Main Services: Roofing Gutters and landscape services

Description: About Kevin Howard

I have been in the contracting business for over 30 years. I began as an employee, quickly became a partner, then later started my own business, K. Howard Contracting. Over the years I have learned many things about the business; not only the mechanics of roofing, siding, and other home improvements, but also how to work with my customers to provide for each home's specific needs.

How Green is Your Roofer?

Roofing is not an especially earth-friendly business. A majority of residential roofs are sheathed in asphalt shingles, and asphalt is a petroleum product. Its strength and weight make it an excellent covering over our heads, but to an environmentally-aware population, the production and disposal of the shingles may be seen as a problem.

K. Howard Contracting, LLC is trying to reduce its waste and improve recycling. On the job, we separate all recyclable paper and cardboard according to our municipality's guidelines. At this time, it is not possible to recycle asphalt shingles in Morris County, NJ, as there is no market for the shingles within a reasonable distance (MCMUA.com). This is unfortunate since asphalt shingles recycle very nicely into asphalt for highways, and other uses.

There is still a lot of garbage going into the dumpster at the end of the day, but at K. Howard Contracting we are making a concerted effort to lessen the load.

Service to the Community

K. Howard Contracting, LLC believes in Community. We donate to our town's July 4 parade and our school fundraisers, we sponsor youth soccer and Little League, and when KHC removes aluminum gutters and leaders from a job site, a portion of what we take away is donated to our local Volunteer Fire Department for their fund-raising efforts for the St. Barnabas Burn Foundation. We have also participated in Habitat for Humanity in Morristown, NJ.

How to Choose a Home Improvement Contractor

A reputable contractor gains much of his business through word of mouth. Sure, we may advertise in the newspaper (or on the web!) to broaden our reach, but our satisfied customer remains our best advertisement. That being said, when you are looking to hire someone to, say, replace your roof, there are some things you should look for. How long has the business been in operation? The shingle manufacturer offers a materials guarantee, but the contractor should offer a workmanship guarantee. You need to be confident that your roofer will remain in business for the term of your workmanship guarantee.

A list of referrals should be provided. This gives a potential customer the chance to speak to a past customer to gauge satisfaction.

Finally, talk to the contractor. Is he (or she) confident and knowledgeable? Are all your questions and concerns answered to your satisfaction? Have you been given choices? Were your phone calls/information requests returned in a timely manner? If a contractor takes his time answering a call for an estimate, how long do you think you will wait for a response when you have a concern?

Contact me if you have any more questions or concerns that I may be able to help you with.

--Kevin Howard, Owner