VB Builders LLC

We are repairing the third bathroom Jeff remodeled in our home 9 years ago. Turns out throwing subfloor on top of the existing subfloor means you need to account for that depth when installing the toilets. They caulked around the toilet so no visible leaks for years. After finding black mold 4 years ago in one of the bathrooms, we find ourselves in the same situation with the other 2 bathrooms. Every tradesman, from HVAC to pest control, that enters the crawl space comments on the odd plumbing configuration Jeff installed. It’s an octopus of mixed materials that don’t belong together. Aside from the plumbing nightmare, the kitchen flooring had to be redone since he didn’t prepare the subfloor properly. When the flooring installer came back 6 years after the job completion, he still had images of our terrible subfloor job in his phone as he often shared it with follow tradesmen as a “can you believe this” story. All of this is in addition to replacing the electrical Jeff installed that was a code violation (think receptacles hanging free behind the refrigerator) and 4 circuits melting in our panel. The electrician replacing our panel said we’re lucky we didn’t have a house fire—he said this as he tapped the panel and sparks shot out. In summary, no permits were ever taken out, no inspections for plumbing or electrical, and no pride or investment in his job for us. Our reward is cleaning up the mess of someone we trusted. If I want my blood pressure to sky rocket, all I have to do is think of Jeff and the abhorrent work that has cost tens of thousands to repair and most importantly, jeopardized my family’s safety.

VB Builder Jeff Merklinger We hired Jeff for the first time in 2017 for remodeling down to the studs and addition of an elevator to a 1983 built condo with 4 bathrooms, 4 story with 3 bedrooms and 1 car garage on the Bay. He replaced all windows, doors, subfloors, hardwood, tile in all baths and rebuilt interior stairs, all paint, drywall, coffered ceilings, whole new kitchen and even epoxy on the garage floor! The elevator shaft alone was a major feat along with limited contractor space. Dealing with HOA, neighbors etc.

If I could give zero stars, I would! We hired Jeff in June of 2022 for a large renovation. He never completed the job, but we’ve had to REDO ALL the electric, most of the plumbing and the hardwoods he installed. He lacks attention to detail. Never writes anything down, so he forgets a lot. He not congenial or civil to work with. Don’t make the same mistake we made!

Jeff and his team at VB Builders far exceeded my expectations! My wife and I purchased a home with the intent on remodeling most of the interior. This included adding feature walls (e.g. ship lap), coffered ceilings, wains coating, new hardwood floors, custom kitchen banquet, master bath, powder room, guest room bathrooms, etc. We basically gutted the home down to the walls. Not only did VB Builders finish ahead of schedule and on budget, the work was amazing! We receive compliments from everyone that visits the house. They provided major wow factor. I appreciated how hands on Jeff was in the process. Having the business owner on site increases accountability and efficiency. He was also easily accessible to both my wife and me, answering calls, emails and texts immediately. He even offered advice with regard to style ques and they were spot on. Perhaps one of the greatest examples of going above and beyond was the custom mantle he built and installed. I told him about the TV and surround sound I was having installed and he took it upon himself to take measurements of all the electronics to build a custom mantle that fit the TV and middle speaker perfectly. It gives off a truly, custom finish. I cannot express enough how thrilled we are with his work. In a few years we'll be tackling the exterior to work on a pool, pool house, etc. and we will absolutely be using Jeff again, I highly recommend VB Builders!

Extensive remodel of our Virginia Beach home originally built in 1934, with additions added in 1995 and 2007. Complete HVAC system redo with gas brought to house to power system, kitchen range and fireplaces. Original radiators removed from house and hardwood perfectly matched and replaced. Electrical replaced and updated throughout. 3 bathrooms updated with new shower, tile, sinks, toilets, lighting etc. Beautifully updated kitchen workmanship with Viking appliances installed. About Construction, Inc. did an amazing job completing our dream beach home project on time and on budget. Attention to detail, workmanship and timeliness made the renovation a great success. Always respectful of our input to recommend changes as the project progressed. We can only give About Construction our highest recommendation!

Jeff did a great job repairing years of neglect on the outside of my house. He replaced 20 windows, reinforced deck railings, repaired a damaged wall, repaired siding, painted the outside and the inside. Jeff is contentious and a very hard worker. I would recommend Jeff without reservation.