Storm Damage? Do Your Homework Before You Hire a Roofer

I was driving through town the other day behind a roofing truck with a company name I had never heard of before. Then I noticed the license plate and the phone number, both from nearly a thousand miles away in the Midwest. That’s a pretty long commute to Connecticut, and it’s not the first one I’ve seen this summer.

After a stretch of severe weather, it’s common to see an influx of contractors from outside the area. In the roofing business, they’re often called “storm chasers.” They follow damaging storms from one area to the next, looking for neighborhoods where homeowners may need roof repairs or replacements.

And to be fair, being from out of state doesn’t automatically make someone a bad contractor. There are good contractors and bad contractors everywhere. But when someone knocks on your door after a storm offering to inspect your roof, especially if they’re promising a very low price or telling you that you need to act immediately, it’s worth slowing down and doing a little homework.

Your roof is too important, and too expensive, to make a decision based solely on who can get there first or give you the lowest estimate.

Why does hiring local matter?

One of the biggest reasons is simple: we’re still here when the job is over and for years after that.

A roof is designed to last for decades, and even a properly installed roof can occasionally have an issue. Maybe you notice a leak during the next big rainstorm. Maybe flashing needs to be adjusted. Maybe you have a question about your warranty a year from now. You want to know who you’re calling and that you can get in touch with them.

A reputable local contractor has a business and a reputation in the community to protect. We run into our customers at the grocery store, at restaurants, and at our kids’ and grandkids' swim meets and music concerts. If something goes wrong, we can’t just pack up and head to the next storm. That kind of accountability matters, especially when you’re in business in the same town for decades.

Is the lowest roofing estimate a good deal?

If I were a homeowner, I’d want to understand why an estimate is much lower. Roofing estimates can vary because contractors are using different materials, installation methods, warranties or even different interpretations of what needs to be replaced. A substantially lower price doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting the same roof for less money.

Ask what’s included. What shingles are being installed? What about underlayment, flashing, ventilation and cleanup? Who is actually doing the work? Is the contractor licensed and properly insured? What warranties come with the job, and who handles a warranty issue later?

You don’t need to become a roofing expert. You just need to ask enough questions to understand what you’re buying.

How can I check a contractor’s reputation?

This is one area where the internet has made life considerably easier.

Look at reviews, but don’t stop at the star rating. See how long the company has been receiving reviews in your area. Look at their website and physical address. Ask your neighbors, the local chamber of commerce, even your town Facebook group. Check whether they’ve been doing business locally for years or whether their presence appeared shortly after the last hailstorm.

And ask for references. A reputable contractor should be able to point you toward plenty of local homes where they’ve done similar work recently and for some time.

I’d also be cautious about anyone using high-pressure tactics. Storm damage can feel urgent, but unless your home is actively taking on water or there’s an immediate safety issue, you generally have time to get another opinion and compare estimates.

We’ve had plenty of wild weather in Connecticut this summer, and unfortunately, that means there are plenty of roofs that legitimately need repairs. Just remember that you’re not only choosing a roof. You’re choosing the company standing behind it.

A good price matters, but good workmanship matters more, and knowing who will answer the phone if you need help later is worth quite a bit, too.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Have a question? Email info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” For your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for general guidance only.

Reputation Counts When Searching for a Contractor

It can be tough to find a good remodeler these days. With so many options and a lot of unknowns, getting a good contractor that you can trust to do the job right can be more daunting than the project you’re hiring them for. So where do you start? Here are my top tips for finding the best professional for your renovation plans.

Ask for referrals.

When it comes to hiring an expert for remodeling or home repair work, you should look at it the same way you would for a doctor or an accountant. Start by asking friends, family, or co-workers for a referral, or you can also try your local building inspector or the owner of the lumberyard in your area. Additionally, every tradesperson has a network of other home professionals they deal with regularly; so if you have a plumber but need an electrician, don’t be afraid to reach out. Local Facebook groups are also a fantastic way to search for recommendations. 

Trust your gut.

When meeting with professionals, your gut feeling is as important as anything else. Home improvement is a personal process so go at it in the same way you would a first date. Do you like the solutions and options the expert provides? Does he communicate with you in a way that’s clear and concise?  Do you feel comfortable that she will do the job the way you want it done? Don’t get caught up in special deals or flashy talk, trust your instincts and go with a professional that feels more like a partner than a salesperson. A true expert will show his or her knowledge and educate you along the way.  

Don’t ask for a rough estimate. 

There is no use in asking for a “ballpark figure”, ever. Chances are that the prices quoted in the estimate will change once the contractor has a chance to understand what is specifically required. Certain things such as the condition of the property, the materials used for the job, and the personalization that you require will make up the price. Save yourself some time and confusion by making a list of what you really want before the contractors show up for the first appointment. Most professionals will give you an estimate for free so make the most of that opportunity by getting specific. Getting a good deal is important, but not if it means scrimping on quality workmanship. 

Do ask for a plan.

Understanding your costs is key, but it’s also a good idea to ask for a plan of action to ensure you are fully aware of both the process and the timeline for the job. A simple step-by-step explanation will give you the clarity you need to ensure that you and your contractor are on the same page and it will also help you plan around activities you might have going on. As a professional, I like to make sure the steps involved in a job are clearly articulated for two reasons; it gives my customers confidence in the project and it helps them understand all of the work being undertaken, especially the parts that might not be as obvious.  In my opinion, an educated customer is the best kind of customer.

Bob O'Donnell is the owner of O'Donnell Bros, Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro”. All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O'Donnell Bros, Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.