With so many businesses around, it is sometimes hard to decide on who to hire. When you need a quality job done, we recommend you hire a local contractor to help you with all your home exterior needs.
Someone only here because of recent storm damage, may not be the best option for you. Here are a few of the advantages of hiring companies in your area:
You can get an honest opinion of the work they do. Often a friend or relative has had work completed by this local company. You can check the company out before you hire. As a company from another city or state may have comments from people you do not know or they may not have any references at all.
You can see the work they do. Local contractors have had projects where you can drive over and see the work.
You can get a licensed contractor. Licensing protects homeowners from businesses who have had problems in the past. It helps you get a reputable company.
You get an insured company. Insurance is coverage to protect you and your property.
You get someone familiar with city codes in your area. If the job is not competed according the local city codes and permits, it will be your cost to pay for very costly repairs or a complete re-roof. Someone from out of town is not coming back to fix it.
You will get higher quality materials and products. People from other places do not buy here and do not have a good relationship with local vendors. They will install poorer quality materials to even out the higher cost. Local vendors gets better pricing on products and this is a saving for you.
You get someone who can help with your insurance claim. All roofing companies work with insurance claims. A local contractor may have a working relationship with your adjuster. This can lead to less time in processing your claim.
You have a warranty and someone who will come back. Local people can and will come back to your home, if ever a need arise.
Just remember – Hire local, buy local!
Give us a call today to schedule your free estimate 717-898-6000.
What Central Pennsylvania property owners should consider
The Advantages of Hiring a Local Contractor is best understood in the context of the whole property, not from one symptom alone. The age of the materials, previous repairs, water-management details, installation methods, and nearby exterior components can all affect what is visible. Central Pennsylvania’s mix of heavy rain, wind, summer heat, falling leaves, freeze-thaw cycles, and winter weather can also make the same concern look different from one home or building to another.
Start with observations that can be made safely. Avoid climbing onto the roof or disturbing damaged materials. Instead, note when the concern appeared, whether it changes during particular weather, and whether it is isolated or occurring in several areas. Photographs taken from a safe location and notes about prior work can help a professional understand the history without relying on memory alone.
Details worth documenting
- visible sagging, loose fasteners, staining, or overflow marks
- debris buildup near valleys, corners, and underground drain connections
- changes that appear only during heavier rain
- the condition of fascia, soffit, and nearby roof edges
- where water leaves the downspout and whether it moves away from the foundation
These details do not replace an on-site evaluation, but they make the conversation more useful. They also help separate a maintenance item from a repair need or a larger project. A clear evaluation should explain the observed condition, the likely scope, the surrounding components that were checked, and any assumptions that could affect the recommendation.
Questions to ask before authorizing work
- Is cleaning, repair, re-pitching, or replacement the appropriate scope?
- Are the downspouts sized and routed for the roof area?
- Could water be affecting fascia, siding, landscaping, or the foundation?
- What maintenance will the proposed system still require?
- How will the new work connect to existing roof and exterior components?
- Which section is causing the drainage problem?
Ask for the proposed work in writing and compare scopes rather than price alone. Materials, labor, disposal, cleanup, ventilation, flashing, permits, warranties, and possible concealed conditions should be easy to identify. If alternatives are available, the practical differences should be explained in plain language so the decision reflects the property’s needs and the owner’s priorities.
Greenawalt Roofing serves homeowners across Central Pennsylvania. Learn about seamless gutter and spouting services, review what happens during a Full Exterior Exam, browse the company’s service areas, or request a free estimate.
