5 Mistakes to Avoid when Hiring an Atlanta Roofing Contractor…and Some Solutions
No matter what stage you’re in (preventative, repair, replacement, etc), you need to be working with an honest, reliable partner. Because roofing work can be an infrequent occurrence, a lot of folks use a roofer one year, then forget about them and pick up with someone else down the road.
Unfortunately, the state of Georgia doesn’t have any regulations or minimum licensing requirements in the roofing industry so many unscrupulous “roofers” benefit. And there are lots of them. The truth of the matter is that if you have a hammer, a nail and some shingles you can call yourself a roofer. While there are quality roofing contractors out there, the bad apples outnumber the good ones and it’s easy to be stung.
It’s for this reason that I offer some thoughts on hiring a quality roofing partner here in metro Atlanta. This is taken from my 25+ years in this industry. Learn from the many that have traveled this path before you. Avoid these mistakes and you’ll save yourself plenty of time, money and headaches-
1. Hiring a roofer that has poor/limited qualifications and experience.
Sadly, I see this all the time. And the state doesn’t make it any easier.
Still, I’m amazed at the way people make decisions on roofers: friends, family, a guy with a truck and a business card; making a decision based on “instinct” then that “instinct” turning out to be a little “off”. The problem is that in a lot of cases, these roofers are also part-time electricians or weekend handymen. That’s nothing against them but they just can’t be committed to your best interests if they’re engaging in other lines of work. You need to find a roofing contractor who is knowledgeable.
To be a quality roofer, you need experience and focus in this area. As in other industries, there’s a lot of news and information (products, techniques, etc) that needs to be followed. If you’re not “in the business”, then the work inevitably suffers at some point–whether it be immediate with the roof application or down the line when inattention to details make early repairs necessary. Businesses pay for a $7k roof, it rains and the roof leaks, then when the contractor is found doing plumbing work. Believe it, it happens.
So what’s the solution? The first thing is that you need to check some references. If they don’t have any, then this should be a big red flag. For the ones they have, ask the references some probing questions rather than going with a guided phone call. Sometimes they’ll turn out to be more candid than their roofer might have wanted.
The second thing is to ask a lot of questions of the roofing contractor to determine the extent of their knowledge. You don’t have to know a lot about roofing to ask good questions. In fact, ask the same types of questions you might ask your mechanic. Here are some–
-How long have you been in the roofing business?
-Is this your sole profession?
-What is the condition of the roof?
-What work, if any, needs to be done?
-How soon?
-Have you done this work before? Can you give some examples?
-Are there any options?
-What materials do you suggest using and why?
2. Hire based on price.
Do you remember the old Fram filter television commercial? A mechanic shows the grunge and grime inside an engine when the oil is not clean. He goes back into the filling station office, slams a cash register door shut and matter-of-factly says, “you can pay me now or pay me later”.
Well, that couldn’t be more true than in the roofing business. Poor roofers will ask for less money and use inferior materials, shortchange surface preparation, and spend less time on the job which results in a problem for you down the road. Sometimes the problem of managing the contractor is more immediate. They sometimes work for so little they can barely support their family. And they can bring baggage to your project that you will not want.
We all fall into the trap of looking for bargains and there’s nothing wrong with that. But do a little research on materials, its pricing, and some fair price ranges on the scope of work. In the end, find a roofer that’s fair in their workmanship and price and you’ll find a roofer for life.
3. Accept a verbal proposal.
This is a source of a lot of problems in this industry. A roofer promises this or that, then over time something else is produced. It all comes back to the importance of a written commitment in the beginning of the relationship. You don’t want to hear a month into the project that “we didn’t say we would do the flanges at that price”.
I’ve seen and heard enough of these stories to strongly encourage you to get something in writing with enough detail to mean something. An agreement/contract/ signed proposal needs to have a scope of work, schedule, project cost, materials to be used, payment terms, estimated project completion date, a non-disclosure agreement and a cancellation policy. You might also want to ask the roofer to explain and document the project process that might include the cleanup process.
4. Unrealistic expectations.
Ok, now I just suggested that you get something in writing to set the expectations up front. And that’s important. But the truth of the matter is that contracts don’t prevent all problems. They help, but unreasonable people (on either side) can ignore them. This is why it’s important to find a reasonable roofer contractor (see #1 above).
But realize too that there are some things that are out of the control of even high-quality roofers. Weather delays, mechanical problems, Atlanta traffic gridlocks, and even employees that quit. Try as they might, contractors cannot be perfect. Problems happen. It’s how the contractor responds to it that tells the tale–it’s not okay if the contractor can’t work out the issues to your satisfaction.
Most roofers (I know we do) try to keep our work areas clean. But believe it or not, it’s sometimes efficient to leave things laying where they’ll next be used. Give some leeway on this for the limited period of the job. The project will be more efficient and you’ll be free of stress.
5. Plan as much as you can.
I know…planning. I probably should have listed this first. The problem is that oftentimes owners and managers don’t know if they even have a problem…much less a need to plan anything for!
That’s understandable. But when you do realize a need for a roofing project or roofing partner, like anything else, planning is most important. Once the problem or need is identified, determine what you want done with some specifics. If you can sketch out a project scope on your own, more power to you. I suggest an initial sketch, then finding someone you can trust to finish the vision.
Duane Righter is the owner of KnightRighter Enterprises, a commercial and residential roofing company out of Marietta, GA. His company is an exclusive dealer of Sarnafil and Duradek in the Atlanta area.
Learn more about KnightRighter and its roofing solutions here at http://www.knightrighter.net.
Hot Tub Heater – for Your Hot Bath or Spa
Taking hot bath is a very relaxing experience, especially if you have a bath or spa installed outside. But for your tub to work properly you will need the right kind of hot tub heater. Find out what your options are and how to select the right heater for you.
Isn’t that great to take a hot relaxing bath outside, when the weather is quite chilly? Good tub heaters will keep your bath temperature the same even in cold weather.
Selecting the right heater for your tub or spa, can be a bit tricky. There are very many heaters available. Before you decide on what type of heater you want, think of how often your are going to use your tub. For frequent use, gas heaters are best.
Different types of hot tub heaters
There are three most popular types of heater based on the source of fuel:
- Gas heaters
- Electric heaters
- Wood heaters
Each type has its own pros and cons. You can’t say that one type is better than the others, it really depends on what suits better for your spa or tub.
Electric Heaters for Hot Tubs
Electric heaters are very easy to use. All you need is a standard domestic hook-up of 110/220V. No additional wiring is required and you can use your heater anywhere where you have a standard hook-up. Another advantage is that electric heaters are easy to fix if anything is wrong with your unit, and you will not have any problems finding parts for it. Also the heater is fitted within the tub cabinet, so it is self-contained.
Disadvantage – electric heaters use a lot of energy which will drive your energy bills high.
Gas and Propane Hot Tub Heaters Save You Money
Natural gas or propane hot tub heater would be more economical. So it is better suited for frequent users of the hot tub in cold season. Also it heats the water quicker and is better for installing in the in-ground tubs. If the electrical supply is not available, an external gas or propane heater works great for keeping the tub hot.
Old Fashioned Wood Burning Hot Tub Heaters
Wood burning hot tub heaters are actually the most economical. However, you can’t use it with any tub. You can only use a wood heater with wooden tubs. They heat up your tub quickly and work very efficiently. The fuel is Cord Wood or coal. This type of heater is best for people who use the hot tub occasionally.
Nothing can relax you more than taking a hot tub bath on a cold day. And with the right heater, your hot tub will work well for many years.
To find consumer tips on buying best heaters, including hot tub heaters visit http://www.heaterbuyingguide.com/hot-tub-heaters.htm
The Expert Approach to Kitchen Renovation
After years of going to work, resting up on the weekends and forgetting about everything that’s not a pressing demand, one day you look around. A little or a lot of kitchen remodeling is “suddenly” overdue. From outdated designs to shabby fixtures, it all seems more than a little behind the times.
Where do you start when you decide it’s time to improve your kitchen’s appearance? Take the time to formulate a plan for a kitchen remodel you’ll love for years to come.
VISIT OPEN HOUSES AT FOR SALE HOMES
There’s a good chance there are many house owners in your area who want to sell their house in your area. When houses become available for open viewing, participate as much as you can. Many owners remodel their kitchens just prior to offering their house for sale in order to improve its value.
Because they are local to your area, chances are you can easily access the same contractors and materials that completed the kitchen remodeling. If you ask, you might find the owners or real estate agent are happy to provide detailed information.
GO TO SHOWROOMS
Another excellent way to get ideas for your new kitchen is to visit showrooms. Here you can see professionally designed complete kitchens and get more information about materials such as cabinets, flooring and even windows. Showrooms can be an excellent way to become acquainted with all of the various decisions you really have to make about your remodel. You can talk to customer service staff for more information on materials, designs and accessories.
BOOKS AND MAGAZINES
Books and magazines allow you to browse kitchen remodels whenever it is convenient. There are magazines with kitchen remodel special issues or articles, and there are also books and magazines devoted exclusively to kitchen design. If you aren’t comfortable paying the high price tag of many of these remodel printed resources, borrow them from your local library. In addition, many magazines will offer a free issue as part of a trial subscription you can promptly cancel without charge.
HOME IMPROVEMENT TRADE SHOWS
These shows are held at least once a year in nearly every medium to large city nationwide. They consist of a massive gathering of leading home improvement materials suppliers and contractors.
It can be considered an expo, but if you take the time to talk to specialists and investigate their products and promotional materials, it can be time well spent. You may have to pay a small entrance fee, but it is a very small price to pay for getting in touch with true professionals who know what they are talking about.
In conclusion, think before you act when it comes to kitchen remodeling. Don’t simply call the contractor without having any idea how you want your kitchen to look. As a general rule, contractors are not kitchen designers. They may have helpful suggestions and good ideas, but it is best to have a plan on paper before demolition begins.
If you don’t feel you need to hire a designer but lack the skills to create a plan on paper, take advantage of free design services from a professional at a home improvement store. They are often more than happy to provide you with a kitchen design free of charge in the hope of selling you products.
Plan your kitchen remodel like a pro
http://www.kitchenremodelfaq.com
Expert advice, tips and plans for updating your kitchen
http://www.kitchenrenovating.com
Remodeling Your Kitchen to be Efficient and Current
The kitchen is a very important room in the home. It needs to be very comfortable to use, and effective in storing all the various tools and dishes you use in it. Many older kitchens simply aren’t up to what a lot of people would like them to be.
You can start with the stove. Many people are putting more professional ranges into their kitchens. These stoves allow the serious chef in the family to make the most of their talents. These can include more burners, a larger oven and so forth.
Then there are also newer technologies that can speed cooking. Electric induction is one such that may be of interest for some people.
It’s also popular right now to have your other appliances match your cabinetry. You can make your refrigerator, dishwasher and trash compactor look like the rest of your kitchen cabinets. This can add a very comfortable look to the kitchen without reducing the overall functionality.
If you have a lot of appliances, such as a toaster, bread maker, food processor and so forth, a wonderful innovation is to have a cabinet large enough to store all of them. Many standard cabinets are just filled up with these, but you can have a larger cabinet or an appliance garage installed so that you don’t have to keep your appliances on the countertop.
Storage space is utterly vital. I’ve seen large kitchens with very poor storage space, just because so little thought was given to the topic. Drawers have become quite popular as an alternative to cabinets, as you can get a better look at what is inside them.
Storage issues in kitchens with a lot of space can be solved with an island. The wonderful thing about kitchen islands is that you have a lot of choices with them. They can be mobile or installed. They can have nothing but cabinets or contain a dishwasher. They can have a butcher block top while the rest of the kitchen has a different surface for countertops.
You can have a lot of fun with the extras in a new kitchen. Hot water dispensers (careful – the water will be very hot!), warming drawers, steamers, even built in barbeques are all options. Your kitchen can express your cooking style and look great.
Of course, the challenge can be making choices that will continue to look good for years to come. Most people won’t want to go overboard in the style of a remodeled kitchen. However, this still leaves you with quite a bit of flexibility. Combine a great look with modern kitchen tools and your kitchen will delight you for years to come.
Stephanie Foster thinks a modern kitchen is a wonderful thing, and at http://www.kitchenthoughts.com/ shares tips on kitchen remodeling. Get more kitchen remodeling ideas to suit your needs at http://www.kitchenthoughts.com/ideas/
Solar Water Heater Saves You Money
Are you considering installing a solar water heater for your home? Solar heaters offer many benefits, but there are some disadvantages as well. Find out if a solar heater is right for your home.
How solar water heaters work?
Solar water heaters work pretty much the same way as any other solar powered device. Solar panels installed on your roof capture heat from the sun, than it is converted into electrical energy. The energy is stored in special batteries and the power is used as it is needed.
Quite often your hot water tank will be on the roof too, to minimize the energy loss. But solar power can be used for instant tankless water heaters as well, as for ones with a tank.
Pros and cons of a solar water heater
Advantages are obvious – solar energy doesn’t cost you anything, so you will be pleased to discover how much your energy bills go down with the installation of a solar heater. Another thing some people might not think about straight away is environmental issues. Using energy from the sun is environmentally friendly, so not only solar heater will save you money, but you will help to save our planet.
The main drawback of a solar water heater is its initial cost. In the past few years the prices on solar heaters went down, but they are still pretty expensive. Another disadvantage is that if there is much snow in your aria, the panels will end up under a pile of snow and won’t work. So you will have to remove the snow build up in order for the solar panels to work properly. To avoid this you can add solar-powered heating strips to melt the snow.
How to choose the right solar system for your home
Solar panels will be installed on the roof of your house. Usually on the side facing south. Luckily the panels come in a variety of colors to fit with the design of your home. You can also find many configurations to help stay within your budget.
One way to get a solar water heater, despite its high price is by starting small to reduce a portion of your water heating bills. Then you can add panels as you can afford to. How big a heater do you need? That depends on the size of your family and your hot water consumption. Generally speaking one gallon of water storage for every square foot of collector area works best. Another thing to keep in mind when installing a solar heater is that a path from the collectors to the hot water tank should be no more than 40 feet.
You won’t need a new water tank, unless it is too small for your family. In this case an additional tank can be used. Usually for a 50-gallon water tank 40 square feet of solar panels will be sufficient.
Solar water heaters are becoming increasingly popular these days, because more and more people want to use the energy of the sun instead of electricity or gas. If you get a solar heater for your place, it will eventually save you a great deal.
Visit http://www.heaterbuyingguide.com/solar-water-heaters.htm consumer information and reports about energy efficient heating systems including all solar water heaters.