by admin
If you are a business or homeowner, finding someone who can fix problems in a professional manner can be a stressful challenge to handle. Whether you intend to repair damages after a storm or carry out a large-scale renovation, you should not assume that the first person who knocks on your door will be the perfect contractor for you.
Honesty, reputability, and cost efficiency may seem hard to come by. but if you keep a checklist handy, you will be able to show contractors and their companies you mean business – thereby putting the odds in your favor.
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Identification: What do you want to be done? What do you believe is causing the problem? Answering these questions can be quite easy. For example, trimming down a tree may be all you need to get more sun into your living room. If your roof is leaking there could be more to the problem than just replacing the shingles.
Cost Analysis #1: Nobody wants to be surprised by the cost of contract work. If you have homeowner’s insurance, contact your insurance agency before contacting any contractors. They will be able to help you assess the cost of the work, based on the coverage and policy limits you have.
Cost Analysis #2: Sales pitches may cause additional financial problems, should you give into them. Make sure you understand what you are signing, and do not sign anything until you know what your insurance company has said about the contract. Keep everyone on the same page by letting the contractor know what your insurance provider has said. Your insurance provider can make mistakes, just as you or your contractor can make mistakes. If a contractor notices that there is something the insurance company has overlooked, this can be addressed now rather than later.
Research #1: Insurance agents may be able to direct you toward local and reliable contractors. When you choose a contractor from your community, there is less of a chance for potential issues to arise. This is because local contractors know local codes and regulations, as well as other suppliers and professionals in the area who can give you the best deal.
Research #2: The opinion of your community matters as much as the opinion of your insurance company. Compare the company reviews you receive from your insurance agency to the client reviews you see on Google and Facebook.
Branding: Reputable contractors often have manufacturer logos and designations available on their site, that way clients know what contractors use to get the job done. In order to do this, contractors must have their work factory-certified, but some states can be more or less stringent regarding this regulation. Roofers in Texas do not require a license, but companies who work there can still use manufacturer designations as a branding strategy for their services.
Claims Processing: It can be a challenging task to even understand a claim let alone process one. Nevertheless, it is vital that you handle your own claim. Contractors or claim specialists who want to handle your insurance claim directly are breaking the law. However, they are allowed to read over your insurance claim in order to determine what is best for you. It is possible that they can find better ways for you to proceed with your claim.
Compliance: Know what materials you want and that it aligns with the Homeowners Association (HOA). Dishonest contractors may use sub-par materials when working on a project, which could lower resale value, negatively affect the structural integrity of your home, or increase fees from the HOA.
Everything we have discussed in this article is designed to keep you informed and keep you on an equal playing field with insurance companies and contractors. We believe that this is essential to long-lasting professional relationships, especially when it comes to home ownership. If you’re in need of roofing repair in the Lone Star State, Preferred Elite Construction is where you can find it!
