Hailstorm and wind-damaged roof and siding repairs: Out-of-town vs. local contractors

Hailstorms wreaked havoc on homes in the northern suburbs this spring, causing widespread damage to asphalt roofs and home siding throughout the area. The calm after the storm brought out contractors from near and far, offering free inspections and a willingness to coordinate filing homeowners’ claims with their respective insurance companies. Think twice: Not all contractors are created equal.

It’s always better to use a local company for roofing and siding work, versus one located outside your area.

Why use a local Contractor?

• Knowledge of local codes. Local contractors are more knowledgeable about local codes that could affect your project.

• Reputation verification. It’s easier to validate a local contractor’s reputation. You can see the quality of a local contractor’s work for yourself. Ask for references and/or addresses of homes in the area that used the contractor. You may even know someone who can vouch for the company.

• Regional climate knowledge. Climate variances affect both product selection and installation. Local contractors will be able to suggest the most climate-suitable product for your area. They can also plan your project appropriately to prevent delays due to severe weather.

• Accessibility and follow up. One of the most important reasons to hire a local contractor is accessibility for warranties and ongoing repairs. It’s not uncommon for out-of-state contractors to come to an area to service home and business owners for one summer of severe storms. However, if you have problems or need additional repairs, the out-of-state contractor probably won’t come back to handle them. GroupXL is licensed in Illinois and Wisconsin. We honor our workmanship and our warranties.

• Community support. For every $100 spent at locally owned businesses, an additional $58 is contributed to the local economy, according to a study by the Institute for Local Self Reliance.

It’s easy to find out where a contractor is located. Just ask the company for a copy of its license and insurance policy. Both documents will state the contractor’s location and give you peace of mind that the contractor is legitimate. Or, call GroupXL. We are licensed and insured to operate in both Illinois and Wisconsin.