We all want to trust the quality of a contracting service we’re considering when we need work done on our home. But word-of-mouth referrals are not always available, and a slick website can sometimes conceal an inferior product or service. So, if you’re considering hiring someone for the first time, how do you proceed?
There are quite a few signs that your roofing, windows and doors contractor is a trusted business that will provide you high-quality services. Among the more important criteria to look for:
- Good standing with the BBB
- Up-to-date state and local licensing
- A minimum of $1,000,000 in general liability insurance
- A portfolio and affiliations demonstrating their experience
Finding the right contractor can feel like a project unto itself. To make it a little easier, become informed about why the different criteria you’re looking for matter.
Look up BBB Grade and Other Ratings
One of the first and simplest ways to scout a reliable contractor is to look up their rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). From A+ to F, the “grade” represents the bureau’s opinion of how the business tends to interact with its customers. While it can’t tell you everything about a company’s performance, it is based on a range of helpful information gathered from public data sources.
Factors they provide might include:
- How long it has been in operation
- Any history of complaints
- How transparent it is about its business practices
- Government actions related to inadequate licensing
With a company like Harris Exteriors that comes with an A+ rating, you can be comfortable knowing it rates high in those areas. With other names, you may discover insufficient information about a business or an ongoing review of their file. You can also find factors that lower a rating. For example, the profile may indicate that the business has not been transparent about its marketplace conduct. In that case, you may want to do a bit more research before making a decision.
Do They Have HOA Certification?
Something else to look for is HOA certification, which is extremely important for most homeowners in the Chicagoland area. This lets you know that companies are bonded to perform work for the local homeowner associations.
Why does this matter? For instance, at Harris, it means the project managers provide clients with the approved materials, styles, and colors to match the existing buildings and homes in their neighborhood. This includes a whole range of products:
- Roofing
- Siding
- Doors
- Windows
- Gutters
- Soffits
- Fascia
An HOA-certified business like Harris will provide free estimates and in-home consultations for all of the HOAs in the area, as well as opportunities to visit their showrooms to see the products for yourself.
Read Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Someone who has been in business for several years or more will likely publish some customer reviews to shed light on the experiences clients have had in working with them. The absence of any testimonials may not be a red flag, but it could indicate that the contractor is less experienced – a possible downside for more complex projects.
Demonstrate Vast Industry Knowledge and Strong Customer Service
Why settle when you can have a partner that has the latest industry knowledge and dedication to professional craftsmanship? Ratings alone are not a guarantee of a business’s reliability or performance. Reach out to different companies to find out more about your options.
Talking to representatives at the company will also clue you in as to how you would be treated as a paying customer. Someone who can provide excellent customer service is also important in jobs where you have many questions or need help making the right selections for your home. You might benefit more from a company that hires salespeople who can provide good recommendations about which products to use. If all goes well, you’ve now established a relationship with a company you can trust on future projects involving windows, doors, siding and roofing.
Contact Harris Exteriors for Top-Rated Results on Roofing, Windows, Siding & Doors
The team at Harris is certified, insured, and bonded to perform work for all homeowner associations in the Western and Northern Chicagoland area. We partner with tested and highly qualified service providers so you know you’re getting someone properly vetted. One of our specialists can come out to inspect your home and help you assess what the next best step should be.
At Harris Exteriors, we have the rating, certifications and testimonials that new customers require. With a belief in providing unparalleled customer service and quality craftsmanship, our team is happy to answer any questions you have about repairs and installations. Contact us to set up a consultation today!