General Contractor Services in Alexandria, VA
Experienced, Licensed General Contractors for Residential Projects
Vale Construction is a licensed and insured residential general contractor serving homeowners in Alexandria, Virginia. We handle full-scale renovations, remodeling projects, additions, and complex home improvements where coordination and oversight matter as much as the actual construction work.
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A general contractor isn't just someone who hires subcontractors. It's someone who takes responsibility for planning, sequencing, and managing every phase of a project from permits to final walkthrough. That includes coordinating trades, ensuring work meets code, solving problems that come up during construction, and making sure you end up with what you were promised.
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We've been doing this for 19 years. Most of our projects are in older Alexandria homes — townhomes with limited access, single-family homes with outdated systems, properties where nothing is quite standard and every project requires problem-solving. These aren't cookie-cutter jobs. They require experience, judgment, and the ability to manage complexity without losing sight of schedule or budget.
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If you're planning a renovation or addition and want a contractor who will actually manage the project (not just show up occasionally to check on subcontractors), we'd be glad to talk through what you're considering.
Trusted General Contracting for Alexandria Homeowners
We work throughout Alexandria — Old Town, Del Ray, Rosemont, Seminary Hill, West End. Most of the homes we work on were built between the 1940s and 1980s, which means older framing methods, plaster walls, undersized electrical panels, cast iron or galvanized plumbing, and mechanical systems that need upgrading. The lots are often tight. Street parking is limited. Staging areas are nonexistent. Neighbors are close.
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These factors affect how projects need to be planned and executed.
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General contracting in Alexandria isn't the same as working in a newer subdivision where everything is standardized and predictable. You're dealing with homes that have been modified multiple times over decades, where previous work may or may not have been done correctly, and where infrastructure needs attention before you can move forward with finish work.
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That's where the role of a general contractor becomes important. You need someone who can assess existing conditions, anticipate complications, coordinate trades in a logical sequence, handle permitting and inspections, and keep everything moving forward without constant delays or confusion.
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We've managed hundreds of projects in Alexandria. We know how the city's permitting office operates. We understand what inspectors look for. We've dealt with load-bearing walls that weren't originally load-bearing, electrical systems that need complete rewiring, plumbing that requires replacement, and all the other surprises that come with renovating older homes.
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Communication is straightforward. You work directly with the owner. We explain what's happening, why certain decisions need to be made, and what the realistic options are. No disappearing for weeks. No vague updates. No passing responsibility to subcontractors when problems arise.
What a General Contractor Actually Does (And Why It Matters)
A lot of homeowners don't fully understand what a general contractor does until they've tried to manage a project themselves or hired individual trades without oversight. Here's what the role involves:​
Project Planning Before Construction Starts
This means developing a realistic scope, identifying potential issues before they become expensive surprises, determining what needs to happen in what order, and creating a plan that accounts for lead times, inspection requirements, and dependencies between different trades.
Poor planning leads to delays, rework, and cost overruns. A framer shows up but the demolition isn't complete. The electrician needs to rough-in wiring but the framing isn't ready. The HVAC contractor can't install ductwork because the plumber hasn't routed drain lines yet. These are coordination failures, and they're expensive.
Coordinating All Trades
Residential construction involves multiple specialized trades — plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians, framers, drywall installers, tile setters, painters, trim carpenters. Each has their own schedule, their own priorities, and their own way of working.
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Someone needs to sequence this work correctly, make sure trades show up when they're supposed to, verify that work is done properly before the next trade starts, and solve conflicts when two trades need access to the same space at the same time. That's the general contractor's job.
Permits, Inspections, and Code Compliance
Most renovation and remodeling projects in Alexandria require building permits. Electrical, plumbing, structural modifications, HVAC changes, additions — all require permits and inspections at various stages. The general contractor handles permit applications, schedules inspections, and ensures work meets current code so it passes inspection the first time.
Homeowners who try to manage this themselves often get overwhelmed by the process or miss requirements. Subcontractors without oversight sometimes cut corners or use methods that don't meet code. Both scenarios cause problems.
Scheduling and Material Management
Construction timelines depend on material availability, trade scheduling, inspection approvals, and weather. A general contractor manages these variables, orders materials with appropriate lead times, adjusts the schedule when delays occur, and keeps the project moving forward.
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Without active management, projects stall. Materials arrive late. Trades can't work because previous work isn't complete. Inspections get delayed because no one scheduled them in time.
Accountability for the Finished Result
When you hire a general contractor, you have one point of contact and one company responsible for the entire project. If something goes wrong — poor workmanship, missed details, coordination failures — there's no question about who's accountable.
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When you hire disconnected subcontractors, accountability becomes murky. The plumber blames the electrician. The electrician says the framer created the problem. The tile installer claims the substrate wasn't prepared correctly. You end up mediating disputes and chasing people down to fix issues.
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This isn't theoretical. We've taken over projects that started this way, and they're always more expensive and time-consuming to fix than if they'd been managed correctly from the beginning.
Residential General Contracting Services We Provide
We handle full project management and execution for residential construction projects. That means we're not just coordinating work — we're also performing much of it directly with our own crew, which gives us better control over quality and timeline.
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Renovations & Remodeling Projects
Interior Reconfigurations
Projects that change how interior spaces function — removing walls, reconfiguring layouts, adding storage, improving flow. These often involve structural considerations and coordination between multiple trades.
Additions & Structural Work
Home Additions
Adding square footage to existing homes. This includes foundation work, framing, roofing, exterior finishes, and integrating new space with existing structure. Additions require careful planning to match existing architecture and meet setback requirements.
Load-Bearing Wall Modifications
Removing or modifying walls that carry structural load. This requires proper engineering, temporary support during construction, and permanent beam installation. It's technical work that needs to be done correctly.
Structural Framing
Major framing modifications for layout changes, second-story additions, or structural repairs. This includes working with engineers when required and coordinating inspections at appropriate stages.
Project Oversight & Construction Management
Even when we're not performing all the work directly, we maintain oversight and responsibility for the entire project. That includes:
Trade Coordination and Supervision
Scheduling subcontractors, verifying their work meets quality standards, and ensuring proper sequencing so each trade can complete their work without delays or conflicts.
Material Ordering and Scheduling
Managing material procurement with appropriate lead times, coordinating deliveries with work schedules, and ensuring materials are on-site when needed.
Timeline Management
Monitoring progress, adjusting schedules when necessary, communicating changes to you, and keeping the project moving forward toward completion.
Quality Control Inspections
Regular walkthroughs to verify work quality, identify issues before they become bigger problems, and ensure the finished result meets expectations.
The point is this: Vale Construction takes responsibility for how work gets done and what the final result looks like. Not just administratively, but practically — we're on-site, we're managing day-to-day execution, and we're accountable.
General Contracting in Alexandria Comes With Unique Challenges
Alexandria isn't a place where construction is easy or straightforward. The housing stock is older. Infrastructure is aging. Sites are constrained. These factors make general contracting more complex than it would be in newer developments.
Older Housing Stock
Most homes in Alexandria were built decades ago using methods and materials that are no longer standard. Plaster walls instead of drywall. Knob-and-tube wiring or aluminum wiring that needs replacement. Cast iron drain lines that are corroding. Undersized electrical panels. HVAC systems that need upgrading.
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Renovating these homes requires experience with older construction methods and the ability to integrate modern systems without creating problems.
Limited Access and Staging
Narrow streets, no driveways, limited parking, small lots, attached townhomes where you share walls with neighbors. Material deliveries require planning. Dumpsters need permits. Noise restrictions apply. You can't just set up equipment wherever it's convenient.
Permitting and Inspection Requirements
Alexandria has specific requirements for residential construction. Permits are required for most renovation work. Inspections are thorough. Historic district properties have additional review processes. Setback requirements, lot coverage limits, and zoning restrictions affect what's allowed.
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Navigating this successfully requires familiarity with how the city's systems work and what officials expect to see.
Working in Occupied Homes
Most of our clients continue living in their homes during renovations. That means managing dust and debris, maintaining access to essential areas, coordinating work schedules around daily routines, and keeping disruption as manageable as possible.
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This is harder than working in vacant properties, and it requires consideration and planning that inexperienced contractors often overlook.
Experience with Alexandria's specific challenges — older homes, tight sites, local requirements, lived-in renovations — makes a difference in how smoothly projects go and whether timelines and budgets hold up.
Why Alexandria Homeowners Choose Vale Construction
We've been a licensed general contractor in Northern Virginia for 19 years, with much of that work concentrated in Alexandria. Most of our clients find us through referrals from past projects, which says something about how we operate.
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Here's what sets us apart:
Local Experience That Actually Matters
We've worked on Old Town rowhouses, Del Ray bungalows, mid-century colonials in Seminary Hill, and everything in between. We know how these homes are built, what problems to expect, and how to navigate Alexandria's permitting and inspection processes.
Clear, Honest Estimates
We provide detailed written estimates that break down scope and costs by category. No vague line items. No allowances that turn out to be insufficient. If we discover something unexpected during construction (hidden structural issues, outdated systems that need replacement), we document it, explain the implications, and provide updated pricing before proceeding.
Realistic Timelines
We tell you upfront how long a project will take and build in appropriate buffers for material lead times, inspection scheduling, and the inevitable surprises that come with renovating older homes. We'd rather set conservative expectations and finish early than overpromise and leave you frustrated.
One Point of Contact
You work directly with the owner throughout your project. No account managers who don't know the details. No playing phone tag with subcontractors. You have questions, you get answers. Decisions need to be made, we make them together.
Active Project Management
We're on-site regularly, managing day-to-day execution, coordinating trades, solving problems as they arise, and keeping work moving forward. This isn't absentee management where the general contractor shows up once a week to look around.
Clean, Respectful Job Sites
We work in your home while you're living in it. That means containing dust, cleaning up daily, protecting finished surfaces, and treating your property with respect. This is basic professionalism, but it's not universal in the industry.
Long-Term Quality Focus
We're not interested in cutting corners to shave a few hundred dollars off costs. We use appropriate materials, hire skilled tradespeople, and build things to last. You're making a significant investment — the work should hold up.
This isn't about being perfect. It's about being competent, reliable, and accountable. Those qualities matter more than marketing promises.
Our General Contracting Process
Here's how projects typically unfold when we serve as general contractor:
1. Initial Consultation
We meet at your home to discuss what you're planning. You explain your goals, we assess existing conditions, and we talk through feasibility, realistic timelines, and approximate budget ranges. You'll get a sense of what's involved and whether your project is something we're well-suited to manage.
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This is an exploratory conversation with no obligation to proceed.
2. Planning & Detailed Estimate
If you decide to move forward, we develop a comprehensive project plan and detailed estimate. This includes defining full scope, selecting materials and finishes, identifying potential complications, and establishing clear timelines and costs. You'll understand exactly what you're getting and what it will cost before any work begins.
3. Permitting & Scheduling
We handle all permit applications, coordinate with the city, and schedule inspections at required stages. We also order materials with appropriate lead times and schedule trades in the correct sequence. You'll know the start date and projected timeline.
4. Construction & Oversight
We execute the work and manage day-to-day operations. That includes coordinating subcontractors, performing work directly with our own crew, solving problems that arise, communicating progress, and maintaining quality control throughout. You stay informed without having to manage details yourself.
5. Final Walkthrough & Completion
Once construction is complete, we walk through the finished project together. Any punch-list items get addressed. We ensure everything functions correctly and meets your expectations. Only then do we consider the job complete.
Timeline varies based on project scope. Kitchen renovations typically take 6–10 weeks. Full bathroom remodels run 3–5 weeks. Basement finishing projects take 8–12 weeks. Whole-home renovations or additions can extend several months. We provide realistic estimates based on your specific project during the planning phase.
Request a Consultation With a General Contractor in Alexandria
If you're planning a renovation, remodel, or addition, the best first step is a conversation. We'll assess what you're considering, explain what's realistic, and give you honest feedback about approach, timeline, and budget.
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No pressure tactics. No obligation to hire us. Just straightforward information so you can make good decisions about your project.
We work with Alexandria homeowners who want projects managed properly — with clear communication, careful coordination, and someone accountable for the result. If that's what you're looking for, we'd be glad to discuss your plans.
Residential Projects Built With Care, Coordination, and Accountability
Vale Construction has served as general contractor for residential projects throughout Alexandria for nearly two decades. We've renovated townhomes in Old Town, remodeled kitchens and bathrooms in Del Ray, finished basements in Seminary Hill, and managed additions across the city.
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The common thread is homeowners who want a true general contractor — someone who takes responsibility for planning, coordination, and execution, not just someone who hires subcontractors and hopes everything works out.
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If you're ready to move forward with your project, or if you just want to understand what's involved, reach out. We'll give you honest answers and help you figure out the right approach.
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Licensed • Insured • Local Expertise
Common Questions About General Contracting in Alexandria
What's the difference between a general contractor and hiring subcontractors directly?
A general contractor takes responsibility for the entire project — planning, permitting, coordination, quality control, and final results. When you hire subcontractors directly, you become the de facto general contractor, which means you're responsible for scheduling trades in the correct sequence, ensuring work meets code, solving conflicts between trades, and managing all the complexity yourself. For most homeowners, that's overwhelming and leads to costly mistakes.
How much does it cost to hire a general contractor?
General contractor markup typically runs 15–25% of total project costs, depending on scope and complexity. That covers project management, coordination, overhead, and profit. While it adds to upfront costs, it usually prevents the delays, mistakes, and rework that occur when projects aren't managed properly — which often costs more in the long run.
Do I need a licensed general contractor for my project?
For most renovation, remodeling, or addition projects in Alexandria, yes. Projects that require building permits need to be managed by a licensed contractor or by the homeowner acting as their own contractor (which requires pulling permits yourself and taking full responsibility for code compliance). Licensed contractors carry insurance, understand building codes, and are accountable to the state licensing board.
How long does the permitting process take in Alexandria?
Permit review typically takes 2–4 weeks depending on project complexity and city workload. Historic district projects take longer due to additional review. As your general contractor, we handle permit applications, respond to any plan review comments, and schedule inspections at appropriate stages.
Can I make changes during construction?
Yes, but changes affect timeline and budget. We'll explain what's involved in any requested change, provide updated pricing, and adjust the schedule accordingly. The earlier changes happen in the process, the less disruptive they are.