Dwight & Sons, Inc
Finding the right contractor
The critical success factor in any construction project is the contractor. A qualified and experienced contractor knows what results are required for owner satisfaction, as well as what will lead to dissatisfaction down the road. Selecting the right contractor, however, can be quite confusing for most people. The following recommendations from the Certified Contractors NetWork (CCN) and several roofing manufactures, are provided to educate you, the consumer.
Spending The Time Will Save Money
When you shovel your roof, leave 2-3 inches of snow on it. If you shovel down to the shingles, you may damage them. And, if you shovel in an upward motion, you can rip or tear the shingles right off.
Be careful when you hire someone to shovel your roof. An inexperienced person can do more harm then good. Don’t make the mistake of hiring someone who is not fully insured or you you run the risk of incurring great liability if that person falls off your roof while shoveling.
A snow rake is a popular tool, but there are downsides to snow raking. If you only rake part way up the the roof, all you are doing is pushing the ice dam farther up the roof. The best solution is to remove all of the snow, letting mother nature take her course.
At Dwight & Sons, we also provide full snow plowing and snow removal services. Our shovelers are experienced installers as well. Since they understand how a roof is put on, they also understand what not to do when removing snow.
Do Your Homework
Make sure to ask these seven key questions!
. What is the full name and address of the company?
. Does the company carry Liability and Workman’s Compensation insurance and is the coverage adequate?
. Is the company a licensed contractor? Is the contractor a member of a trade association and in good standing?
. How long has the contractor been in business?
. What is the contractor’s track record for handling complaints?
. What is the company’s workmanship warrantee?
. Specific questions for specific projects.
*Information provided by CCN
Buyer Beware
Most contractors are honest professionals. However, as in any buying situation, it’s your job to be on the lookout for the unscrupulous few. Here’s what the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) warns are some of the danger signs of fraud*:
. Fantastic promises or wild deals
. High-pressure sales tactics or threats to push you into signing up on the spot
. Attempts to scare you into signing for “urgent” repairs
. Offers to consolidate your existing loans through a home improvement contractor
. Trial purchases, or guarantees of significant discounts, if you allow your home to be used as a “demo”
. Offers of a “bargain” price using “leftover materials” from a contractor who makes unsolicited phone calls or visits to your home
*Fixing Up Your Home and How to Finance It, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 1995.
Free consultation
When contemplating a renovation, any contractor can come out and give you an estimate for the price. When you call Dwight & Sons, you get more than a price quote. We provide you with a free consultation where we discuss your reasons for the renovation, your budget, your current needs and future goals. Based upon the information provided, we develop a cost effective solution that works for you, while maximizing your property investment. If you would prefer to do this online, check out our Roofing Renovator Estimator.
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Hours
MONDAY 8:30 A.M - 4:30 P.M
TUESDAY 8:30 A.M - 4:30 P.M
WEDNESDAY 8:30 A.M - 4:30 P.M
THURSDAY 8:30 A.M - 4:30 P.M
FRIDAY 8:30 A.M - 4:30 P.M
SATURDAY 8:30 A.M - 4:30 P.M
SUNDAY 8:30 A.M - 4:30 P.M