FAQs
Why should I pick Hollingsworth Home Improvement over another contractor?
Because we are your safest choice. We're locally owned & operated - and we've been serving customers just like you for over 25 years. When you call our office during business hours, you will speak with a real company employee - not an answering service. And in the rare occasion you have to leave a message, someone will get back with you quickly. We're responsive to issues as they arrive, and we are absolute perfectionists when it comes to our work. We're licensed, bonded and insured - which protects you from any responsibility for injuries or accidents on your property. But, don't take our word for any of this! Call the Better Business Bureau, call the IL Dept of Professional Regulation, call your local city or town's building department, check angieslist.com, google us. We encourage our prospective customers to do their research, because we're sure they'll come to the same realization that we have - that we are indeed your safest choice.
What type of warranty or guarantee do you offer for your work?
Each product we use is covered by a manufacturer's warranty. This warranty can vary from 10 to 50 yrs, or in some cases lifetime! Your estimator would be happy to explain these warranties. We also are proud to offer a 5 year workmanship warranty. If at any time during the 5 year period a workmanship issue is found, we will correct it free of charge. We will even give you a copy of our workmanship warranty at the completion of your project. And given that we've been in business for over 25 years, you are assured that we'll still be here if you need us!
Someone recently knocked on my door and told me that my roof may have storm or hail damage, and that my insurance may pay to replace my roof because of it? Who was this person and do I really have storm damage?
There are companies, commonly known as "storm chasers", that trail severe weather and try to collect as many roofing & siding insurance claims as possible. They temporarily set up shop in storm heavy areas, like Chicago, and then go door to door in subdivisions trying to sign as many contracts possible. They complete the work as quickly as possible (many times shoddily) and then move on to another stormy area (ie Florida during hurricane season). It is certainly possible that you may have damage to your roof caused by hail or storms - but we ALWAYS recommend calling a local contractor to have them take a look and complete your roof, if necessary. And please double check that you are indeed talking with a local contractor, "storm chasers" will often lease the phone number and contact information from other companies in order to appear local. Working with a local, established contractor ensures that should a problem arise in the future, you will have a local resource to hold accountable for any repairs. For more information about storm chasers, check out bewarestormchasers.com
Do you do repairs?
It depends. For minor repairs, such as a few missing shingles on an otherwise good roof, a minor fascia repair, a piece of siding that needs to be reattached, we generally direct people to contact a capable handyman. You can find one using the internet, chicago.bbb.org, Angieslist.com or the phone book. A handyman is more than capable of handling small repairs such as these- and quite honestly, will be a more affordable and quicker option than using a roofing or siding crew. If you feel that more work may need to be done, or are unsure about the extent of the work you may need, then please feel free to contact us!
Do I have to be home for the estimate?
We find it's best to have at least one, if not all homeowners present for the initial estimate. This insures that our estimator is able to obtain all the information possible in order to provide the most accurate estimate for the job. It also allows the homeowner(s) to ask questions and see all of our company information, product samples, ect.
How soon can I get my estimate?
We can generally have our estimator to your home within a week, depending on your availability. Daytime availability will get you a faster estimate. Evening and weekends appointments are available, but you may have a longer wait depending on the season. Most estimates can be provided on the spot. Sometimes the estimator may need a day or two to prepare an estimate on a larger siding or window job.
How long after my estimate can work begin?
We add your job to our schedule as soon as we receive a signed contract. Once that contract is received, the time before your job begins is dependent on the weather and the number of jobs before yours. Generally, a roof will be completed within about 2 weeks of contract signing, and siding and windows jobs are completed within 4 weeks. This length of time can vary though, especially if special order materials are needed. Your estimator will be able to give you a more accurate idea of scheduling during your estimate process.
What if I'm in a hurry, or going to be gone on vacation, or have other scheduling concerns?
We are generally able to accommodate our customer's schedules. Be sure to tell your estimator or our office of changes as they arise, but we can generally plan to either complete work while you are out of town or hold off until you return- whichever you prefer.
Do you secure the necessary permits or do I have to?
We take care of securing all necessary permits on behalf of our customers.
How soon in advance will I know the date you will start?
We will contact you a day or two before your job will begin. Unfortunately, we can't let you know any closer than that since Chicagoand weather is always changing (as you well know!). If you need to have further advance notice of our estimated start date, ou are welcome to contact our office and get updates as time progresses.
What if bad weather hits during the job?
We assume that it is going to rain during each and every day we work. That means, we remove old material just before replacing it with new. This keeps your home watertight throughout the process. Our office staff checks the local radar several times throughout the day, so that we can inform our crews of any storm approaching hours in advance. Our crews carry with them everything they need to insure the safety of your home should weather be an issue.
How do I handle questions or concerns while our project is being done?
Communication is very important to us. If you have a question, please feel free to speak with your job foreman. He has been trained to be responsive to your concerns. You may also call your estimator at anytime with questions or concerns. Feel free to call our office anytime form 9:00 to 4:00. Someone is usually available to answer the phone, and can answer any questions or attend to any issues you may have. If it is after business hours or on a weekend, please leave us a detailed message an we will get back to you at as quickly as possible. You can also email us at info@HollingsworthHomeImprovement.com.
Does the crew speak English?
You may hear our crews speaking English, Spanish or Polish, but we promise that the foreman will speak English. When the crew begins, or whenever you are available, the foreman in charge of your job will introduce & identify to you so that you have a go-to person on the ground to talk with. We find it's best to direct any questions to that foreman since he is the person coordinating all the work for the members of our crew.
Where will the dumpster go?
We usually place the dumpster in your driveway on the side that you prefer. When we call with your final details the day before we begin your job, we will ask you on which side to place the dumpster. We may also ask that you remove any cars from the garage so that it's easy for you to leave & return. Just let us know if you have a different place in mind other than the driveway.
How long will the job take?
That depends on the job! An average sized roof usually takes 1 day. A large or complex roof may take 2-3 days. An average sized vinyl siding replacement can take 4-5 days, fiber cement siding 7-8 days, composite siding 5-6 days. Gutters are completed in one day or less, and window installation will take 1-2 days depending on the type & number of windows being replaced.
Do you accept credit cards?
Yes, we accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express.
What is your procedure when working with insurance claims?
We are more than happy to assist you when working with your insurance company. We’ve worked with most major insurers in the past and are familiar with the negotiation & settlement issues involved. Generally speaking, your first step is to contact them and start your claim. Once you’ve had your inspection and they’ve returned to you a settlement amount, then our estimator can work with you to determine if the amount is adequate for the type of work needed, or if we need to provide additional information to help you receive the appropriate amount. Once all is agreed upon by the homeowner, insurance provider & Hollingsworth Home Improvement, Inc, we will begin work.
What is your payment procedure and what type of deposit is required?
We ask for a 50% down payment on windows, 33% on roofing & siding jobs. The balance is due upon completion and can be paid either to your estimator or mailed to us after you receive your final invoice.