The Dos and Don'ts of Hiring a Roofing Contractor

Homeowners and Businesses Often Swindled After the Storm; National Storm Management Offers Tips to Help Disaster Recovery

When a storm damages the roof of your home, the process of rebuilding can be slow and frustrating -- and at times, it can be a downright rip-off. Last year, Better Business Bureaus nationwide processed over 10,000 complaints against general contractors, and noted that roofing contractors consistently rank among the top five businesses receiving complaints and garnering report requests.

"The single most important thing you need to know when hiring a roofing contractor is to make sure they are licensed and bonded," said Dean Yancey, a certified GAF Master Elite Roofing Contractor with National Storm Management Inc., a national construction company that specializes in commercial and residential storm restoration services. "After a major storm, a lot of so-called 'contractors' will show up to fix your roof. But many do sub-par work, aren't insured, or possibly are just planning to take your money and run."

Yancey recommends visiting http://www.contractors-license.org/ to check if a contractor is licensed in your state. Requirements for each state will vary.

Yancey added, "Roofing certification exams are extremely rigorous, and ensure the roofer you hire is knowledgeable about construction techniques and all safety and regulatory requirements. And, don't forget to make sure any contractor you hire has LOCAL references. Go over and look at those houses -- do they show the level of quality you want for your roof? If you have doubts, call the Better Business Bureau. Obviously you want your roof fixed as quickly as possible, but it definitely pays to take the time to make sure you're not going to be defrauded."

Yancey recommends keeping the following tips in mind when hiring a roofing contractor:

THE DOS

--  DO report all property damage to your insurance company immediately;
--  DO keep a job file of all important papers related to your roofing
    project (including contracts, work orders, copies of checks, etc.);
--  DO ask for referrals for roofing contractors from your friends and
    neighbors, but ensure the contractor you hire is licensed, certified,
    bonded and insured;
--  DO request line item detail on your roof repair estimate;
--  DO hire a contactor that will work with your insurance company and
    adjuster;
--  DO get a contract in writing, and get a guarantee for both the
    manufacturer's material AND the roofer's labor.
    

THE DON'TS

--  DON'T rush into repairs -- and be aware that some operations may try
    to pressure you into an agreement that's not in your best interest;
--  DON'T hire a contractor without local references;
--  DON'T sign anything unless you completely understand the terms of the
    agreement;
--  DON'T work with a contractor that demands all payment upfront.
    

About National Storm Management, Inc.

National Storm Management (PINKSHEETS: NLST) is an expanding national construction company providing storm restoration services in seven states. Its operating affiliates include: ABC Exteriors (Illinois); ABC Exteriors (Indiana); Pinnacle Roofing (Orlando, Vero Beach & West Palm Beach, Florida); MSM Builders and Remodel (Missouri); WRS, Inc (Minnesota); First Class Builders (Maryland); Pinnacle Roofing (Mississippi); First Class Roofing and Siding (Ohio); and Pinnacle Roofing (Louisiana). The company and its affiliates are recognized by all major insurance companies such as State Farm, Allstate, Farmers and many others for storm related claims. The company is also a member of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and the Better Business Bureau. More information is available at www.nationalstorm.net.