When looking for a contractor for any type of work—a new roof, siding, deck, windows or doors—one of the most essential questions to ask is “How long have you been in business?”
A contractor’s durability reflects experience, trustworthiness and quality—and in November, TH Construction Group celebrated 20 years of serving the Tri-state area.
“We’re very proud of our longevity,” says Thomas Hazard, owner of TH Construction Group. “Most importantly, we’re around because customers have kept us around.”
Before hiring for your next project, be sure to ask about experience. Here are five reasons contractors who have been in business for decades are more reliable:
They stand behind the products they use.
Poor building materials lead to unsatisfied customers. Contractors in business for decades know which roofing, siding and decking manufacturers produce durable, high-quality materials. This also means that when push comes to shove . . .
They’re able to honor warranties.
Roofing products are now available with 30- and 50-year warranties. Should you need to make a warranty claim years after installation, you can rely on a contractor with decades of experience. The contractor is there to do the work and connect with the manufacturer to ensure that the warranty is honored.
They learn and improve over time.
Year after year, building codes are updated, trends change and manufacturers introduce newer, better products. Contractors with longevity have learned to adapt to changes and move forward with innovations. “We’re always learning, improving and training,” Hazard says. “We couldn’t stay in business if we didn’t know current building codes and product-installation guidelines.”
They work efficiently and safely.
Contractors who have been in business a long time have developed efficient work practices, so they know how to put in only the optimal amount of time and energy while still ensuring high-quality results. Companies with decades under the tool belt also put a premium on worker safety. “We have several crew members who have been with us for 10, 15 years,” Hazard says. “One of the main reasons: We run safe job sites.”
They’re vetted by building inspectors.
When contractors have installed roofs, additions and decks for more than two decades, they’ve been subject to approval by building inspectors for that long, too. When a homeowner sells, inspectors review all the work a contractor has done as well. Longstanding contractors get that way by following building codes and adhering to all applicable local, state and federal regulations.
