Finding Lake Forest roof contractors for new construction

When you start looking for Lake Forest roof contractors you need to pay attention to whether they are experienced with new construction, along with existing construction. The two require very different approaches to the work. If you are looking for someone to provide the roofing work on your new construction you want to make sure that is what the contractor specializes in.

What is the difference between new and existing roofing?
The main difference breaks down to how the contractor is expecting to work, and with what types of materials. With many of the new construction projects you can have a roofing contractor in and out faster than with existing construction work. The crews are used to a higher pace of work as there is less care that has to be taken for existing siding and finishes on the home. The contractor who specializes in new construction is also going to be more attuned to the preparation of the roof structure in regards to insulation, support and drainage. It isn’t that they know more about it than a contractor who only does roof repairs or replacements, but the stage of the home construction they see has given them more exposure to it.

Speed is the real difference
Lake Forest roof contractors who specialize in new roofs are going to be more accustomed to working with other contractor schedules as well. A repair and replacement contractor won’t often have to fit their work in around the plumber or landscaper. This doesn’t mean that you can’t use a repair and replacement contractor for a new roof, it is just that you must be careful with the schedule planning to make sure that if there are delays they won’t result in charges from other contractors.

Are there Lake Forest roof contractors who do both?
Yes, there are contractors who do both new and replacement roofs, as well as repairs. This is the ideal contractor to hire for any of your roofing work. What becomes difficult is that many roofing companies will say that they “do it all” just to get the work. Your best bet is to ask to see a list of the work that has been done by the Lake Forest roof contractors you are considering, and to call former client’s to check their references. Roofing is a skill; it isn’t something you can pick up easily no matter what the DIY channels tell you. Having experience means knowing what the potential is in each project environement. What can happen on a new construction site is far different from an established site. You want to pick the contractor that can anticipate what can happen, which is possible when you get one that has a history of working on all types of jobs.

And then there are the usual tasks
Before you make a decision as to which of the Lake Forest roof contractors you want to hire you have to do your homework. This means you need to think through the timing of the planned work (try to avoid the stormy season), plan around any of your other contractors, and make sure that the work can be done in a timely fashion before the next contractor in the phases comes through. Next, you want to make sure that the contractors you are considering have all the proper licensing, insurance and other requirements to operate in Lake Forest. Talk to several of the Lake Forrest Roof Contractors who can meet your scheduling needs then, check references and look at prior work. You want to wait to do that step until you know they are available.

One last tip about picking Lake Forest roof contractors
One last tip  - say you have done your homework and talked to a few contractors so all you have to do is check the references out and see the work that has been done. Before you do this, ask the contractor how long they will hold the schedule spot open for you. Respect their time frames and act accordingly. You don’t want the disappointment of checking the references, finding the contractor you love only to discover that they gave your slot away because it was taking too long.

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Chicago residential roofing - Tips and Tricks for when a Storm is Coming

It is every homeowner’s fear that in the middle of their Chicago residential roofing job a major storm comes through and interrupts the whole process.That process doesn’t always have to include direct harm to your home as a result of the storm; it may be a prolonged delay in the contractor getting back to work. Many Chicago residential roofing contractors participate in emergency programs that make the homes of those who are disabled or elderly a priority after storm damage. You are still on their list of concerns, but the city and state have prioritized the work that they can do. One way to make sure that no matter what happens you are prepared is to be proactive about how you would handle having the work interrupted by a storm.

Tip #1 - Err on the side of caution
If it is storm season, especially if you are on one of the lakefront districts, talk to your contractor about bumping your work up early, or putting it off from starting if there is a major line of storms coming through. A lot of problems occur when owners don’t listen to the suggestion of a contractor to wait a week before beginning because of potential storms. This can save you enormous time, money and headache in the long run. The key to making this a possibility is good planning. Your project schedule should allow for late starts or delays with contract work so it won’t interfere with the next phase. If it doesn’t, look at the schedule again and make sure there is “float time” worked in. That’s what the time to cover the unexpected is called in project management.

Tip #2 - Have a plan with the contractor
A fact of life is that if a storm is coming the contractor will feel that they have adequately prepared the site by covering the staged material and removing their manpower so no one gets injured. As the homeowner, that preparation is going to seem lacking because the roof itself is exposed. Rather than wait and point fingers at who is at fault, clearly define with your contractor what you want done in the event of a storm cancellation. Most exposed roofs can handle a few days of wind and water without significant damage being done, but if there is a potential for major damage in other areas of Chicago that may delay your contractors return, know in advance how they will cover to protect your home until they are back.

Tip #3 - Practice Good Communication
This tip is actually going to help you throughout any Chicago residential roofing project as it just makes everything work better. Practicing good communication with your contractor makes the job go smoother. They need a way to get a hold of you in the event of an emergency so decisions can be made. That emergency may be a major storm, or it could be a miscalculation in roof material - whatever the event, it should not be a big deal for them to call and get someone to talk to who can make a decision. You don’t have to be onsite for the whole job, but you do need to be available.

Tip #4 - Plan your work around the storm season
There may be a lot of reasons why you haven’t been able to get to having a Chicago residential roofing contractor come in until the beginning of the storm season, but that doesn’t mean that is the only time you can have them in. It can be better to delay a project until the season has passed then to taunt Mother Nature. This is not a time to want things done when you want them no matter what. This is a time to engage in responsible planning. Talk to your contractor about when the job should start and go with their advice to avoid trouble.

The key to not becoming a story of interest on the news for the trouble a storm has caused your home is to create good communication and practices with your Chicago residential roofing contractor. They can help you pick the best time for the work, create a plan for what to do if there is a storm, and keep your home and family safe during any rough weather to come. It takes a little planning, but it can save you money and heartache in the end.

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