Wind and hail storms can diminish the aesthetic appeal and value of your home. Wind and hail can cause unsuspected damage to roof shingles and siding. Over time, these damages will reduce the life expectancy of your roofing and siding.  It is not uncommon to see a flock of startup and out-of-town roofing contractors migrate to your neighborhood after a wind or hail storm. But who can you turn to?

Finding a reliable, trustworthy roofing contractor to help protect your home is tough! But there are ways to actively protect your most valuable asset and avoid deceptive business practices.

Key Things to Look for when Hiring a Contractor to Handle your Insurance Claim:

1. Locality: Be leery of roofers with multiple locations in different states.  Check business addresses as many operate out of makeshift offices in extended stays and temporary rental housing. These are tell-tale signs that these businesses are only here to earn a quick buck.  Who will warranty your home when these contractors move back to their hometown?

2. Years in Business: Fact is 9 out of 10 businesses fail within its first 2 years.  Another 80% of the surviving businesses will fail to meet their 6th fiscal year.  But this will not stop these companies from simply operating under a new name. Seek established experience you can trust.

3. Free Offers: Beware of offers that sound too good to be true. “Free windows when you get your siding and roofing approved,” does this sound familiar? More often than not, you get what you pay for. Though you may not pay upfront on price, it can cost you later on quality, service and warranty.

4. Credentials: Screen and verify home improvement contractors. Check legitimate websites, such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Angie’s List. Speak with references. Also, identify professional accreditations for expertise (i.e. – Haag Engineering, EPA, Master Elite and VSI Certifications).

5. Workmanship: A warranty is only as good as the company. Most manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty. However, an incorrect installation will automatically void a manufacturer’s warranty.

6. Subcontractors: 70% of home remodeling contractors do not have on-site project managers who oversee jobs. Instead, many hire subcontractors and compromise quality assurance. Lack of operational controls not only impact safety, project timelines and workmanship; it can ultimately jeopardize your manufacturer’s warranty down the line.

7. Permits: When contractors ask homeowners to obtain a building permit, it is a red flag that they are most likely uninsured or underinsured.  For a contractor to obtain a permit, the village will mandate proof of current and adequate bonding and insurance. Request a Certificate of Insurance directly from the contractor’s insurance agent for evidence of relevant coverages.

Cornerstone Exteriors knows insurance is becoming increasingly complex and more difficult to understand every day. From start to finish, our dedicated storm damage specialists will work closely with your insurance company to maximize your reimbursement and get you on your way to a beautifully, restored home.

THE FIVE MOST IMPORTANT SERVICES WE OFFER:

Damage Assessment: Our highly trained staff and restoration specialists proudly boast over 100 years of combined experience. Many of our employees also hold professional accreditations. We strictly adhere to criteria established by major insurance carriers and industry standards set forth by engineering professionals to perform a comprehensive and thorough storm damage assessment.

Professional Inspection: We carefully inspect your roofing, siding, gutters, and fascia for signs of hail damage. We insure that the “scope of work” includes all damages and is not limited to just “patch work”, which can negatively affect the appearance and resale value of your home.

Recovery & Funding: We will meet with your insurance adjustor to ensure that you receive a thorough and fair assessment of your property. Our experienced specialists help maximize recovery and properly allocate funds from your insurance carrier to restore your home in accordance to the loss provisions of the policy. Our expert staff will educate you throughout the insurance claims process and storm restoration construction.

Construction Management: We involve active management to oversee all of our field operations for strict quality control. Over 95% of all of our work is completed the same day (in most cases, the remaining 5% or less is due to weather-related conditions).

Peace of Mind: Being locally owned and operated, we know your neighborhood. Cornerstone Exteriors upholds the highest standard of business ethics. Simply put, we treat your home like our own. We are committed to excellence and are transparent with our homeowners from start to finish. We take pride in our workmanship and guarantee quality with an above industry standard limited warranty on craftsmanship and extended manufacturer’s warranty on materials. It’s that easy.

-          We are fully insured and bonded

-          Our work is guaranteed

-          We provide detailed, professional proposals

-          We are an EPA Lead-Safe Certified company

-          Professional, Reliable, Accredited, Certified

“Build with a company you can trust.” Count on Cornerstone Exteriors!

 

Comments are closed.