Frequently asked questions
Mechanics Lien FAQ
Why am i receiving a pre- lien notice?
You received a preliminary notice and it is a very official, intimidating looking document. A preliminary notice is not a lien. It is actually a document designed by the state of Colorado to protect you from having a lien filed on your property.
Why am i getting this notice?
This notice is sent to all of the property owners we provide services with outstanding balances exceeding 60 days, we do this as a normal course of business billing procedures.
What does this mean?
It means that we have supplied materials & labor for the work on your property. When you decide to hire a contractor to make improvements to your property it is common practice for them to hire subcontractors, purchase materials or rent equipment in order to complete the job. Since you are the party that benefits from the improvements to your property, you are ultimately responsible for ensuring that everyone that provided good and services to your project are paid. If/ when workers or suppliers are not paid, they can file what is referred to as a "mechanics lien" on your property for the value of the unpaid goods or services.
Insurance Claims FAQ
​Why should i get my home inspected for storm damage?
Peace of mind. If your home is damaged, you may have a short time to file an insurance claim. Since your insurance company limits the amount of time you have to file a claim it is important to get your claim approved and repairs scheduled as soon as possible.
What is the cost for having my property inspected for damage?
B & L Roofing provides homeowners with no cost property damage inspections and no obligation repair estimates.
How much will it cost to fix my home?
The cost to repair your home can vary, depending on the extent of the damage, cost of materials and cost of quality installation by your contractor. If you are filing an insurance claim, and approved, you will never pay one dime more than your deductible for approved damage replacement.
My home is fairly new. Won't my home builders warranty cover the repairs?
No. Storm damage is almost always a named exclusion in manufacturer, home builder and contractor warranties, which are designed to cover problems with materials and workmanship, not storm damage, or factors beyond control.
Why did the insurance company withhold depreciation on my roof. Will i receive that money?
Yes. Most homeowners policies cover full replacement value of your roof. The first check the insurance company gives you is the Actual Cash Value (ACV); what the roof is worth today with its useful remaining life. The money that was withheld is called the depreciation, or technically, the Replacement Value Cost (RCV) and will be paid to you when the work is completed or most times upon the submission of a signed contract with a licensed contractor for the work specified in the insurance adjuster's summary report.
Why did the insurance company withhold depreciation?
There are two reasons that the insurance companies hold some money back. The first reason is to make sure that you get the work done. Past experience has shown them that, if they give the customer all the money up front, many people end up spending it on something else. The second reason is that they wish to make sure that you pay your full deductible. The insurance company does this because many people if given all the money up front will try to find a contractor who would perform the job for the dollar amount in hand. By holding the retaining amount, they can adjust the amount of the final payout based on the roofing contractor's invoice, thus assuring that the customer does pay the deductible.
On my paperwork, it looks like my insurance company has already deducted my deductible from the check they sent me?
When most people look at their insurance paperwork they are confused, because they think the insurance company deducted their deductible from the money the insurance company has sent them. However, the deductible is the amount that the homeowner is responsible for paying directly to the contractor. The insurance company subtracts the home owners deductible amount on the paperwork from the total amount the insurance company allows for the claim, since the homeowner will pay their deductible directly to the contractor. The balance after subtracting what the homeowner will pay directly to the contractor as a deductible, is the total amount the insurance company will actually pay for the claim.
Should i get several estimates?
It is always prudent to get more than one estimate. However, when insurance is paying for the work, the dollar amount of the estimate is not very important as long as it is equal to or less that the insurance company estimate. In all such cases, with B & L Roofing, you will only be paying your deductible, so your cost with us will be what the insurance company pays, plus your deductible. Therefore, your decision should be based on going with the contractor that you feel most comfortable with and whom you feel will perform the best job.
What if your estimate is greater than the insurance company's estimate?
Usually this is because of something the insurance adjuster missed in the scope of work to be complete. We can almost always work something out with the insurance company to get these items paid. We will submit what is called a "supplement" with documentation in the form of pictures, measurements and paperwork. The insurance company will review the supplement and upon approval, send a check for the additional money needed to make the repair.
Can my contractor help me file my insurance claim?
Yes, our claims specialist. She will help you file your claim and will work with your insurance company to ensure a fair outcome for you.
Will my insurance premiums go up if i file a claim?
Insurance companies are prohibited from singling out any one homeowner for a rate increase based on an "act of god" damage claim, which includes hail, wind, tornado and hurricane storm damage claims. However, if a storm has impacted your area then most likely your insurance company will raise all rates and you will be affected whether you file a claim or not.
Should i hire the cheapest contractor to fix my home?
If your insurance company is paying for your repairs, it is in your best interest to hire a contractor who will provide quality service, workmanship, materials and a good warranty. Typically if a contractor is willing to do the work for less than what your insurance company is paying he most likely isn't your best option and will end up cutting corners to save money. Any reputable company will work with your insurance company until an agreeable amount is decided on and the homeowner will only be responsible for their deductible regardless of the bottom line figure.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A ROOF SYSTEM
Natural Roofing Options
The most beautiful, long lasting and costly roofing options on the market are naturally derived. Most other roofing options work toward imitating the following natural options
Low- Cost, High Quality Faux Roofing Options
Cost, durability and functionality can play a major role in your roofing choice. While the look of high-end natural roofing styles are nice, you need to be prepared for the initial cost and upkeep. However if you wish to have the look without the fuss you might consider one of the following options
Practical manufacturing processes have birthed varieties that resist mold and algae growth, insulate and deflect light. Be it the look of the wood, tile or slate, architectural roofing has a host of varieties that can meet your needs at a practical cost. It is worth noting that architectural roofing shingles and traditional asphalt share many qualities. Perhaps the largest variance is that traditional shingles lack the extreme visual impact of their high tech counterpart.
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Vertical Panels or Standing Seam -
Metal Shake -
Metal Tile -
Metal Shingle / Slate
Metal roofing can be found in a relatively diverse number of metals. There are older options, well known from childhood stories, like tin and newer options such as aluminum and lead. However, the two most commonly used on commercial and residential properties are copper and steel.
Corrugated galvanized steel is little more than raw wrought iron steel coated with zinc. It is generally used in corrugated sheets and is one of the most common metal roofing types available.
Stainless Steel is often chosen for its aesthetics. However, it serves a more functional purpose since it is well suited for harsher climates. It is most commonly available in seam profiles, but shingles are another, more decorative option.
Stone Coated Steel was originally designed in World War II for use in reconstructing damaged buildings and increasing their safety. It has a beautiful ceramic appearance and is created by using an emulsion coating of zinc and aluminum - bound stone granules coated with an acrylic gel overlay. The coating is virtually impossible to remove and is extremely durable.
Commercial and Heavy Duty Roofing Options
Sometimes jobs call for a no - frills, no nonsense approach. The following roofing options are durable and economical. While some are used mainly in commercial roofing, their use can be translated into a variety of other roofing projects.