What to Know Before Hiring Tellez Avendaño Construction & Roofing

Who Tellez Avendaño Is and What They Do

Tellez Avendaño Construction & Roofing is a roofing contractor operating in South Carolina that handles residential and commercial roof work. The company takes on projects ranging from new roof installation to repair and replacement of existing systems. Like any roofing contractor you might contact, they're one option among several in the state, and the decision to hire them depends on your specific project, timeline, and budget.

Before you call any roofing company—including Tellez Avendaño—it helps to understand what questions to ask, what to look for in a contractor, and how to protect yourself during the process. This guide walks through those steps so you can make an informed choice about whether they're the right fit for your roof.

Key Takeaways

• Get at least three written estimates from different roofing contractors before deciding, so you can compare price, materials, timeline, and warranty terms side by side.
• Verify that any contractor you hire holds a current South Carolina roofing license and carries liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage.
• Ask for references from recent projects in your area and follow up by calling them—not just reading reviews online.
• Get the full scope of work, payment schedule, and warranty details in writing before any work begins, and never pay the full amount upfront.
• Check whether the contractor works directly with your insurance company if you're filing a claim, since some handle that coordination and others don't.

How to Vet Any Roofing Contractor, Including Tellez Avendaño

Start by confirming the contractor's credentials. South Carolina requires roofing contractors to hold a license issued by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (SCDHEC). You can verify a license number on the SCDHEC website. Also ask for proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage—these protect you if someone is injured on your property or if damage occurs during the work.

Request at least three written estimates. Each one should list the roofing materials by brand and grade, the scope of work (tearoff versus overlay, for example), the timeline, labor costs, and warranty terms. Written estimates let you compare apples to apples. A price that seems too low often signals cut corners or hidden costs later; a price that's much higher than others may not reflect the actual value.

Ask for references from jobs completed in the last year or two, ideally in your neighborhood or a similar setting. Call those references directly and ask specific questions: Did the crew show up on time? Was the site cleaned up daily? Did the final bill match the estimate? Were there any problems after the work was done? Online reviews are useful, but a conversation with someone who hired the same contractor for a similar project tells you more.

What to Clarify Before Signing a Contract

Get everything in writing. The contract should spell out the materials being used (shingles, underlayment, flashing, etc.), the exact scope of work, the start and end dates, the total cost, and the payment schedule. Most reputable contractors ask for a deposit—typically 25 to 50 percent—with the balance due upon completion or in installments as work progresses. Never pay the full amount upfront.

Ask about the warranty. Roofing warranties come in two types: the manufacturer's warranty on the shingles or materials themselves (often 20 to 30 years) and the contractor's workmanship warranty (often 5 to 10 years). Make sure you understand which parts of the roof are covered under each warranty and for how long. Get the warranty terms in writing.

Clarify who handles permits and inspections. Most roofing jobs in South Carolina require a permit from your local building department. Some contractors include permit costs in their estimate; others bill separately. Ask whether the contractor will pull the permit and schedule the final inspection, or whether you'll need to handle that yourself.

Insurance Claims and Contractor Coordination

If you're filing an insurance claim for roof damage, ask the contractor whether they work directly with your insurance company. Some contractors are experienced in the claims process and will communicate with the adjuster, provide documentation, and coordinate the timeline. Others expect you to manage that relationship yourself. Knowing this upfront prevents confusion later.

If the contractor does work with your insurer, ask how they handle the deductible. You're responsible for paying it, but some contractors will wait for you to pay it before starting work, while others may front it and have you reimburse them at the end. Get this arrangement in writing so there's no disagreement when the bill comes due.

Red Flags to Watch For

Be cautious of contractors who pressure you to decide quickly, offer a price that's significantly lower than others, or ask for full payment before work begins. Avoid anyone who can't provide proof of licensing or insurance, or who refuses to put the estimate and contract terms in writing.

Also watch for contractors who show up at your door after a storm offering to file your insurance claim for you—a common high-pressure sales tactic. You have the right to choose your own contractor, and legitimate companies don't need to chase business this way. If you're unsure about a contractor's reputation, contact your local Better Business Bureau or ask your homeowner's insurance company for a list of contractors they've worked with before.

Getting Multiple Estimates and Comparing Them

When you contact Tellez Avendaño or any other contractor, describe your roof's condition, age, and size as accurately as you can. If you know the square footage, provide it. If you don't, the contractor will measure during the estimate. Be consistent in what you tell each contractor so the estimates are truly comparable.

After you receive three estimates, create a simple comparison table: contractor name, total cost, materials specified, warranty terms, timeline, and any notes about what's included or excluded. This makes it easier to see which contractor offers the best value for your specific situation. The cheapest option isn't always the best, and the most expensive isn't always the highest quality—look at the full package.

Next Steps After You Hire a Contractor

Once you've signed the contract, confirm the start date and any special instructions with the contractor a few days before work begins. Make sure someone will be home or that you've arranged access. On the first day, walk the site with the crew to point out any concerns—water stains in the attic, areas where you've noticed leaks, or spots where you want extra attention.

During the work, check in periodically but don't hover. A professional crew will keep the site reasonably clean and organized. When the work is finished, do a final walkthrough with the contractor before paying the final bill. Make sure all materials have been removed, the site is clean, and the roof looks as promised. Ask the contractor to walk you through the warranty paperwork and explain what you need to do to maintain the warranty (many require regular inspections or gutter cleaning).

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a roofing contractor is licensed in South Carolina?

Visit the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation website and search for the contractor's license number. A licensed contractor should be able to provide this number immediately. If they can't or if the number doesn't come up in the system, that's a serious warning sign.

What's the difference between a roof repair and a roof replacement?

A repair fixes a specific problem—a leak, missing shingles, or damaged flashing—without replacing the entire roof. A replacement removes the old roof down to the deck and installs a new one. Repairs are cheaper but only work if the roof is still structurally sound. If your roof is old or has widespread damage, replacement is usually the better long-term choice.

How long does a typical roof installation take?

A residential roof replacement usually takes three to five days, depending on the size of the house, the weather, and the complexity of the job. Larger homes or roofs with many angles, valleys, or skylights take longer. Ask the contractor for a realistic timeline during the estimate phase.

Can I negotiate the price after I get an estimate?

You can ask, but most established contractors won't lower their price significantly—they've already calculated their costs and profit margin. If you want to negotiate, ask whether they can reduce costs by using a different material grade or by adjusting the scope of work. Pushing a contractor to cut their price too much often means they'll cut corners to make up the difference.

What should I do if there's a problem after the work is finished?

Contact the contractor in writing (email is fine) and describe the problem clearly. Most contractors will return to fix workmanship issues under their warranty. If the contractor is unresponsive, contact your local building department or the Better Business Bureau. Keep all documentation—photos, emails, the original contract, and warranty paperwork—in case you need to pursue the issue further.