Look up contractors BEFORE calling for estimates

[gsabc]

Note to self.

GW discovered some discoloration on our bathroom ceiling this weekend. It's not obvious, being in an area that reflects the lighting in the room, but there's a bit of it. It looks like we've got a small leak in the 18-year-old roof. Naturally, we discover this on a weekend when no one's around.

Brought the weekly town newspapers and the phone book to call some roofing contractors this morning. Tried to check them out beforehand. One with an ad in the paper is very close to our house, and is accredited with the BBB. Called them first and made an appointment for tonight. Only afterwards did I remember to look up licensing. Both principals in the business have expired contractor licenses, though no complaints previously. I'll let them come to get their estimate, but likely won't use them because of the license issue.

I've since found two others from nearby towns, both licensed with no complaints. I'll give them a shot.

[silverscreenselect]

I know a plumber in Ohio who does good work.....

[gsabc]

I know a plumber in Ohio who does good work.....

He ain't licensed either. In MA, though, contractors are supposed to be.

GW pointed out that he won't be able to see anything from outside because it's dark by 6:00. I figured he'd have to get into our attic to take a look. Don't know what they could see from the outside, especially since it's a small leak at present. I want the whole roof checked out. There could be others we just haven't detected yet.