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.

How to find the best contractor for the job

While many repairs can be done by a handy homeowner, there are some jobs, such as putting on a roof or installing siding, that require a professional contractor. But finding an expert who will get the work done on time, on budget and in a professional and friendly manner can sometimes feel daunting. Here are my tips to help you find the best person for your next job.

1. Get references. You want to find someone who is local to the area and has a good reputation. Ask your contractor for the names and phone numbers of the last several jobs he or she completed so you can contact the homeowners and discuss their experiences. Ask questions about the contractor's professionalism and communication skills as well as the end-to-end process.

2. Make sure they have the right qualifications. A general contractor might be able to do anything, but that doesn't mean they do it all particularly well. Find someone who has extensive experience in the job you want done, not someone who just "does that too". Also make sure that they are both licensed and insured to do the work that you require.

3. Get into the nitty gritty. A good contractor will give you a step-by-step breakdown of the job they are quoting on. Remember that with home remodeling, you're paying for both a product and a service, so ask about the materials they are using and do some research on your own. Extra time may be required for ordering materials, especially if they are more difficult to come by, so ask questions about the timeline and expected completion date.

4. You get what you pay for. You have no idea how many times I get calls to replace a roof with a 30 year warranty after only 10 years because of installation error, or because the homeowner skipped a vital step in order to save some money. Warranties on products are only as good as the installation and surrounding environment, and many manufacturers won't honor a warranty if those factors aren't up to scratch. Make sure your contractor explains this to you.  

Expert contractors love working with people who are well informed, have done their research and aren't afraid to ask questions. Don't be afraid to speak up, because good communication is key to ensuring that your job is done right and to your specifications.