Vince Dettore, VP of Marketing/Business Operations

1/03/2013

Certainteed a manufacturer of roofing shingles lists several things from their website a homeowner should look for or do when choosing a professional roofer. 

• Interview your contractor, the salesperson you talk to should be knowledgeable about other jobs.
• Get the full name and address of the contractor. Why? The likihood of better service and quicker response time if the company is based near you or has a large base office.
• Make sure the contractor carries insurance. A contractor should carry both comprehensive liability and workers compensation insurance. This protects the homeowner in the event of an accident. Make sure to ask for proof of insurance. Drawdy Roofing & Vinyl Siding always provides a copy with our estimate.
• Ask if the company or contrator is a licensed contractor. This assures your roofer has the proper credentials to do the job and is knowledgeable in the roofing business.
• Ask how long the company has been in business. Typically the longer the better.
• Ask for references.
• Evaluate the proposal or estimate and ask questions.
• Make sure the contractor's workmanship warranty is in writing and clearly explained as well as the manufacturer's warranty.
• Tell the contractor you call that you are not looking for the lowest bid, but rather the best value. And ask for a Good-Better-Best proposal.

The more information you have the better decision you can make when choosing which contractor you select for your job. Drawdy Roofing & Vinyl Siding's vision statement is "to provide homeowners and businesses the highest quality products and service to insure they receive the maximum value as well as safety and security for their property(s)." 

Vince Dettore, VP of Marketing/Business Operations

12/28/2013

While sitting near a window watching a football game this weekend at a friend’s condo I noticed a cold breeze of air blowing on my arm. Because it was in the 40’s outside I knew tha air conditioner wasn’t on so my next thought was that the window was open. Well I was almost correct. The cold air was coming from the window but through what looked like a tiny gap between the upper and lower panels and not through an open window. The windows were also an older single pane style which when putting the palm of my hand near one of the panes felt like I had my hand near a block of ice. I imagined the opposite effect would be true during the summer and in both cases my friend has a heat and air system working overtime causing a higher than needed utility bill with an increased carbon footprint.

Daily we are inundated with bad news from around the world. Technology allows us to recieve news right after it happens and typically the stories at the top of the list are of distasters and tragic events. The most shocking and tragic stories are sensationalized by TV networks to sell advertising because that is what brings in the most viewers and keeps us watching.

To speed the spread of bad news we now have social media. I could go on and on but I think I make my point. Bad news is all around us and if not careful we can find ourselves believing that our world is in its worst state ever. With that said here are a few items that make our lives just a little better compared to the past "when things were so much better."

1. Healthcare: Here is just a short random list of what we take for granted; antibiotics, sinus medicine, contact lenses, dental care, immodium(In the early 1900's diarrhea was one of the top three causes of death in the U.S.
2. Central Heat and Air. Can you think what life would be with out it now. How about dealing with the stomach flu with no A/C when its 90 degrees in the house.
3. Cell phones. Anytime anywhere we know we can get in touch with our loved ones not to mention the ease of managing work and business.
4. ATMs
5. Modern automobiles: Compare the comfort, reliability of todays cars to those of even back in the 1970's. They are cleaner burning, better gas mileage, and loaded with the latest technologies.
6. Air Travel
7. Computers, iPads, smart phones
8. Music: We listen to music anywhere anytime with all the latest technologies.
9. Food: Grocery stores, restaurants of every variety, yes even fast food is getting better.
10. GPS: No more unfolding those huge paper maps trying to figure out where you are or how to get somewhere.
11. Modern building materials: Yes even asphalt shingles have advanced dramatically over the past two decades.

Progress in the past 50 years has helped us live longer and have the opportunity to live better lives. Yes there are always going to be problems and focusing on problems we have no control over does us no good. Take time to celebrate the good things in life and those that have made a positive impact on you during this Christmas and New Year Holiday Season. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Vince Dettore, VP of Marketing/Business Operations

12/21/2012