We pride ourselves on keeping up with current construction issues and maintaining a competitive price advantage; we offer very competitive prices on roofing, siding, window and deck replacement work. In fact, we continue to improve our materials while still saving our customers money compared to other contractors. But price is just part of the picture when choosing a contractor for your next big or small job. See more at our Choosing A Contractor page at: http://www.rainshield.net/Choosing-Contractor.htm
Choosing the Wrong Contractor
As strange as this may seem, your biggest problem when needing repair or replacement work done on your home, office or building might be choosing the wrong contractor. Not that they are not trying to do a good job. But if they do not handle roofing, windows and siding (we also handle decks) on a day to day basis, they are out of touch with your needs. Keeping up with new developments in the construction industry is a full time job.
What can you do?
- Check recent references.
- Call their past clients to check on the quality and service on past jobs.
- See if you can visit an actual site displaying their replacement or repair work.
No Inspection
Violating this “sin” can wipe out your entire home equity – possibly your biggest asset! Be sure you have your windows, roofing and siding inspected to prepare you for selecting the best method of replacement or repair. Ask your contractor to help you decide on the highest quality materials and labor that fit your budget.
No or Wrong License
The construction company you choose should be licensed in the work you have asked them to do. And preferably, they will be licensed for roofing, siding, window and deck work. Each category of contractors in Washington must have specific licenses, insurance and bonds. Check out your contractor at the Labor & Industries website (lni.wa.gov).
They should be registered and they should have the appropriate licensing for your job. Do they have adequate experience? If your contractor goes out of business after your job, your warranties and guarantees are worthless!
Insurance Exclusions
All contractors have exclusions in their insurance policies. Find out the exclusions in a contractor’s insurance policy before you commit to hiring them. Just ask! Finding out a problem with insurance after a problem occurs could mean big money out of your pocket.
Certificates of Insurance
Ask to see the contractor’s Certificate of Insurance. There are many reasons why businesses and smart homeowners will not accept just any Certificate of Insurance from their contractors.
What can you do?
- Ask about their limits of liability
- Problem: Low Limits of Liability
- How much insurance does the contractor have? If a mistake is made or damage is caused, you want to be covered.
- It is common to expect at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance coverage.
Unqualified Subcontractors
Find out if the contractor will work alone or with one or more subcontractors. It is fine to use subcontractors. But be sure the contractor only uses qualified installers who are experienced with the materials that will be used on your job. You have a right to ask.
Unclear Pricing
How can prices vary so much between contractors? There are several factors to the cost of a construction job:
| Materials |
The materials used to perform the repair or replacement |
| Labor |
The team on the job |
| Overhead |
Other costs that are necessary to be in business and keep things running smoothly |
| Profit |
What is left when all else is paid; most is typically invest back into the business |
If you do not use an experienced contractor, you may be getting inferior materials. If the labor charges are too low, you may not receive a quality installation.
Be sure to compare quality and “going concern” (the ability for the contractor to stay in business) when comparing the pricing between contractors.
Filed under: Inside RainShield, Services
