FAQs
General Questions
Why should I choose Hollingsworth Home Improvement over another contractor?
We’re local, family-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 directly with a 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 so many other homeowners have – that we are INDEED your safest choice!
What type of warranty or guarantee do you offer with your work?
Each product we use is covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. This warranty can vary from 10 to 50 years, or in some cases – a lifetime! Your project coordinator will be happy to explain these warranties. We also are proud to offer a 20-year Workmanship Warranty. At any time during the 20-year period, if 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? Who was this person and do I really have storm damage?
There are companies, commonly known as “storm chasers,” that trail severe weather to sign roofing & siding contracts from insurance claims. They temporarily set up shop in storm-heavy areas, like Chicago, and then work subdivisions going door to door in an attempt to sign multiple contracts. They complete the work as quickly as possible (many times shoddily) and then move on to another stormy area (i.e., 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 established contractor to have them take a look and complete your roof, if necessary. And please double check that you are indeed speaking with a local contractor, as “storm chasers” often lease the phone number and contact information from other companies in order to appear local. Your decision to work with a local, established contractor ensures that should a problem arise in the future, you will have a local company to hold accountable for any repairs. We receive frequent phone calls from homeowners who have regretfully done business with a storm chasing company, as they have discovered there roof is faulty and they have no recourse, since that company is long gone. In addition, keep in mind that a legitimate local company should show you an IL Roofing License and a Certificate of Liability/Workers Compensation both issued in the same name. If the names don’t match, you may not be protected. Never accept the excuse that their subcontracting crew carries this liability – it is the company with whom you contract that is responsible for licensing and insurance. For more information about “storm chasers,” check out bewarestormchasers.com
Do you conduct repairs?
That 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, he/she will be more affordable and a 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!
Consultation Process
How soon can I get my estimate?
To be honest, we don’t provide estimates. Estimates are guesses for what something costs, usually within a range of prices. In order to better serve you and prevent any hidden costs, we prefer a more thorough and precise procedure. In most cases, we can have our project coordinator meet with you within 7 to 10 days. Typically we use a 2-step process. During the first consultation, you and our coordinator will become acquainted and discuss what you are looking for in your project (e.g., style, design, materials, etc). He will measure and assess underlying structure, existing problems both seen and unseen, and other items that may need addressing. He will typically bring this information back to the office to prepare your project price. Using our design software, your coordinator will create a visual of your finished project. He also will prepare a thorough and precise proposal (to the penny) of what your project investment will be. At the follow up consultation, he will guide you through the details necessary to complete your project on time, within budget, and more importantly, the way YOU want it to look.
How soon can my work begin?
We add your job to our schedule as soon as we receive a signed contract. Once that contract is received, your start date depends upon the number of jobs scheduled before yours and the weather. Generally, a roof will be completed within 2 weeks of contract signing, and siding and window replacement jobs are started within 4 weeks. This length of time can vary though, especially if special order materials are needed. Your project coordinator will be able to give you a more accurate idea of scheduling during your consultation process.
What if I’m in a hurry, leaving on vacation, or have other scheduling concerns?
We generally are able to accommodate our customers’ schedules. Be sure to tell your project coordinator or our office of changes as they arise, but we can normally plan to either complete the work while you are out-of-town or hold off until you return – whichever you prefer.
The Job Process
Do you secure the necessary building permits or do I?
We take care of securing all necessary building permits on behalf of our customers.
How soon in advance will I know my start date?
We typically will keep you updated on start times via email. In most cases your project will start 3-4 weeks after the contract signing. This will allow special order materials, etc. to arrive. Please let your consultant know in advance if you are working against a deadline that requires specific dates, and we will make every effort to accommodate.
What if bad weather hits during the job?
We plan for rain each and every work day! 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 approaching storms hours in advance. Our crews carry with them everything they need to ensure the safety of your home, should weather be an issue.
How do I handle questions or concerns while the work is being conducted?
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 project coordinator at anytime with questions or concerns. In addition, feel free to call our office between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. On weekends and after business hours, please leave us a detailed message, and we will get back to you 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 you are available, the foreman in charge of your job will introduce & identify himself to you so that you have a go-to person on the ground. We find it’s best to direct any questions to that foreman, since he is the person coordinating the work of the crew members.
If a dumpster is necessary, where will it be placed?
Usually, on the side of the driveway 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 easier for you to leave and 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.
Payment Questions
Do you offer financing?
Yes, we do! Depending upon project size, etc., we offer several financing options to fit your budget, subject to approved credit.¹ Please mention your interest in our financing program when calling, so your coordinator can allow for extra time to assist you in finding the best program for you.
¹Subject to credit approval. Ask for details.
Do you accept credit cards?
Yes, we accept Visa and Mastercard.
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 and settlement issues involved. Generally speaking, your first step is to contact your insurer and start your claim. After your insurance company’s adjuster has assessed your damage and returned to you a settlement amount, then our project coordinator will begin working with you. He first will determine if the amount is adequate for the type of work needed. In some cases, he may need to provide additional information to help you receive the appropriate amount. Once all is agreed upon by the homeowner, insurance provider, and Hollingsworth Home Improvement, Inc., we will begin work. Please note that in areas where storms have caused severe and extensive damage, insurance companies may have to modify their inspection process due to a limited number of adjusters. In those situations, we will modify our process to best meet their needs.
What is your payment procedure and what type of deposit is required?
We ask for a 50% down payment on windows, 33% on all roofing and siding jobs. The balance is due upon completion and can be paid either to your project coordinator or mailed to us after you have received your final invoice.
