Choosing a new roof is a big decision,for any homeowner, but springing for a metal roof can be intimidating, if you don’t know how you’ll benefit. We realize the price of metal roofing is higher up front than other options, but the advantage it offers makes it well worth the expense.

Perks of Installing a Metal Roof
Although the average cost of a metal roof is in the neighborhood of $38,022, that price tag buys you some of the longest warranty available, many of them lasting for 50 years. Odds are, you’ll never need to replace your metal roof again, but if you do, the warranty will cover it.

In addition to its durability and long life, metal roofing is available in a wide range of colors, from evergreen, grey and blue to tan. If you like the look of traditional metal roofing, it also comes in a variety of finishes. However, metal roofing can also look exactly like tile or shale instead. This versatility provides every homeowner with a broad range of looks to pick from.

Finding a Metal Roof Contractor
Installing a metal roof takes very specialized skills to get it right, so you’ll want a competent professional to install yours. The best way to know whether you’ve found the right contractor is to see what their history is like. When you’re looking for a reputable roofing contractor, keep in mind that they should have a great deal of experience in installing metal roofs. They should also have proof of certification, positive customer feedback and a gallery of their past work available for you to take a look at before signing anything.

Once you find the right contractor, pick out the perfect roof and have it installed, you’ll be able to enjoy the extra security a metal roof offers and a boost in your home’s equity.  Quarve Contracting is proud to be the exclusive Twin Cities area contractor for Kassel & Irons steel roofing.  Visit our home page for a video message from the Kassel & Irons company president.  

Courtesy “Remodeler Magazine”

We don’t like to toot our own horn, but sometimes the news is so encouraging that we just have to share it.  Recently Remodeling Magazine named Quarve Contracting to its “Big 50″ top contractors for 2013. Each year Remodeler Magzine recognizes contractors for “fresh ideas and best practices,” and we’re proud to be among their top 50 for 2013.

Our commitment to customer care and our 30-year track record of providing exceptional service and top-quality workmanship has consistently resulted in one satisfied customer after another.  Hundreds of Minnesotans have told us how much they’ve appreciated the work we’ve done on their homes.  While we certainly are happy to have received this award from Remodeler Magazine, it’s the accolades of our clients that please us more.   After all, you’re the ones who keep coming back when you have home improvement needs, and many of you have been passing our name on to your friends and neighbors.  We took a look at our records, and over half of our business is either from prior clients or referrals.

That’s a statistic we’d like to keep, so don’t expect us to rest on our laurels with this award.  We know we won it by consistently delivering on what we promise, and by following through from start to finish to make sure each project is completed to the satisfaction of the owner.  We recognize that with each job our reputation is on the line, and we have to continue to earn your trust project after project.  And that’s what we intend to do.  It’s how we’ve done business for 30 years, and while this award is nice, it’s not going to change our approach.

To all our customers – thank you for your confidence in us and for placing your trust in Quarve Contracting to help you protect and improve your biggest and most important investment, your home.

- Pat and Julie Quarve

In our last post we shared some tips for getting you on your way to a successful home improvement project.  If you’ve gone through all the steps, by now you’re ready to meet with a prospective contractor.  You may even consider interviewing more than one.  Here are the next steps to keep your project on schedule and get the outcome you were looking for.

• Verify the information you’re given.   You shouldn’t plan on signing anything at your initial meeting.  This is your chance to find out a little about the contractor and share information on your project.  Ask for insurance information – get an agent’s name or written proof of insurance.  You can verify a contractor’s residential builder’s license through the State of Minnesota.  Follow up on references, trade memberships, and manufacturer certifications.
• Stay focused on your overall design.  There will be a lot of decisions to be made as you’re planning your project with the contractor.  Having your plan handy will help you keep from getting sidetracked or including things you hadn’t intended on.  Do you use Pinterest?  It might be good to pin your favorite items there so you can easily reference them.  And once you agree with your contractor on specific materials, brands, etc., make sure the contract references those items specifically.
• Choose your materials and specify your options.  If you’re going to stay on budget and get what you want, the point to pick things out is before the contract is written; then those items will be included in the contract and the price will reflect what you’ve chosen.  A contract which simply specifies “asphalt shingles” means your contractor could choose anything.  If you’re planning on 40-year asphalt roofing from a particular manufacturer, specify it for the contract.
• Carefully review the contract.  Once you and the contractor have agreed to do business, you’ll get a written contract for your review and signature.  Go through it carefully and make sure you understand everything.  Certain industries use specific terminology, so don’t be afraid to ask for an explanation of anything you’re unclear on.  And remember, your contract only covers what’s written in it.  Don’t rely on verbal assurances; get it in writing.  Pay close attention to time frames, payment schedules, material specifications, and the scope of the work.  Any changes to your original contract should also be in writing.
• A communication plan is essential.  Lack of communication between a homeowner and a contractor is one of the main causes of problems with remodeling projects.  Make sure you both know how to get a hold of one another and which is the easiest (and preferred) way to communicate.   While the project is in progress, plan on being available, at least by phone, when questions come up.  If your remodeler can’t get a hold of you at a crucial point, that means your job will be put on hold or workers will be standing around, wracking up extra costs.  Make sure you’re both clear at every point what each expects of the other.  If you’d like periodic progress updates, let your contractor know that up front.  A good plan of communication between you and your remodeler is important, from start to finish.

While we can’t guarantee that absolutely nothing will go wrong with your next project if you follow these tips, it’s likely that both you and your contractor will be well prepared and that you both know what to anticipate, which goes a long way in ensuring a successful outcome.

At Quarve Contracting we believe in listening to our customers, each step of the way. 

It’s National Home Improvement Month, and to celebrate we’d like to share with you ten things you can do to make your next home remodeling project – no matter how big or small – something you’re pleased with in the end, that stays on budget, and causes as little inconvenience or frustrating in the process.

For three decades we’ve been helping Minneapolis area homeowners take care of the exterior of their homes, and happy customers are our most popular service.  Whether you choose Quarve or another contractor to handle your next project, we’d like you to be happy, so here are some things you can do to help insure that happens.   And these tips will work whether you’re replacing your roof or rewiring your media room.

• Do your homework – research into what you’re planning will pay off.  A good place to start is to investigate property values in your area.  When home improvements add value to a home, you want to make sure what you do keeps your home’s value in line with similar projects in your area.  You’ll also get a general idea of what things could cost, which will help you plan your budget.  Doing some research into material choices can give you options to discuss with a contractor.
• Think long-term.  Although many home improvement projects are done to make a home more attractive and/or functional now, plan for down the road.  If you’re planning to stay on your home for a long time, are the upgrades you’re contemplating now still going to be workable once your children are grown or you’ve retired?  For older homeowners, consider upgrades that will help you enjoy your retirement years.  For instance, low-maintenance roofing, siding, and windows mean less upkeep and more free time.
• Set your budget, but be realistic.  After you’ve done some research into what an average project should cost, you can set a budget.  Include some extra padding for contingencies, unexpected problems, etc.  Be sure to share your numbers with your contractor so that together you can figure out options and materials that will work within that number.  Once you’ve got your budget established, stick to it and resist the temptation to keep adding on little extras as you go – it’s those little add-ons that add up and bust your budget.
• Research contractor.  There are plenty of resources to help you do this.  Follow up on references, get referrals from friends and neighbors, check trade organizations, etc.  Unless it’s a contractor you’re familiar with, you’ll be trusting a complete stranger with your home, so give yourself some peace of mind up front and find out what you can.
• Ask questions.  A reputable contractor won’t be insulted if you ask about training, certifications, etc.  Find out how they handle unexpected problems and change orders.  Here’s a good question:  Tell me about how you resolved the last complaint you had on a project.

At this point you’re probably ready to decide on a contractor to handle your project.  The next step is to set up an initial meeting to discuss your plans, find out whether your proposed contractor is available to handle things in your time frame, and make your determination.  The second half of our list relates to what happens from this point on.  We’ll handle that in our next post.

Quarve Contracting provides full-service exterior home remodeling services such as roofing, siding, and window and door replacement in the St. Paul/Minneapolis area. 

It might make for a pretty picture, but the white stuff shown below has some dangerous potential behind it – no, it’s not snow, it’s hail.  Yes, we know, your yard just recovered from the winter white stuff, and now we’re talking about getting the spring version.  Everybody hears tales of “golf-ball-sized hail,” but even the small pellets lying in the grass in this picture have the potential to cause serious damage to asphalt, tile, and wood shake roofs.

Hail storms occur periodically in the Twin Cities.  Hail and wind damage account for the largest percentage of homeowner insurance claims.  One insurance company estimated it paid out nearly $4 billion in claims due to wind and hail in 2012 alone.  While Minnesota isn’t among the top 10 states for hail damage, the storms we have historically gotten often inflict  substantial damage on homes, especially siding and roofs, which catch most of the impact.

The Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety recently conducted a test of various roofing and siding products against hail damage.  Researchers developed an indoor facility to mimic hailstorm conditions, including stones of various sizes and wind, and then evaluated how some siding, roofing, and window products stood up to the impact.  You can watch a short VIDEO clip of the demonstration as hail falls on the test home.  Pay special attention to the blue side of the roof, which is metal.  (The dark gray roofing has asphalt shingles.)

When it comes to hail, no roofing material withstands the impact better than metal.  Unlike asphalt, metal roofing can’t be penetrated by hail.  Most metal roofing products qualify for a U/L rating that indicates they resist damage from the impact of a 2″ steel ball.  Translated into an equivalent hailstone, that’s probably more impact than your Minnesota home will ever face.   And because of this exceptional weather resistance, especially to hail, many homeowners’ insurance companies, including State Farm, offer discounts for metal roofing.  Check with your homeowner’s insurance agent to see if your company provides a similar discount.  You may find out that the insurance savings, coupled with all the other benefits of metal roofing, make it a good choice in protecting your home from Mother Nature.

If hail is in the forecast, make sure you stow things such as cars, lawn furniture, bikes, etc. under cover before the storm hits.  Protection from direct impact can help reduce damage to items such as these.  Since you can’t move your house to safety, the next best thing is to make sure it’s well protected.  Quarve Contracting is proud to be a recommended contractor for Kassel & Irons, manufacturers of beautiful and durable steel roofing.