kraus-remodeling

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Remodeler

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 03:19:18 GMT

A Discerning Homeowner’s Guide to a Refined Remodeling Experience

A quality home deserves a thoughtful, expertly executed renovation.

Whether you are planning a kitchen remodel in Northern Virginia, a spa-level bathroom transformation, or a whole-home renovation, the remodeler you select will shape not only the outcome — but the experience itself.

Exceptional remodeling is about more than construction. It’s about communication, craftsmanship, and a process designed for discerning homeowners who value quality.

Before committing to a contractor, here are the essential questions to ask.

1. Are you properly licensed and fully insured in Virginia?

Any professional remodeler in Northern Virginia should carry:

Active Virginia licensing ( License Lookup is free through the DPOR )
General liability insurance
Workers' compensation insurance

This protects your home, your finances, and your peace of mind.

A reputable remodeling company will easily provide documentation. If they hesitate, or try to convince you it's not necessary, consider it a red flag.

Fun Fact: hiring an unlicensed contractor has some pretty scary consequences:

No protection if the work is incomplete or poor quality. Virginia only provides help for issues with licensed contractors
Financial risk: spending far more correcting bad work than if they hired a pro from the start
Insurance may not cover damages if done by an unlicensed person
Liable for injuries if the contractor or company is injured and lack the proper insurance
Cut corners can lead to failed inspections, unsafe living conditions, and/or mandatory tear-outs
Unpermitted/substandard work can delay a sale, reduce your home's value, or force costly corrections before closing

2. Do you specialize in full-service remodeling?

Full service remodeling requires a different level of execution. Ask:

How many projects like mine have you completed in Northern Virginia?
Can I see some examples of local projects you've completed? (Pro tip: they shouldn't all be recent. You'll want evidence of longevity of both the company and their work. Ask for references for projects that are 5-10 years old)

An experienced remodeler understands structural considerations, material performance, and the expectations of high-end homes in areas like Fairfax County, Loudoun County, and Prince William County

3. What is your Remodeling Process?

Premier remodeling firms follow a refined, predictable system. This often includes:

In-depth consultation. This may start on the phone, or even in person. Pay attention to the quality of the questions and the depth of your conversation.
Design planning and selections guidance . It shouldn't all be on you! Your remodeler should be part of this process too
Detailed scopes and specifications. This might not be up front, or may require an agreement. Remember--you're getting their professional time and expertise!
Permit management. You should not be pulling any permits; licensed pros should pull permits under their own license for your protection.
Professional project management: learn who will be managing your project. Have they been with the company long? Is it the same person from start to finish? Can I communicate with them directly?
Final walkthrough and quality assurance: what does the process look like, and how do you ensure you're satisfied before making a final payment?

A clear process signals professionalism. A vague one signals risk.

4. Will you Handle the Permit Process?

In Northern Virginia, many remodeling projects require permits and inspections.

A qualified remodeler should:

Understand county-specific code and permitting requirements . In Northern Virginia, they should be licensed in any county in which they perform work and should have a complete understanding of their individual permitting requirements.
Manage the permitting process . Qualified remodeling contractors should always have their name on your permits. If you are expected to be the person on record for your permit, you are held liable for any issues that arise. A contractor should utilize their own license for general remodeling work, and specialized license holders will be listed on your permit for any electrical and plumbing work. This should all be managed by your general contractor; you shouldn't have to worry about it!
Ensure compliance with current Virginia building codes. Experienced contractors know them well and stay up to date on recent changes. Compliance will be reflected in your inspections as well.

Proper permitting protects your home’s value and avoids issues during resale.

5. Who Will Manage my Project?

A quality remodeling experience should feel organized and well-run.

Ask:

Will I have a dedicated project manager? You should work with the same person from start to finish, and that includes the design and selection process. This ensures a smooth process when everyone is on the same page. Ask how long they've been with the company and ask for references from clients who have worked with them.
How often will I receive updates? Will they be communicating with me throughout, or just at certain points. Am I able to communicate with them when I have questions or concerns as well?
What is your communication style? Knowing how you will be communicating (email, phone, text, etc) will help you to make a decision as well.

Quality companies prioritize proactive communication and client experience. These are excellent questions to ask the references you speak to as well. The management of the project is often where many companies cut costs, and this comes at the expense of the homeowner. While the end result does matter, the process matters just as much. Don't overlook the value of excellent management.

6. How are Change Orders Managed?

In quality remodeling experiences, changes can sometimes be inevitable. While the initial inspections of the space should avoid most obstacles, nothing is certain until the remodeling begins.

Pro Tip: when the person who manages the project is also the person who does the estimate, inspection, and design experience with you, the project is likely to run much smoother. It also helps avoid any big surprises. Often, sales people and bigger companies will undersell a project to land a contract, and then the contractor will present expensive change orders down the line. Working with an experienced project manager from start to finish will help eliminate most surprises.

Licensed contractors in Virginia are required to provide written change orders for all adjustments or additions made outside of your initial scope of work. A written change order should outline:

Scope changes (what's being added, changed, or removed)
Investment changes (what it will cost)
Timeline impacts (how your project timeline will adjust in light of these changes)

This ensures clarity and preserves trust.

7. What Exactly is Included in your Estimate?

An estimate won't outline every single detail of your project, but it should be clear about what is being proposed. The process should be interactive, include discussions, and give you a chance to make changes before your final contract. An estimate is not required to be written, so talk to the contractor to learn more about their process.

When discussing your estimate with the contractor, ask about:

Design and planning services : what is included? What does the process look like?
What material allowances are included in this estimate? Make sure they align with what you're looking for
Demolition and disposal: who is doing the demolition, and how will the materials be disposed? Is that included?
Protection and cleanup: how will your home be protected, and how often is it cleaned?
The scope: is everything you asked for included, or were things left out to stay within budget?

Clear communication during this process will eliminate most unwelcome surprises.

8. What is Your Payment Structure?

This should also be outlined in your contract, but it's important to discuss it long before the ink is dry. Virginia law allows up to 30% of the project price to be required as a deposit, with the exception of special order materials.

The DPOR recommends a milestone-based payment scheduled that's tied to project progress. It may look something like:

30% deposit at contract signing
20% at material delivery
20% at cabinet installation
30% at final walkthrough for project completion

When still in the selection phase of choosing your contractor, this is an important question to ask. It's even more important, and required by law, to include it in your final contract before the project begins.

9. What Timeline Should I Expect?

Fine craftsmanship takes time, but fine project management minimizes it as much as possible. Experienced contractors will be able to determine how long a project will take, and should be able to outline why: it's recommended you hear them out! A common sales tactic among some companies is to underestimate the timeline to sell the job, and then find reasons to extend it after the ink is dry.

Ask:

When can you begin? If a contractor is booked out a year, this can indicate an overloaded schedule. It also poses a risk of delaying your start date. A delay in any one of those projects means a snowball of delays down the line.
What is the realistic duration? Once they provide it, ask them to walk you through it. Take notes, and compare answers among contractors. This is a great way to learn what steps a company may be skipping or where corners are cut.
What factors influence timing? Learn what could delay the start of your project, what material orders have longer lead times, or what could cause it to take longer than expected.

Experienced contractors know timelines like the back of their hand. When you talk to their references, learn more about how well they stayed on schedule or what mistakes may have delayed the project.

10. Who Will be in my Home?

Privacy and professionalism are hallmarks of a quality remodeling company.

This is your opportunity to learn more about the tradespeople who will be doing the work and learn more about the team.

A common question contractors receive is whether they employ their own crews, do the work themselves, or hire subcontractors. Let's break that down:

Solo Operators: Contractors who perform all of the work themselves, with perhaps an assistant
Pros : lower costs are passed down to the homeowner, & you'll always be able to communicate directly with the person doing the work
Cons : takes much longer, they're likely not specialized license holders (plumbing, electrical, HVAC, etc), and will likely lack specialized knowledge
In-House Crews: Contractors who hire their crews full time direct employ the people who will be working in your home
Pros : consistent work from job to job, direct internal communication means smoother project, employees are trained to the company's standards
Cons : High overhead is passed to the homeowner, employees are likely not trained specialists, long wait times for projects
General Contractors: Contractors who hire qualified subcontractors:
Pros : contractor has access to trade specialists, have access to options to keep costs lower, multiple crews can work at once, typically shorter timelines
Cons : the quality of the project manager impacts the experience, so mismanagement can lead to delays.

Figure out how your contractor operates. Ask plenty of questions and verify their answers with the references you speak to.

The structure itself isn’t what determines success. The quality of the contractor’s systems is what matters. A well-run subcontractor-based company can outperform an in-house crew—and vice versa.

11. How Do you Protect my Home During Construction?

Let's face it: remodeling your home is invasive. While this is less impactful for a quick project, multi-day and multi-week projects can take their toll. You'll want to learn more about how your home is protected throughout the process.

You'll want to see:

Dust containment systems
Floor and surface protection
Daily job site organization
Respectful crews

12. Do you Provide any Warranties?

Confidence in craftsmanship is a hallmark of premium remodelers. They should know about the warranty provided by their material manufacturers, and should be able to tell you how long they warranty their work.

Pay special attention to how they plan to handle appliance warranties, if applicable. If they supply the appliances, you'll need to go through the for any warranty issues.

13. Can You Provide References from Northern Virginia Clients?

Just because a contractor has hundreds of reviews doesn't mean they provide quality work. Statistically, reviews are written very soon after a project is completed; they can also be purchased for a relatively low cost. You want a contractor with longevity. Ask for references ranging from newly completed projects to 10+ years ago.

Red flags:

All references are recent. Either their work doesn't hold up, or they lack experience. Decide if you'd like to be their practice. Often times this comes with a lower price tag, and so you'll need to decide if it's worth the risk.
References are out of state. Some companies, called "stormers" in the industry, move into town when weather events happen and essentially rent the license of a local company. They'll blow in and out of town, and will not stand behind their rushed work. Be wary of a company who knocks on your door and pressures you into a sale. Just say no.

Look for consistent feedback about:

Professionalism
Communication
Cleanliness
Timeliness
Overall Experience

Clients who have hired the contractor for multiple projects over time are what we call a green flag.

A Thoughtful Renovation Starts With the Right Partner

Your home is one of your most significant investments. Remodeling it should feel exciting, not stressful.

The right Northern Virginia remodeler will guide you with clarity, respect your home, and deliver craftsmanship that endures.

Considering a Remodel in Northern Virginia?

If you are planning a kitchen remodel, bathroom renovation, or whole-home update in Northern Virginia, our team is here to help.

We specialize in:

✔ Custom residential remodeling
✔ Clear, professional communication
✔ Detailed planning and execution
✔ A refined client experience from start to finish

Schedule a consultation to begin your remodeling journey with confidence.

Finding & Hiring Licensed Contractors in Virginia

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 14:00:25 GMT

Choosing the right contractor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make

When it comes to hiring someone to work on your home—whether it’s a remodel, repair, or even a large construction project—choosing the right contractor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. In Virginia, that means more than just finding someone with good reviews or word-of-mouth recommendations. It means making sure they are properly licensed by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) .

Here’s what you need to know about hiring a licensed contractor in Virginia, the different types of licenses, how to look up or file a complaint against a contractor, and why being licensed matters more than you might think.

Contractor License Classes in Virginia

Virginia requires contractors to hold a state license for most jobs over $1,000 in labor and materials. Licenses are issued by DPOR and come in three classes:

DPOR Board for Contractors - Intro PDF

(Also defined in this Code of Virginia 54.1-1100 )

Class A License
For jobs $150,000 or more or when the total value of projects in a 12-month period exceeds $1,000,000
Requires at least 5 years of experience, with references.
Must pass a business, law, and specialty exam.
Class B License
For jobs $30,000 to $149,999 or when the total value of projects in a 12-month period is $250,000-$1,000,000.
Requires at least 3 years of experience.
Must pass a business, law, and specialty exam.
Class C License
For jobs $1,000 to $29,999 or when the total value of projects in a 12-month period is less than $250,000.
Requires at least 2 years of experience.
Exam requirements are less extensive, but contractors still need to show trade knowledge and competency.
Virginia requires a master tradesmen license as a condition of licensure for electrical, plumbing, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning contractors.

Each license will also list the contractor’s specialty classification (like “Home Improvement,” “Electrical,” or “Roofing”), which tells you exactly what type of work they are qualified to do.

How to Look Up a Contractor’s License

The DPOR makes it easy to verify a contractor’s license:

Visit the DPOR License Lookup Tool .
Enter the contractor’s business name, license number, or individual name.
Confirm the license class, specialty, and that the license is active and in good standing .

If a contractor can’t provide a license number—or if you can’t find them in DPOR’s system—that’s a major red flag.

Visit the DPOR License Lookup Tool to search the name of the contractor or their company.

Use the “Advanced License Search” to lookup using their name or license number

Disciplinary Actions: this is a very important step! Search their license number for any reported actions against their license. No results is a very good thing!

Filing a Complaint Against a Contractor

If you’ve had issues with a licensed contractor, DPOR provides a process to file a complaint :

Complaints must be in writing and submitted through DPOR’s forms.
DPOR will investigate whether the contractor violated state laws or regulations.
Possible outcomes include disciplinary action, fines, or license revocation.

You can find complaint forms and more information directly on the DPOR website

The Contractor Transaction Recovery Fund

Here’s where hiring a licensed contractor really pays off. Virginia operates the Contractor Transaction Recovery Fund , which provides financial relief to homeowners who suffer a monetary loss due to a licensed contractor’s improper or dishonest conduct.

Important: This fund is only available if you hired a licensed contractor. If you went with an unlicensed individual—even if they were cheaper—you have no access to this safety net.

The Recovery Fund can reimburse losses up to certain limits if DPOR takes action against the contractor’s license. It’s essentially a built-in layer of protection for homeowners who hire licensed professionals.

Tips for Hiring the Right Contractor ��

Ask for proof of license and insurance up front . However, all licensed contractors are required to list their license number on every estimate and contract, so you can also find it there.
Check references and read reviews, but always confirm with DPOR.
Avoid large upfront payments —Virginia law limits down payments to 30% of the contract price unless special order materials are involved.

Bottom Line

Hiring a licensed contractor in Virginia isn’t just about following the law—it’s about protecting your home, your investment, and your peace of mind. From knowing the license classes to checking DPOR’s database and understanding the Contractor Transaction Recovery Fund, you now have the tools to hire smart and stay protected.

Get in touch with Kraus Remodeling for a licensed contractor you can trust.

Looking to Remodel? Learn more about our services in Northern Virginia .

Supplying Materials for Your Home Remodeling Project: Pros & Cons

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 18:56:30 GMT

"Labor Only" Projects: is it worth it?

Remodeling is both exciting and practical. Who doesn't love to love where they live while increasing the value of their home? But quality remodeling is an investment that can be a bit pricey up front. Oftentimes, we receive inquiries from clients asking to supply their own materials as a way to cut costs. So let's break it down so you can decide--is it worth it? We'll break it down by category to keep things simple.

Quality

Big Box stores can be hit or miss. Depending on the material, what they offer can be equal to what your contractor has available to them. Other times, they carry a lower, DIY-grade version of contractor-grade materials. For example, windows and doors from a big box store are supplied at fixed dimensions. If they don't fit your openings exactly , you will experience leaks and drafts that can later cause more damage. And sometimes, even the brands the stores carry have DIY-grade products that appear almost identical to what the contractors offer, only lesser quality to appeal to the masses. Remember: these stores make money if you keep coming back.

We'll put " Quality " in the " Cons " category for supplying your own materials. Without the years of experience in dealing with these materials, it's unlikely a layman would recognize the difference until further down the line. If a contractor is willing to provide a warranty, and they should , they're less likely to warrant materials purchased by their clients since they do not have imput over the material selection.

Product Options

Contractors spend years developing relationships with different vendors and determining the products that work best in different projects. You'll probably find that they often have a preferred supplier, designer, or brand for the materials your project requires--and this is an effect of years of experience. However, homeowners can find it to be limiting if the brand(s) their contractor prefers doesn't offer the style or product they're looking for. Supplying your own materials gives you the option to look at several sources and choose products that you like.

While we can consider that a " Pro " for supplying your own materials, it is also more coordination on the behalf of the homeowner. (See " Coordination " below!). However, we will say that if you have your heart set on a certain look or design, an experienced contractor will have multiple suppliers and will be able to match you up with a suppliers and designer who meets your needs.

Reusing Extra Materials

If you end up purchasing more of a product than you need, you can reuse that material at another time. While an experienced contractor will always leave you with a box of tile or flooring or extra paint just in case, it's not always guaranteed the rest of the extras will be left with you. So this is a " Pro " for supplying your own materials.

Coordination

A remodeling project requires a great level of coordination. When you supply your own materials, you are responsible for coordinating with each different vendor you purchase from, so you'll need to keep track of separate payments, invoices, delivery dates, warranty information, and customer service lines. If you're just purchasing your floors, this isn't that big of a deal. But a larger remodel, like a kitchen or bathroom, requires a very nuanced and practiced coordination schedule that is best streamlined by a general contractor. If not, instead of going through your one contractor with any issues, you'll need to track down your vendors separately. We consider that a " Con ."

Even more so, different materials have different lead times. Sometimes you may fall in love with something that is backordered or special order. If it doesn't arrive in time to be installed on schedule, your project will inevitably become majorly delayed. This cost will likely be passed on to whoever purchased the materials. If it's the contractor, that's one thing. But when homeowners supply the materials, it's on them. A delay can cost over a thousand dollars each day a crew is delayed.

Here's an example: we purchased the materials for a client's bathroom. The delivery was delayed--not due to an error we made, but an error made by the company. Because we spend hundreds of thousands of dollars with them each year, and we've formed relationships with them over the past twenty years, they were quick to respond to the error and made it right immediately. However, we've seen it go the opposite way with a client who supplied his own oven hood. The company basically told him, "we'll get it out whenever we're in your area next." It caused a significant delay, and even showed up damaged when it did, so our client had a lot of things to deal with on top of the added cost of the delays. We hate to see that happen!

Expertise

It's not only about the coordination of the materials that can get messy. It takes years of experience to get the quantities needed dialed in so that the work runs smoothly. If a homeowner supplies the materials, and the crew is left waiting for them to get more, those costly delays can add up. A crew is a well-oiled machine that runs smoothly when they have everything they need, but without the right materials things can stop moving--and those delays snowball. Oftentimes, we have multiple trades scheduled in one day, and each of their jobs depends on the others being finished. When you purchase your own materials, you are circumnavigating the expertise of the contractor. We consider this a " Con ."

For example : we could have an electrician, our drywall crew, and our painter scheduled for your project back to back. The drywall crew cannot do their work until the electrician is done, and the painters can't paint until the drywall is ready. If a homeowner purchased the wrong material for the drywall, or even the wrong amount, then the painter will charge for their lost day of work in addition to the rescheduled day. Or if the materials the electrician is installing are delayed or incorrect, then the same goes for the electrician and drywallers as well. It really does snowball.

Accuracy

Not all materials are installed the same. A vanity may seem like it is installed the same as all other vanities, but there are so many factors that can impact the project. A seemingly small change can have a large impact on the overall project. Remodeling is a custom process, and so there is no "plug and play" way to choose materials. For example, purchasing a vanity that has a different top or layout than the previous one can have a snowball effect if we now need to consider how it affects the floor, baseboards, or even the wall behind the backsplash. These are things a trained eye knows to look for and account for in their pricing. However, you may find that your remodel needs a hefty change order because the materials you chose didn't account for certain things. This also causes delays. We're putting this in the " Cons " category.

Measuring

Taking measurements seems like a piece of cake, but there are so many small nuances to account for. If you are even a little bit off in your measurements, there can be big consequences that cause major delays or hiccups in the design. We consider it a " Con " for the burden of accurate measurements.

Pricing

A reason why it is recommended for homeowners to supply their materials to cut costs is because the pricing of the materials is more transparent (" Pro "). Contractors often put a markup on materials, but it is not for the reasons that you may think. We often hear that contractors markup materials because "that's where they make their money." But the truth is that a general contractor's job is to coordinate your project and make money doing it. The costs of doing business today are high, and in order to stay in business a contractor will charge accordingly. If they're marking up your materials, it's because they are providing a service that includes:

Coordinating deliveries, addressing missing or incorrect items
Spending time researching, ordering, and selecting materials that work best for the project with the client
Providing expertise based on years of experience
Providing warranties
(Sometimes) storage or moving of materials
Time spent measuring

While at first it can seem like a money grab, if you are hiring a general contractor, then having them supply the materials is part of the job. A company that stays in business is a company that charges for their time. Time spent on the materials--the second-most important aspect of your project (after the quality of installation)--is definitely worth charging for. And our clients tend to agree! (So, in the end, buying your own materials lands you a " Con " in the pricing category due to the high chances for change orders & delays.)

Our Recommendation

If you want your project to go smoothly, purchasing your own materials will likely lead to regret down the line. If you do your research and find a reputable contractor with extensive experience and an eye for detail, you'll get what you pay for. The savings on materials is minimal, if not non-existent, when considering change orders, delays, and mistakes that can come from purchasing materials on your own.

At Kraus Remodeling, we have a sterling reputation for making sure any problems that arise along the course of the project are not passed on to the client. As general contractors, our strong relationships with our suppliers and designers provides seamless experiences for our clients. We never "put our stamp" on anything less than the quality we're reputed for, and so our business model requires that we supply the materials for our projects. While certain things can be purchased by the client, we always ensure there is coordination and transparency throughout the process to ensure a smooth remodel. Our contracts with our clients are based on the actual materials selected by our clients to avoid any surprises, and so our pricing is accurate from the beginning. Trust, transparency, mutual respect, and professionalism are the keys to a successful remodel!

Rules of Roof Maintenance

pmcfadden@indispensablemarketing.com (Patrick McFadden) — Sun, 20 Jun 2021 12:46:04 GMT

Broken shingles are a sign that your roof needs attention. Pay attention to this early sign and you'll save yourself time and money in the long run.

Make a list

Lists are great ways to stay on track. Write down some big things you want to accomplish and some smaller things, too.

Check the list regularly

Don’t forget to check in and see how you’re doing. Just because you don’t achieve the big goals right away doesn’t mean you’re not making progress.

Reward yourself

When you succeed in achieving a goal, be it a big one or a small one, make sure to pat yourself on the back.

Think positively

Positive thinking is a major factor in success. So instead of mulling over things that didn’t go quite right, remind yourself of things that did.

Find the Right Roof Experts

pmcfadden@indispensablemarketing.com (Patrick McFadden) — Sun, 20 Jun 2021 12:46:04 GMT

Not all roofs are created equal; some roofs require more attention than others. Working with an expert will help you choose the roof that is right for you.

Here are some reasons to make blogging part of your regular routine.

Blogging is an easy way to engage with site visitors

Writing a blog post is easy once you get the hang of it. Posts don’t need to be long or complicated. Just write about what you know, and do your best to write well.

Show customers your personality
When you write a blog post, you can really let your personality shine through. This can be a great tool for showing your distinct personality.

Blogging is a terrific form of communication
Blogs are a great communication tool. They tend to be longer than social media posts, which gives you plenty of space for sharing insights, handy tips and more.

It’s a great way to support and boost SEO
Search engines like sites that regularly post fresh content, and a blog is a great way of doing this. With relevant metadata for every post so search engines can find your content.

"This is a quote for you new post. To change it, simply click and start typing."

John Doe

Drive traffic to your site
Every time you add a new post, people who have subscribed to it will have a reason to come back to your site. If the post is a good read, they’ll share it with others, bringing even more traffic!

Blogging is free
Maintaining a blog on your site is absolutely free. You can hire bloggers if you like or assign regularly blogging tasks to everyone in your company.

A natural way to build your brand
A blog is a wonderful way to build your brand’s distinct voice. Write about issues that are related to your industry and your customers.

Replacing your roof? Read this first.

pmcfadden@indispensablemarketing.com (Patrick McFadden) — Sun, 20 Jun 2021 12:46:03 GMT

Replacing your roof has many benefits, including reduced heating costs and increased home value. Learn about the benefits of roof replacement.

Speak to your audience

You know your audience better than anyone else, so keep them in mind as you write your blog posts. Write about things they care about. If you have a company Facebook page, look here to find topics to write about

Take a few moments to plan your post

Once you have a great idea for a post, write the first draft. Some people like to start with the title and then work on the paragraphs. Other people like to start with subtitles and go from there. Choose the method that works for you.

Don’t forget to add images

Be sure to include a few high-quality images in your blog. Images break up the text and make it more readable. They can also convey emotions or ideas that are hard to put into words.

Edit carefully before posting

Once you’re happy with the text, put it aside for a day or two, and then re-read it. You’ll probably find a few things you want to add, and a couple more that you want to remove. Have a friend or colleague look it over to make sure there are no mistakes. When your post is error-free, set it up in your blog and publish.