There are talented and skilled people working on and in homes around Wintergreen. We have well-known firms that build beautiful houses and clever individuals who know exactly what to do to easily solve that annoying little problem. Whether it’s electrical work, plumbing, building a staircase or a deck, roofing, painting, landscaping, tree work, or someone with a tractor, Wintergreen property owners need it all and more.

From listening to our property owners, here is how the smart homeowners are finding the right talent and skills for working on their Wintergreen home:

1. Tell everyone you know what you are wanting to have done.

Ask your Wintergreen neighbors and friends who they have used they would recommend, and not. And, when you get a recommendation, ask questions. Some people are not sensitive about cost, others are not picky about scheduling. Quality standards vary. Find out how complex the work was–not all door replacement jobs are the same, for example.

Go online and post your needs. The free every-other-Sunday-morning Wintergreen Bulletin Board email newsletter has a spot for “Requests” that is used by homeowners seeking help with repairs.

The free WBB newsletter also has a searchable online directory of Wintergreen service providers (free password in each newsletter) made up of recommendations from their subscribers.

Nextdoor.com has an online local directory, with ads, built on subscriber recommendations.

Also, those property owners who are Wintergreen Resort Members have access to the services of the resort's electricians, plumbers, locksmiths, HVAC techs, and service pros. 

2. Not everyone can do everything well.

They might be excellent painters, but just because they own a power washer doesn’t mean they’ll do a good job with it. A carpenter who was impressive with building new steps might struggle with building an entire deck. Some plumbers are also good electricians and vice versa. And sometimes not. What is that old saying about making “assumptions?”

3. On major projects such as expanding your house or building from the ground up, talk to several contractors.

Sure, get several bids, but also have a conversation with the contractors. Ask about their employees–who will you be working with on the job site? Is this a firm comfortable working at Wintergreen? Many professionals based in Lynchburg, Charlottesville, and in the Shenandoah Valley have plenty of experience working on our mountain and in the valley, but some are not familiar with Wintergreen, the rules, common site conditions, weather, etc.

Ask “major job” contractors for referrals and then follow up. Check that the former clients are recommending the contractor for what you want to do. Requesting that the contractors provide paperwork showing proof of insurance is a good idea as well. A little extra checking goes a long way in preventing a bad outcome.

4. Talk to WPOA’s Architectural Review Board staff.

After you decide what you want to do at your home, but before you begin talking to service providers, see if ARB approval is required. Some contractors are aware of what is required at Wintergreen, but others do not get involved with ARB. In any case, it’s the property owner–not your contractor–who is responsible for understanding and following the covenants and restrictions. Tree removal, view cutting, painting, fences and all exterior modifications, require ARB approval. To learn more, go here. Or call 434-325-8533, Monday through Friday.

Bonus tip: Be careful with keys

No matter who you hire, think carefully before hiding a key on the property for contractors needing to access your property while you are not there, notes Wintergreen Police Chief Dennis Russell. The hiding spot can too easily become common knowledge among every crew member, the delivery drivers, and their friends. If you do hide a key, it should be a temporary solution. Remove the key at the earliest convenience.