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Choose The Right Contractor

By Storm Guard
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When you hire a contractor to work on your home, you are trusting them with one of your most valuable possessions—your home. Whether you need a roofing expert or someone for exterior restoration, it’s important to ask the right questions before making a decision. Here’s a list of crucial questions to help you find the best contractor in DuPage County and the surrounding areas.

Can I see your license?

Engineers Looking at Blueprint

Licensing requirements vary by state and even by city. In Illinois, most roofing contractors are required to have a state license, while other types of contractors might only need to be registered within the county or municipality. General contractors and handymen are typically not required to have a state license, but it’s always a good idea to check your state’s requirements before interviewing contractors. At Storm Guard of DuPage, we are fully licensed and registered to work across DuPage County and nearby communities like Downers Grove, Woodridge, and Westmont.

Can I see your insurance certificate?

Every reputable contractor should carry insurance, especially for projects like roofing or siding. This protects both you and the contractor in case something goes wrong. At Storm Guard of DuPage, we carry comprehensive general liability insurance to ensure peace of mind for our clients.

Sometimes, you’ll find that small, home-based businesses, especially those that are just starting out, may not carry any insurance. Although you may be tempted to hire them anyway to help them get started, this may not be the best idea. One inescapable rule of life is that things sometimes go wrong, and you have to be protected.

A business who has a long track record of successful projects where “Murphy” didn’t show up to the job, can still experience mishaps. You simply can’t assume that everything will always go as planned.

Will You Handle the Permits?

Seller and Clients Speaking at House

For large projects such as roof replacements or structural work, permits are typically required. Your municipality will want final say to make sure the job was done in accordance with their building codes.

So, who’s responsible for the building permit? The short answer is you are. If there’s no permit, it’s you, the homeowner who is ultimately responsible. That is to say that you are the one who is held accountable by your municipality. The contractor, however, should… know whether a permit is needed for your particular job, and be the one who goes to the proper offices to apply for and obtain the permit.

Once a permit is obtained, it needs to be clearly posted throughout the duration of the job. Storm Guard of DuPage will not only advise you but also handle the permit process for you.

What experience do you have with this kind of project?

Experience matters, especially when it comes to roofing and exterior restoration. We specialize in roof repairs and replacements caused by storm damage in areas like Woodridge, Downers Grove, and beyond. We also have experience working through the insurance claims process. Always ask for specific experience related to your project to ensure your contractor has the expertise needed.

What warrantee do you offer on your work?

There should be a warranty for the work you have done, but it will vary a lot from job to job and contractor to contractor. This should be clearly spelled out in writing. Usually, this will appear on the contract, but if it doesn’t, you should make sure that you have it clearly documented.

A warranty can be a critical factor in choosing a contractor. At Storm Guard of DuPage, we offer comprehensive warranties on all roofing projects, ensuring that your investment is protected for years to come.

Do you have any references?

When hiring a contractor, it’s essential to ask for references. At Storm Guard of DuPage, we’re proud of our work and have a long list of satisfied clients throughout DuPage County. Check out our testimonials on Google and Facebook, or request specific references from customers in local areas like Tinley Park, Orland Park, and Darien.

When will my job be Completed?

Man and Woman Looking at the Construction Plan

Timelines can vary depending on the project, but your contractor should give you an estimated completion date. At Storm Guard of DuPage, we always strive to finish jobs on time, with minimal delays. Weather and material availability can sometimes cause delays, but we always keep our clients informed.

Will you clean up when you’re done?

You may expect that when the job is done, all of the waste, debris, trash, and old material will be gone. Believe it or not, there are contractors that will leave all of this for you to take care of. Make sure your contractor is going to leave your property looking at least as good as they found it.

After completing a project, cleaning up is crucial. We make sure your home is left in pristine condition, free of debris and waste. Storm Guard of DuPage prides itself on providing thorough cleanup services, ensuring your property looks even better than before we started.

What’s the best way to contact you?

Communication is key to a good business relationship. You probably made the initial contact with your contractor, so you have some idea of how to contact them. However, you should make sure that you have more than one way to contact them, and that it’s easy for them to contact you. Both are important.

We believe that clear communication is extremely important for a successful project. At Storm Guard of DuPage, we provide multiple ways to reach us—via phone, email, or text. Our office in Westmont, IL, is also available for in-person consultations.

Where are you located?

Always hire a local contractor to ensure timely service and easy follow-ups. Storm Guard of DuPage is based in Westmont, Illinois, and proudly serves all of DuPage County and nearby areas. If you’re looking for a trusted local contractor in Downers Grove, Elmhurst, or Aurora, we’re your go-to experts.

Why Choose Storm Guard of DuPage?

Stormguard team roofing experts

At Storm Guard of DuPage, we have nearly a decade of experience helping homeowners with roofing and exterior restoration projects. Whether you’re dealing with storm damage or need a roof replacement, we’re here to help you navigate through the process, including working with your insurance company to get the coverage you deserve.

We serve homeowners in Westmont, Downers Grove, Wheaton, Aurora and beyond. Contact us today for a free consultation and estimate.

Storm Guard of DuPage – Your Trusted Local Roofing Contractor in DuPage County

825 N. Cass Avenue
Westmont, IL 60559
(630) 812-1716

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