Why Do We Not Collect a Down Payment?
We don’t collect a down payment as we want to take on what we call “extreme accountability.” By not collecting any down payments, not only are we giving ourselves no option other than to do the job exactly as promised, but we also want to give our clients the peace of mind that the job will be completed to their satisfaction prior to any payment. Our commitment is to stay true to our promises which is why we see no issues in doing an exterior job and getting paid when the job is completed.
In what other industry do you have to pay a down payment before you actually receive any level of the service? With the exception of lawyers and caterers, the majority of business requires payment once you receive the agreed-upon service or goods. We strongly believe that the home services industry should be no different. We are tired of contractors constantly overpromising and underdelivering, leaving homeowners feeling taken advantage of, or worse, in a situation where they are left only to pursue legal action. By not taking a down payment, we guarantee that all the service that was assured will be provided. Once you as the homeowner are satisfied with the final project, that is when we believe it is fair to be paid for the project.
Unfortunately, a lot of contractors use the “Rob Peter to Pay Paul” method, meaning they require a down payment on the basis of “paying for materials” or “covering labor expenses,” but most of the time, they will use your deposit to help pay the last job’s expenses and other overhead related expenses. This is extremely misleading as the majority of contractors are on a Net30 or Net60 payment term with their chosen suppliers. Therefore, 30 to 60 days “after the material is delivered to the job,” not ordered, is when the payment is required. Therefore, a contractor requiring a down payment before any work is performed on the basis that they need to “pay for material” is a blatant lie. Contractors seem to collect down payments in order to lock homeowners into doing their projects.
Once you give a large 25-50% down payment to a contractor prior to any work being performed, the money is gone, and well as your leverage to hold the contractor accountable. As a homeowner, paying for the job is your only leverage to ensure the contractor performs the work as promised with proper installation standards. Once a payment is made, the contractor already has the material and labor covered for the job. Therefore, if they mess the project up, and you legitimately decide not to pay the other half, they are not at a loss.
When signing a contract with a roofing or siding contractor, it is important to ensure their contract disclaimer verbiage states that payment is to be made upon completion and that no downpayment is required. This ensures you are working with a contractor who believes in their level of service and is confident to deliver the promises they’ve made regarding their level of service. This Seattle Times article gives great insight into why giving contractors a profit before they start the job is a bad idea.
Why Do We Ensure a Project Manager Is On-Site at All Times?
The peace of mind that comes from having a project manager on-site is something the majority of homeowners desire. That’s why, when you choose Transform Charleston, a project manager will be present at your home for the entire duration of your project. We prioritize giving homeowners full access and transparency throughout every step of the process that can be accessed on our customer portal as well as simply walking outside to speak with our on-site project manager. The project manager will keep you informed, letting you know what to expect and answer any questions you may have throughout the entirety of the project.
It’s very common in the roofing, siding, and home improvement industry for project managers to oversee multiple projects simultaneously, often requiring them to drive to and from different job sites throughout the day. As a homeowner, this can be stressful if concerns arise and the project manager is not available to address them, potentially leading to frustration and resentment. When project managers are not on-site, along with the English/Spanish language barrier, it makes it difficult for homeowners to interact with the crews in the case they need to. Our project managers, being on-site, take a different approach by regularly taking photos and videos to keep homeowners fully updated. This ensures that all decisions are made with your input prior to moving forward with any potential change orders that may arise. For example, if we are installing new siding and discover that the wall sheathing or foam board behind the siding needs replacement, we will notify you first before proceeding with your written consent and approval. Our project managers are trained to notify and obtain approval from homeowners, in writing, before undertaking any work that wasn’t previously discussed within the original scope of work in the case a mid-project repair arises.
We recommend that homeowners demand in writing as part of the scope of work contract, that a dedicated, FULL TIME, project manager will be present at their home for the entire duration of the project. This commitment helps ensure clarity, communication, and peace of mind throughout the process so that all parties are on the same page. The next step is to interview the contractor to ensure that the project manager is competent on local building code requirements and manufacturer specifications regarding the installation of that roofing, siding, or other home improvement project that is being performed.
At Transform Charleston, our project managers are certified, trade-specific, building code experts who are fully trained on the different trades being performed. By training daily for 90-120 minutes, and attending all required trade-specific seminars/trainings, this ensures they are always knowledgeable about proper installation techniques and new practices that help projects run smoothly. Our training covers how to spot defective materials, handle incorrect shipments, learn new installation methods, and avoid common installation mistakes. Continuous training and self-development is essential to our commitment to expert-level care.
Before every project, our project manager contacts the homeowner to inform them of the material shipment schedule. They also inspect the materials upon arrival to ensure everything needed for the project is on hand to eliminate any running that may take place during the project. This attention to detail and proactive communication helps execute a seamless project, guaranteeing our clients are happy and ensures the project manager is on site for the project.
We understand the value of communication and the importance of having an expert available to answer any questions. Your home is a significant investment, and we recognize that a project can be stressful. Our project managers will be there every step of the way, ensuring clear and consistent communication, addressing any concerns promptly, and providing expert guidance throughout the entire process. By prioritizing transparency and professionalism, we aim to make your home improvement experience as smooth and stress-free as possible. With Transform Charleston, you can trust that your project is in capable hands. Paragon Partners wrote an article giving first hand knowledge why you want a project manager who is always on site.
Why Do We Offer a Lifetime Transferable Workmanship Warranty?
Our lifetime workmanship warranty is a cornerstone of our company, reflecting the pride and confidence we have in our work. Did you know that there are over 300 regulations to be aware of when doing a roofing project? Due to our comprehensive training required that our project managers must go through, ensuring they understand the manufacturer’s specifications for the products we use as well as South Carolina state code requirements for installation, we are able to provide a lifetime transferable workmanship warranty.
“A workmanship warranty is a legally binding agreement between a contractor and a homeowner, where the contractor guarantees that their work will be performed to a certain standard of quality, covering any defects related to the quality of their labor, and promising to repair any issues arising from faulty installation or improper building techniques within a specified time frame” (Definition by Procore Construstion). A workmanship warranty is meant to protect the homeowner against bad installation and subpar work. Something that’s good to know is that issues caused by bad workmanship often don’t reveal themselves for many years. For example, it may take 10 years for a homeowner to notice a long-term leak due to an improper installed roof flashing. By then, thousands of dollars worth of damage may have been inflicted on the home and the contractor’s warranty could be expired. Beware of contractors who only offer a 5- or 10-year warranty as they could be leaving their homeowners vulnerable to their own poor workmanship.
Aris Home Inspections, a roofing home inspection company, found that 90% of all roofs do not qualify for the manufacturers’ long-term material warranty. This is due mainly to incorrect roof installation, improper ventilation, and inadequate maintenance. That means of the 5 million residential roofing projects that happen every year, 4.5 million homeowners are left without their manufacturer’s warranty—they just don’t know it until it’s too late. Similar issues arise in the siding world as well. The majority of homeowners attempting to make claims for failing siding are denied because it’s usually failing due to improper installation, not manufacturer defects. Improper installation is always the contractor’s responsibility, but by that time, the contractor may be out of business, the workmanship period is expired, or they could simply just be ignoring the homeowner.
We are committed to delivering on our promises and treating your home with the same care and attention we would expect for our own. Unlike companies that offer a 5- or 10-year workmanship warranty, we believe that when a job is done right the first time, there should be no issues related to installation for the life of that roofing and siding system. This belief underpins our lifetime warranty, guaranteeing your peace of mind and protecting your investment for years to come.
Why Do We Offer a Lifetime Transferable Annual Maintenance Warranty?
When hiring a contractor to handle your exterior home project, such as roofing or re-siding your home, it is essential to ask if they have an annual maintenance program included with their service. This is vital for the longevity of your manufacturer’s warranty because most manufacturers specify in their warranty language that maintenance is important to maintain the expected life expectancy of that said material.
For roofing, this annual maintenance includes clearing debris off the roof to prevent debris build up, algae, lichens, or other growths from forming, as well as checking that shingles are retaining granules, flashings are holding up properly, and the roof isn’t experiencing issues such as blow-off or exposed nail heads rusting.
For siding, this consists of inspecting all siding panels and trim to ensure they are still fastened properly, not premature splitting is occurring, and to ensure the fade rate of the siding is in line with the promises from the manufacturer.
In our experience, we have never seen a roofing or siding contractor offer this included in their roof or siding replacements. Usually, if a contractor does offer it, it’s an add-on that costs $500 to $1,000 per year—if they even offer it at all. Without yearly maintenance and inspection, contractors cannot proactively address potential issues before they become serious problems. Additionally, manufacturers can use the lack of documented maintenance as grounds to void a warranty, leaving homeowners without coverage. Our annual maintenance includes a 100 point inspection with photographic and video proof, leaving the manufacturers unable to blame “improper maintenance” as means to void a warranty.
We combat this by performing yearly maintenance and documenting that it was carried out in accordance with proper manufacturer techniques. This ensures that homeowners have the necessary documentation to prove maintenance was performed, eliminating the possibility of a manufacturer finding a way out of honoring a warranty related claim. Learn more about the benefits of warranties in the blog by Equity Roofing.
Why Do We Review Warranty Exclusions?
Warranties are important to protect homeowners in the case of a manufacturing defect, but it’s uncommon for contractors to thoroughly discuss warranty exclusions when reviewing jobs with homeowners. In the home improvement industry, if a contractor has not reviewed these exclusions with you, it is a huge red flag! When it comes to something as important as your home, it’s essential to understand all of the possible exclusions that could void your warranty. A contractor who neglects to go over warranty exclusions may either be trying to prevent you from scrutinizing their work, or even worse, may not be fully aware of the exclusions themselves. Both scenarios are concerning for you as a homeowner.
“A “warranty exclusion” refers to specific conditions or situations explicitly listed in a warranty agreement that are not covered by the warranty. This means that if a product fails due to these listed reasons, the manufacturer is not obligated to repair or replace it. Essentially, it outlines what the warranty does not cover.” (Definition by OnPointWarrant).
One reason we are so focused on proper installation is that all warranties state the work must be done according to the manufacturer’s specifications and state building code installation specifications; otherwise, the warranty is void. For example, a common warranty exclusion often overlooked with asphalt shingle roofing manufacturers is inaccurate NFVA (Net Free Ventilation Area), which calculates the amount of air that should flow through your attic/rafter ventilation space. If this calculation is incorrect, and the ventilation is deemed “inadequate,” it can void the shingle manufacturer’s warranty.
Proper ventilation is crucial as it regulates the temperature on the roof. Roof shingles are designed to withstand some heat from the sun but also require cooling from the ventilation system. Without proper ventilation, shingles can overheat and fail prematurely, long before their intended lifespan. If this happens, you will have to bear the cost of a new roof out of pocket, as the warranty protection would be voided. The exclusion of “inadequate ventilation” would protect the manufacturer in this instance.
When you choose Transform Charleston, you don’t have to worry about voided warranties. We offer a lifetime transferable workmanship warranty for all roof and siding replacements, so any issues that arise from improper installation fall on us. Additionally, with our lifetime annual maintenance program, we check and maintain our work every year to ensure proper performance of the product.
Why Do We Offer an In-House Expert Architect for Our Design Assistance?
At Transform Charleston, we take pride in offering in-house expert architectural design assistance for all your roofing, siding, gutter, and custom exterior needs. This unique service ensures every project is tailored to your specific vision, combining beauty, functionality, and structural integrity.
Our in-house architect brings 20+ years of experience to create thoughtful, personalized designs that enhance your property’s curb appeal and value through optimal return on investment. He is also deeply familiar with local building codes regulations, ensuring your project adheres to all necessary requirements, saving you time and avoiding potential issues later down the road. By working directly with our team, we streamline communication, eliminate costly errors, and deliver a seamless experience.
We know of no other roofing, siding, gutter, or custom exterior company that offers their customers the ability to work with a licensed in-house architect. By choosing a contractor that integrates all necessary services in-house, you eliminate unnecessary costs and miscommunication, while ensuring the highest quality for your project. When selecting a contractor, always ask if they have an in-house architect or design specialist. Most do not, but those that do are truly in a league of their own. Here is an additional article by Hddarch.com on how having an architect can be helpful.
Why Do We Offer a Customer Portal?
Our customer portal is state-of-the-art technology designed to involve homeowners in every aspect of their project. Transparency is foundational to us at Transform Charleston, and the customer portal is our primary tool to ensure it. Through this portal, homeowners have full access to all signed contracts, related project documents, photographs, communication, annual maintenance proof, and more. This includes a detailed breakdown of delivery schedules, access to all warranty information, and the ability to communicate via email and text.
Access to the customer portal begins after your first roof inspection and lasts indefinitely, ensuring you always have the information you need. We frequently update homeowners throughout the project, sending photos when materials arrive and as the project progresses. Before, during, and after photos are taken at each step, allowing homeowners to see updates in real-time, with full transparency. By the end of the project, you have photographic proof of correct installation, which is invaluable if you ever need to file a warranty claim through the manufacturer or insurance.
Having continuous access to the customer portal protects you for years to come. During our annual maintenance visits, we take time-stamped photos and store them in the portal. If a manufacturer defect arises and you need to file a claim, you will have years of photographic evidence to support you properly maintaining your roof and that it was completed according to building code requirements.
This level of transparency, combined with proactive communication and documentation, ensures our homeowners remain informed and empowered throughout their project and beyond. Read this article on why customer portals are a great benefit to homeowners.
Why is A Price Match Guarantee Important?
At Transform Charleston, we offer an “apples-to-apples” price match guarantee, often beating competitors’ quotes by up $500 to $1,000. A price match means we will match the price of our competitors for the same service. We are committed to providing homeowners with all the information they need to make an informed decision. We encourage our clients to get quotes from other contractors, allowing them to contrast and compare. This ensures they choose the contractor that best meets their needs, in addition to the understanding that they won’t get taken advantage of. This is a section from a True Score Science article that gives insight on how to compare quotes.
How to Compare Quotes on Price, Quality of Materials, Timeline, and Overall Value
Once you’ve gathered quotes from at least three contractors, the next step is to compare them effectively. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the best choice:
- Price Comparison:
- Break Down the Costs: Ensure each quote itemizes the costs for labor, materials, permits, and any other expenses. This transparency makes it easier to compare prices directly.
- Look for Hidden Fees: Check if there are any hidden fees or potential extra costs. Some contractors might provide a lower initial quote but add costs later.
- Consider the Lowest and Highest Quotes: Be cautious of quotes that are significantly lower or higher than the others. Extremely low quotes might indicate subpar materials or workmanship, while very high quotes might not offer additional value.
- Quality of Materials:
- Specify Material Brands and Grades: Ensure the quotes specify the brands and grades of materials to be used. This helps you compare apples to apples.
- Check for Quality Guarantees: Look for any guarantees or warranties on materials. High-quality materials often come with better warranties.
- Ask for Samples: If possible, request samples of the materials each contractor plans to use. This gives you a tangible sense of the quality.
- Timeline:
- Project Start and End Dates: Compare the proposed start and end dates for each project. A shorter timeline might be appealing, but make sure it doesn’t compromise quality.
- Work Schedule: Ask about the contractor’s work schedule. Will they be working full days, half days, or only certain days of the week? This impacts the overall project duration.
- Potential Delays: Discuss potential causes for delays and how they plan to handle them. Knowing this can help you choose a contractor who’s realistic and prepared.
- Overall Value:
- Experience and Reputation: Consider the contractor’s experience and reputation. Look for reviews, ask for references, and check past projects to gauge their reliability and quality of work.
- Communication and Responsiveness: Evaluate how well each contractor communicates and responds to your questions. Good communication is crucial for a smooth project.
- Contract Terms: Review the contract terms carefully. Look for clauses related to payment schedules, change orders, and dispute resolution. A fair and clear contract is a sign of a professional contractor.
By taking these steps, you’ll be well-equipped to compare quotes not just on price, but on the overall value each contractor offers. This thorough approach ensures you choose a contractor who meets your needs and delivers quality work within your budget and timeline.
Conclusion
At Transform Charleston, we believe in setting the standard for excellence in the home improvement industry. Each of our “7 Uniques” reflects our commitment to transparency, accountability, and delivering exceptional results. Whether it’s eliminating the need for down payments, ensuring a dedicated project manager is always on-site, offering lifetime transferable warranties, providing in-house architectural design, and a comprehensive customer portal, we prioritize our clients’ trust, peace of mind, and satisfaction above everything else. With Transform Charleston, you can rest assured your home is in capable, caring hands.
