Frequently Asked Questions
At Maryland Shingle Roofing & Siding, we've done our best to create a website that anticipates and satisfies our customers' needs. With that goal in mind, we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions. If you do not find an answer to your question here, you may contact Maryland Shingle Roofing & Siding at one of the phone numbers below.
Q: How can I check on my contractor?
A: A good starting place would be referrals
and word of mouth. Next, make sure they are licensed and insured. Most states
require every contractor to be licensed. Maryland Shingle Roofing &
Siding license numbers are posted on every page of our web site at the
bottom. In Maryland you may also call the Maryland Home
Improvement Commission and check on your contractor for complaints.
Some counties have agencies that keep records on contractors such as the
“Howard County Consumer Affairs” in Howard county. Check with your
county in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Howard, Fredrick, Montgomery,
Prince Georges, Harford, and other counties for similar agencies. Your local
Better Business Bureau also keeps complaint records on file. We are a
Member of the Better Business Bureau of Greater Maryland. Most of all
make an informed decision when selecting a contractor.
Q: What makes a good
proposal or estimate for work?
A:
Details! Many homeowners will sign contracts that just don’t have the
details spelled out. For instance say you are purchasing new siding
for your home and the contract states “Install new Certianteed Vinyl
Siding”. This just doesn’t have the details you need. For
example Certainteed makes many different lines of vinyl siding which one is
your contractor installing? Will it be the Top of the line “Monogram” or the
lower line “Hamilton Park”. If it’s not spelled out I wouldn’t count
on the top of the line being installed. The same applies to roofing just
saying Certianteed roofing, GAF roof or Tamko roofing is not nearly enough
information. Make sure you have listed on your proposal the
Manufacturer and the specific line that will be installed. Look to see that
all the necessary accessories are also spelled out on the contract. Light
blocks, dryer vents, gable vents, J-channel corner posts etc. for siding and
drip edge, roof felt, winterguard, flashing, plywood price etc. for roofing.
A good contract will also have the contractor’s license number and contact
phone number. A few references are also a good idea to have.
These are just a few things you need to check before signing a contract.
Check to see that any questions you have are fully answered before signing
on a dotted line. Check the Details! That’s good advice from Maryland
Shingle Roofing & Siding.
Q: Are warranties
important?
A: Yes. Warranties are
your guarantee if you experience a problem. How long the warranty is
in effect can also make a difference down the road. One year
warranties have left many homeowners pounding the table 366 days later. I
can’t tell you how many people call us looking for repair work after having
problems with another companies work right after a one year warranty has
expired. Extremely long warranties can also be tricky. A company
that’s been in business for two years giving ten year warranties can also
require some thought. Keep in mind a new company must start somewhere.
Only you can decide what’s reasonable for your comfort zone.
Q: Are Maryland Shingle
roofing & siding estimates free?
A: Yes,
Maryland Shingle Roofing & Siding does not charge homeowners for estimates.
These are just a few answers from Maryland Shingle Roofing & Siding to many questions you may have. Please feel free to call us with any questions. We’ll be happy to answer all your questions.
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