HOW TO VET
YOUR CONTRACTOR
Duration: 1.5 hours, plus 30 minute Q&A.
*Attendees are not required to stay for the Q&A. This portion of the workshop is approximately 30 minutes in length in addition to the 1.5 hour seminar.
Instructor: Nicole Jenkins
What's Included: Informational booklet
Price: $75
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
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THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A HANDYMAN VERSUS A CONTRACTOR
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STATE LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
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VERIFYING LICENSURE
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INSURANCES
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SUBCONTRACTORS
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VERIFYING REFERENCES
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INTERVIEWING CONTRACTORS AND ASKING THE RIGHT QUESTIONS
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CONTRACTS
$95
Workshop Description
Hiring the right contractor can make or break your home improvement project. In this powerful workshop, you’ll learn exactly how to find and vet a qualified contractor - from the perspective of real, licensed contractors. We know the industry inside and out, and we’re pulling back the curtain to help you ask the right questions, spot red flags, and understand what truly matters when hiring for your next project. Whether you're planning a small repair or a major renovation, this workshop will empower you to:
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Search for the right type of contractor for your specific job
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Understand the difference between general and specialty contractors
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Ask smart, strategic questions during contractor interviews
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Review and verify licenses, insurance, and references
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Recognize warning signs before signing a contract
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Learn what professionals look for when hiring subcontractors themselves
Why Learn From Us?
Because we’re the ones being vetted every day. As licensed pros with decades in the industry, we’ve seen how poor hiring decisions lead to costly mistakes. We're here to help you avoid them. You’ll leave with a workbook and insider knowledge that gives you a clear edge - because when you know what contractors know, you hire smarter.
THE WRONG CONTRACTOR CAN COST YOU
MORE MONEY
Homeowners who hire an unqualified or unlicensed contractor can end up paying two to three times more to fix poor workmanship, code violations, or unfinished projects.
In Northern Virginia, corrective repairs for botched renovations often range from $5,000 to $20,000+, not including the stress, lost time, and potential legal fees.
Next Available Workshop:
$95
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
My name is Nicole Jenkins
Hello, I’m Nicole! I have been a licensed contractor since 2011. My journey in the trades actually started long before that, helping my dad with his contracting business as a teenager. I spent plenty of weekends hanging drywall and painting, which sparked my love for hands-on work and the satisfaction of creating something from start to finish.
Even though most of my career has been in marketing, graphic design, and business management, I’ve spent the last decade immersed in the tile trade, working alongside my husband Richard through our business, The Grout Genie. Richard’s decades of experience in the industry (including his former company, Nova Pros) helped sharpen my skills and deepen my understanding of the craft.
My creative side definitely comes from both my grandmother and my mother. My grandmother, who earned her Master’s in Art from UCSB, was ahead of her time and taught me to see beauty in details. My mother has a background in interior design and home staging, and from her I learned how to bring spaces to life through color, texture, and thoughtful design. Together, they inspired my love of art and aesthetics — something I carry into everything I do, whether it’s designing a space, running a business, or teaching a workshop.
At TradeWorx Academy, you’ll usually find me managing the workshop, teaching our Creative Makers classes, or leading workshops like “How to Vet Your Contractor.” I’m passionate about empowering others to build confidence in their skills — whether they’re tackling a home project or just discovering a love for creating something new.
RECENT WORKSHOPS
