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Understanding Storm Chasers from a Homeowner’s Perspective

Apr 24, 2024

Understanding Storm Chasers from a Homeowner’s Perspective

In the wake of a major storm, homeowners are often left to navigate the aftermath, including property damage that can range from minor to catastrophic. During these vulnerable times, storm chasers — contractors who travel to affected areas to offer repair services — make their appearance. While some of these contractors are legitimate, offering timely help to those in need, others may not have the homeowner’s best interest at heart. High Caliber Exteriors wants to make sure that homeowners understand the details of licensing, warranties, local codes, and workmanship are paramount for homeowners to protect their interests.


Licensing: The First Line of Defense
The first and most crucial step in ensuring that you are dealing with a reputable contractor is to verify their licensing. Licensed contractors are not only required to pass exams that affirm their industry knowledge and compliance with building codes, but they are also typically mandated to carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation.


In the state of Arkansas, all contractors performing work over $2,000 must be licensed by the state contractor’s board. Additionally, all contractors performing roof replacements must have a Residential Roofing Registration. This is an additional certification required by the State of Arkansas on top of the base license held by any contractor that wants to perform roofing.


This is your assurance that the contractor has met a standard level of professionalism and is accountable to regulatory bodies.
If you are unsure a potential contractor is licensed, before making any commitment, ask for the contractor’s license number and verify it on the Contractor’s Licensing Board website at http://aclb2.arkansas.gov/clbsearch.php. This simple step can save you from a multitude of problems, ensuring that the work done on your home is up to code and professionally executed.


In Arkansas we also have the Arkansas Roofing Association. You may also look up the list for reputable roofers as well as the criteria to be a part of the association on their website: https://arkansasroofer.org

Warranties: Your Safety Net


Warranties serve as your safety net, offering protection should anything go wrong with the repair work performed on your home. Reputable contractors stand behind their work with warranties. Depending on the size and scale of the project, a contractor may offer a workmanship warranty ranging from 1-5, or more, years.


For manufactured materials like vinyl siding, shingles, or windows the material is almost always covered by the manufacturer. The local contractor won’t be on the hook if those items fail due to a material defect, but they can provide you the information needed, or help you register your material warranty. This means if the repairs fail or materials prove defective within a specified period, the contractor will address these issues at no additional cost to you. When engaging with a contractor, inquire about the warranties they offer. Be wary of those who refuse to provide warranty information or offer terms that seem too good to be true.


One thing that may sound too good to be true is a “lifetime” warranty. Many materials are offered with a lifetime warranty. The question you should ask is what does this mean? Is it your lifetime? The lifetime of your home? Usually, it means the lifetime of the material—a period defined by the manufacturer themselves. So, it’s important to find out how long the coverage actually extends.


This can be true of lifetime workmanship warranties as well. Does it mean the contractor’s lifetime? Yours? What if they go out of business? The BBB, an agency trusted by many, frowns up vaguely defined lifetime warranties from service providers for this very reason.

A legitimate, trustworthy contractor will offer a warranty that balances comprehensiveness with realistic terms, ensuring you’re covered without overpromising.

Local Codes and Workmanship: Ensuring Quality and Compliance


Adherence to state and local building codes is not just a legal requirement; it’s a measure of the safety and quality of the work being performed. Contractors familiar with Arkansas codes are less likely to cut corners and more likely to ensure that the work meets local standards. This is particularly important in storm repair work, which often requires specific knowledge about wind, water, and structural safety standards. Beyond mere compliance, the craftsmanship of the work is equally crucial. Skilled contractors take pride in their work, using quality materials and paying attention to detail. This not only ensures that repairs are durable but also that they aesthetically match the rest of your home.


Most states adopt the standardized International Residential Code. This is the case in Arkansas. We are currently under the 2021 version of the code which carries a number of changes from the previously adopted 2018 version. These codes apply across the entire state. They are adopted by the state Fire Marshall and carry the force of law. Regardless of permit or inspection requirements in your town, they apply throughout Arkansas. All contractors must follow state codes.


In addition to the IRC, your local municipality may have more restrictive codes in place for certain projects.

Before hiring a contractor, ask about their familiarity with state and local codes and observe examples of their previous work. Feedback from past clients can also provide insight into their workmanship and adherence to standards.


In Conclusion


The aftermath of a storm can be a challenging time for homeowners, but being informed about licensing, warranties, and the importance of codes and workmanship can make the difference between a job done right and one that leads to further headaches. By taking the time to research and select a reputable contractor, you can ensure that your home is repaired to last, providing peace of mind as you move forward from the storm.
When working on your home, you can be sure that High Caliber Exteriors is licensed, offers strong and reasonable warranties, and stays up to date on all relevant codes. If you have a project in mind, or damage you need repaired, we would love to see what support we can provide.

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