Fixing the storm’s damage

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Local man serves as homeowners’ advocate

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By Tim Hadac

Early March is usually considered too early in the season for roofers to be seen in Clearing and Garfield Ridge.

But the sudden, severe storm that hit the area on the evening of Tuesday, Feb. 27 changed that, at least for this year.

“We’ve had quite a few calls from homeowners who heard the pounding hail, who heard the howling wind—and are concerned about possible damage the storm may have done to their roof,” said Geno Randazzo of All Exterior Contractors, whose crews were seen heading up ladders across the area. “Once a storm has passed, it’s easy to forget about it and move on to the next thing. But a smart homeowner will wonder if the storm damaged the roof, and they’ll have a professional check it out to spot loose shingles or anything that can be trouble.”

Geno Randazzo (left) and other community leaders last year, when All Exterior Contractors was named Midway Chamber of Commerce’s Business of the Month for the third time. –Supplied photo

All Exterior crews have been on literally hundreds of roofs in Clearing and Garfield Ridge in recent years.

That matters, experts agree.

“Be careful, check references and make sure you’re dealing with a reputable, local business owner with a track record of success,” added Garfield Ridge business owner Al Cacciottolo, who has publicly recommended Randazzo in recent years. “Geno will represent you when you deal with your insurance company, he will work to get you what you deserve from them, and his company will make all repairs necessary. Hundreds of the better roofs in this area—homes and businesses alike—are there because of Geno’s work.”

Randazzo’s business, All Exterior Contractors—licensed, bonded, insured and a member of the Midway Chamber of Commerce—is known for quality home repairs at a reasonable price.

He also has been visible in the community over the last several years, helping sponsor drives to assist military veterans, police officers and firefighters, local school children and senior citizens.

What sets Randazzo apart from others is that he also serves as a public claims adjuster—a licensed professional who can and has gotten insurance companies to pay what they should pay homeowners.

“Just about everybody likes their local insurance agent—it may be a friend, a relative, an old classmate—but all too often, it’s a different story when people have to deal with the big insurance companies,” Randazzo said. “Keep in mind, that big insurance company you’ve been paying premiums to for years and years does not represent you. They represent themselves. I have heard story after story where homeowners had thousands of dollars in storm damage, only to have their insurance company cut them a check in the hundreds. They got short-changed; and since they didn’t know their rights, they didn’t know what to do.”

“What I tell people is, call me first at (708) 705-7900—before you call your insurance agent, before you contact your insurance company to make a claim,” Randazzo added. “I will show you how I will work on your behalf, representing you, to get what you deserve.”

Beware of fly-by-nights

While all agree on the importance of using established, reliable home repair companies, that may be easier said than done for some.

“The day after [a 2023 storm], there were branches, leaves and even a few [roof] shingles on my front lawn,” said Clearing resident Frank Kalisz. “I was out cleaning up my front lawn when up comes this guy offering to jump up on my roof and check for damage right then and there.

“I should have known better,” he continued. “I’ve owned my house for 27 years. But he seemed like a nice young guy starting out in business. Well, he said he found damage, and I paid him cash on the spot to fix it. I paid cash, I got no written estimate, I did everything wrong. Well, long story short, I think I paid $150 for nothing. My wife thought I was nuts. Wish I could turn back the clock on that guy and his ladder.”

Such fast talkers are known as storm chasers. Everyone, from the Better Business Bureau to local chambers of commerce, warn against them.

“Although not all storm chasers are scammers, they may lack the proper licensing for your area, offer quick fixes or make big promises they can’t deliver,” cautioned the BBB in a recent statement.

“Before you let anyone up on your roof, make sure you’re dealing with a company that’s licensed, bonded and insured,” Kalish added. “And make sure they’re registered with the Better Business Bureau and the local chamber of commerce. If all a guy has is a business card and a leaflet, tell him thanks but no thanks.”