• Define your concerns, needs and expectations for the project, write them down.
• Make sure you are financially and emotionally ready to proceed. Use your time and the contractor’s time as wisely and considerately as possible.
• Gather information on contractors from family and friends, the internet, phone books, local ads, contractor trucks and signs and from contractors of other specialties.
• Ask for 3-5 referrals from businesses in town that specialize in products the contractor would use or who might know the local contractors and their work practices. If a contractor is recommended more than once, that is good news. If a contractor is recommended by everyone, you have your contractor.
• Call all the contractors and request an estimate based on your needs and expectations. Take notes from the initial phone call on how you feel it is going. If price is your primary objective, let the contractor know this up front. They may not offer a product or service within your price range. The higher the quality of the materials, workmanship and the business itself, the higher the price will be. You will get what you pay for, so beware low bids that seem too good to be true. Invest in your time and money with a contractor you can trust now and in the future.
• Ask for the following information prior to making your final decision:

1. Full business name, address, cell/fax/office phone numbers, website & email address.
2. Do they have a place of business and how long have they been there?
3. Name of insurance company so you can get email or fax proving contrator’s statement of general liability and workers compensation insurance.
4. License, if applicable, for the type of contractor.
5. All the warranties and guarantees and who provides them.
6. List of references with names and phone numbers or a list of testimonials from current and past customers.
7. Check out the contractor with the BBB, Angies List, Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce, local building inspector offices or any business rating service.
8. Carefully review each contract, comparing like and unlike items along with your notes and choose the contractor that will best suit your needs. if the contractor was not open and honest, be careful. Make sure you believe the contractor can deliver whatever was promised. Make sure you understand every line of the contract. Ask questions.

Once you select a contractor, contact everyone else who bid on the job and thank them for their free estimate and their time, Let them know you have chosen someone else for the project and if you feel comfortable with it, you may want to tell them who and why.

We hope this information helps you and we wish you the very best in all your home improvement projects. Most problems between contractors and homeowners occur due to a lack of communication. If we can be of any serviced to you please call Precision Roofing Services of New England at 978-281-3340.