of mold.   

Mold requires moisture to grow, but it doesn’t need a lot.  Relative humidity in the air over 60% is sufficient.    If the air in your home is too humid (it can be measured with an inexpensive device called a hygrometer) that can be enough to get a mold colony started.

The Minnesota Blue Flame Gas Association suggests these measures to decrease indoor humidity.

• Turn down or stop using humidifier.
• Use range and bathroom exhaust fans while cooking and bathing or open a window for a few minutes to bring in cool, drier air.
• Cook with pans covered.
• Take shorter showers with cooler water.
• Install a fresh air intake duct. Outside air introduced into the home lowers the humidity level.
• Reduce the number of plants in your home or water them less; they release water vapor into the environment.
• Vent clothes dryer to the outside.
• In tightly insulated homes, consider installing an air-to-air heat exchanger.
• In summer, use a dehumidifier.

From :  http://www.blueflame.org/datasheets/humidity.html#steps

Besides excessive humidity, there are other ways that moisture can get into your house, and promote mold growth. 

It may not be possible to keep unwanted water out of your home at all times.  Pipes burst, sinks overflow, floodwater gets in.  When unexpected occurrences douse your home, it is important to get the water cleaned up as soon as possible and the wet surfaces dried out.  Mold can begin to grow within 24-48 hours.

You can greatly reduce the possibility that water will invade your home and foster the growth of mold, by keeping your home maintained and in good repair.

Wood decks and exposed wood, such as around window sills should be painted or sealed.  Decks should be swept free from dirt and vegetation. 

You should repair obvious damage to your home as it occurs, and you should also inspect periodically for damage you might otherwise miss.  It’s a good idea to walk around and look at the exterior walls after heavy storms, and you should do a general inspection at least annually.

Inspect the roof by climbing into the attic after a heavy rain.   Bring a flashlight with you and look for wet or damp areas.  If the roof’s sheathing is wet or damp, it’s possible shingles have been damaged or blown off.  Missing or damaged shingles should be replaced as soon as possible.  If left unchecked, the wood underneath the shingles can deteriorate.

You should inspect painted wood siding for wear and peeling three years after it was last painted, and every year thereafter until it is painted again.  Wood soffit, fascia, and rake also need to be inspected and need to be repainted when the paint begins to show signs of wear.

Brick homes should be examined for damaged bricks or crumbling mortar. Crumbling mortar is a sign that the mortar is failing and should be repaired or sealed. Damaged bricks should be replaced.

Vinyl siding should be inspected for damage caused by hail or fallen tree limbs.  Any damage should be repaired before rainwater has a chance to penetrate the walls.   If the wood or insulation underneath the damaged siding gets wet, it can become a breeding place for mold and insects.  If the exterior of your house is covered with more than one covering material, such as brick and siding, the joints where the materials meet should be inspected for gaps.

You should inspect around windows and doors to make sure that caulking has not separated or pulled away because rainwater can get through the cracks. Leaks in basements should be stopped.

Plumbing fixtures, pipe joints, shut off valves, should be inspected for leaks.  Make sure there is no water or dampness in the cabinet underneath your sink . If your basement has a sump pump, it may be a good idea to install a battery backup so it will work during power failures.

Taking these preventive measures should greatly increase the likelihood that your home will need expensive repairs because of water damage and mold infestation.

What if you have mold already?

If you have seen visible mold or your home has a damp, musty odor, you should take whatever steps you need to get rid of it.   People around mold who do not show any symptoms, may develop symptoms with increased exposure.   People who show symptoms will find that their symptoms become more severe.

It is possible to remove small amounts of mold yourself but large or recurring areas may need professional remediation.  Ceiling tiles, drywall, insulation, carpet or other flooring that is moldy will need to be replaced.

One of the major considerations is safety. Can at least one window near a sleeping person be easily opened? In an emergency, this might be a life-saving factor.

Another consideration is security. Can your windows be locked easily? Some windows, as they get older, are hard to lock or the lock can be easily opened from the outside.

A common consideration, in these days of high fuel costs, is whether your windows are energy efficient. With inefficient windows, 25% to 40% of the heat in your house could be literally flying out the windows.

The following factors indicate that your windows may be adding to your heating and cooling cost:

• Windows are single pane glass.
• Windows are 20 years or older.
• Windows are difficult to open, or they will not stay opened.
• There is condensation, frost, or pools of water on windows or sills.
• Windows do not lock correctly.
• Windows are warped.
• Wood around the window is rotting or peeling.
• Furniture, floor covering, and/or window treatments are faded.
• Windows are not ENERGY STAR® approved.

There have been great advances in window technology in the past several years. Double- and even triple-paned glass keep your inside climate from seeping to the outside. A gas, such as argon, sandwiched between panes of glass provides insulation which slows down heat-transference, and low-E film on window glass directs heat back to its source – keeping heat in on cold days and out on warm ones. Low-e also reduces ultraviolet ray transmission which prevents your carpets, furniture, and drapes from fading.

Replacing old, worn windows with new ENERGY STAR® approved replacement windows will save money on fuel costs, while making your home more comfortable and enhancing its value and appearance. Lowering fuel consumption is also a great way to preserve our non-replenishable resources and to protect our environment.

We are always open to suggestions and ideas. And any home-improvement questions that you may have shoot us an email or post a comment. We would love to hear from you.

We hope this site – as well as our company – can be your ‘go-to’ contracting family.