Q.) What happens after I send you my estimate request?
A.) Upon receiving your initial estimate request, an estimator will come out to your home to do an in-depth inspection. After this inspection is complete, the information is then brought to the office, where a specification list and cost analysis is produced. The next step in the process is to schedule an appointment for our company representative to present the information to you, the prospective buyer.
Q.) Are you licensed by the state of Massachusetts? Rhode Island?
A.) Yes, all U.S. States now require contractors to be licensed. We are licensed in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island. To obtain a license, a contractor must provide the individual states with copies of workers compensation and liability insurance certificates. Also, contractors pay into a guarantee fund to assist customers in the event of a contractor’s non-performance.
Q.) Do you require a deposit?
A.) Generally, we request a modest 10% deposit with balances (under $7,000) due in full upon completion. Many times, our customers ask, “Don’t you need any more money…?” Our response is, over the years we have earned ‘great credit’ and ‘mutual respect’ with our vendors. You trust us and we trust you. “In my almost 30 years at the company, we have always been paid in full upon completion. It is testimony to company and customers alike!” says Paul Mainville, owner of John the Roofer.
Q.) Are there different types of insurance requirements for carpenters vs. roofers vs. electricians?
A.) Beware of insurance requirements! All business insurance policies are written specific to the class of exposure, i.e., a carpenter is insured to do carpentry, and electrician to do electric work, and a roofer to do roofing! The coverage does not extend past the listed class of exposure. Many home improvement contractors are not properly classed as roofing and coverage would not extend from a non-roofing classification to cover a roofing loss issue!
Q.) What kind of ventilation processes do you offer?
A.) Ventilation was created to vent ‘soffit to ridge’ or ‘gable to gable.’ Ridge venting was created to properly vent cathedral ceiling installations (i.e. soffit to ridge) and is grossly overused in attempts to ‘over sell’ jobs. In certain situations vent enhancement may be done with additional soffit vents or roof (box) vents.
Q.) Are there any health standards I should be aware of, or keep an eye out for?
A.) All bathroom exhaust fans should be vented to the outdoors and not allowed to dump moist air into attic spaces, as it will potentially create a mold situation which is a known health hazard.
Q.) What’s the difference between a warranty and a guarantee?
A.) A WARRANTY is the manufacturer’s assurance of product reliability. A GUARANTEE is the individual installer’s assurance of workmanship reliability.
