CityWide Roofing

“Dos” and “Don’ts” of Selecting a Contractor for Storm Damage

After that big storm hits,the last thing you probably want to do is listen to some contractor pitch you on why his company is the best thing since dimensional shingles as he shoves a contract in your face. That being said, there are several things you will want to know before making that final decision.  Below is a list of “do’s” and “don’ts you will want to considerto make sure you “Do” and “Don’t Do” following a storm:

Do’s

1. Do a quick check to make sure you are working with someone local.  Although there are some good contractors who come into town following a storm, there is no guarantee they will be around in the (off season/ 6months down the road) to address any problems that arise from their work. We’ve received several calls after the “storm chasers” leave town and homeowners don’t know who to call about their leaky roof.
2. Do make sure the company is established. Ask how long they’ve been in business.  Ask for their credentials.  Are they part of the local BBB? Do they have references? Do they have a local office?
3. Do ask if they insure their crews and ask to see a Certificate of Liability Insurance. Many contractors who come into town will cut corners and expenses by not insuring their crews locally. This creates a significant liability to you as the homeowner.  If someone falls off of your roof and the company is not properly insured, you are liable.
4. Do have the contractor show you pictures of damage. It’s easy to identify damage for a contractor with experience, however, make them slow down to explain what they’ve found and show you pictures to prove the contractor was even paying attention on the roof.
5. Do make sure your contractor meets the adjuster if possible.  After all, the contractor is your advocate. An experienced contractor will be able to point out things that an adjuster may overlook or miss. It’s important that the insurance company restore you to as close to whole prior to the devastation a storm can bring.

Don’ts

1. Don’t sign with the first guy who knocks at your door. Take your time and interview at least 3 companies.  Some contractors will try to use scare tactics to pressure you into signing on the spot. Take notice of this as it’s usually not a good sign.
2. Don’t go with the lowest bidder.  Following a storm, it is important that you work with someone who offers a fair price, but will also advocate with your insurance company to get you the best roofing system possible.  Some contractors will tell you that you can keep the difference between the lowest bid and what insurance pays as part of the claim. This is considered insurance fraud.  Reputable contractors understand that they must bill insurance for the materials and labor used.  If there is an overage, it either needs to be applied to the claim or sent back to the insurance company, period.
3. Don’t listen to contractors who tell you they will “waive your deductible” while simultaneously “giving you free upgrades”.  This is a sure sign that the contractor will need to cut corners on your claim somewhere to make up the difference.  It is also considered insurance fraud to waive a deductible. Be very leery of contractors who seem to be giving away the farm as quality of installation and/or product will likely suffer.
4. Don’t take for granted the BBB logo on a contractor’s truck or business card.  Many times a contractor may be set up with the BBB in another state. It is worth your time to go to http://denver.bbb.org/ to verify whether or not the contractor you are considering is locally accredited.
5. Don’t believe there is damage if the contractor has not shown you. Most contractors can show you photos of the damage on your roof to validate the need to process a claim. Make sure the contractor can give you an idea of what direction the storm came from; how many “hits” you have in a square (a 10’ X 10’ sample of your roof); and show images to substantiate calling in the claim.

At the end of the day, as a homeowner, you must be comfortable with the company representing you.  Make sure the company you choose is thorough in their analysis of your roofing needs, addressing everything from the gutters to code required items to the ventilation of your home. Your home represents a significant investment, so make sure you select someone who cares about protecting that investment.