Question 1

How often should I have my roof inspected in Western North Carolina?

Accepted Answer

We recommend a professional roof inspection at least once a year, plus after any major storm. WNC weather — wind, hail, ice, and heavy rain — can cause damage that isn't visible from the ground.

Question 2

Do you charge for roof inspections?

Accepted Answer

Standard residential roof inspections are free for homeowners in Franklin, Highlands, Cashiers, Sylva, and surrounding Western NC areas. Specialty assessments (forensic or insurance-specific) may include a fee — we'll let you know upfront.

Question 3

How long does a roof inspection take?

Accepted Answer

Most residential inspections take 45 to 90 minutes, including a walk-through with you afterward to review findings and photos.

Question 4

Can a leak be repaired, or do I need a full roof replacement?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the age of the roof, the extent of the damage, and the underlying decking condition. Many leaks can be repaired affordably. Get My Questions Answered for a project-specific assessment before assuming a replacement is needed.

Question 5

Do you repair other contractors' roofs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We frequently repair roofs we didn't install, including correcting workmanship issues from storm chasers or out-of-state crews.

Question 6

How quickly can you respond to a roof repair?

Accepted Answer

Most non-emergency repair calls are scheduled within a few business days. Active leaks and storm-related damage are prioritized for same-day or next-day response when possible.

Question 7

How long does a roof replacement take?

Accepted Answer

Most residential roof replacements in WNC take 1 to 3 days of on-site work, depending on size, pitch, and material. Complex metal or specialty systems may take longer.

Question 8

What roofing materials do you install?

Accepted Answer

Asphalt shingles (CertainTeed), standing-seam and exposed-fastener metal, synthetic slate and shake, and specialty systems suited to the WNC climate and elevation.

Question 9

Will you remove my old roof or roof over it?

Accepted Answer

We strongly recommend a full tear-off and replacement. Roofing over existing layers hides decking issues and can void manufacturer warranties.

Question 10

What should I do immediately after a storm?

Accepted Answer

Document any visible damage with photos, avoid climbing on the roof yourself, and call Highlander to schedule a free storm-damage inspection. We'll provide a detailed report you can share with your insurance carrier.

Question 11

Will my insurance cover storm damage to my roof?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your policy, the cause of damage, and the age of the roof. Many WNC homeowners are covered for wind, hail, and falling-tree damage. We'll help you understand what's likely covered, but your carrier makes the final determination.

Question 12

Do you work with my insurance company?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We routinely document damage, meet adjusters on-site, and provide the photos, measurements, and scope of work your carrier needs to process a claim fairly.

Question 13

Should I call my insurance company before calling you?

Accepted Answer

We usually recommend a free Highlander inspection first. If there's no real damage, there's no reason to file. If there is, we'll help you understand what you're filing on before you make the call.

Question 14

What counts as a roofing emergency?

Accepted Answer

Active interior leaks, missing sections of roofing after a storm, tree impact, or any condition allowing water into your home. Call (828) 524-7773 and we'll prioritize your response.

Question 15

Do you offer emergency tarping?

Accepted Answer

Yes. When safe weather conditions allow, we can tarp a damaged roof to stop further water intrusion until permanent repairs can be completed.

Question 16

Is metal roofing a good choice for the WNC mountains?

Accepted Answer

Metal is an excellent choice for many Western NC homes — it sheds snow and ice well, performs in high winds, and can last 40+ years with proper installation. We'll help you decide if it's the right fit for your home and budget.

Question 17

How much more does a metal roof cost compared to shingles?

Accepted Answer

Metal typically costs more upfront than asphalt shingles, but lasts longer. The exact difference depends on the system you choose. Get my written estimate for a side-by-side comparison.

Question 18

What brand of shingles do you install?

Accepted Answer

We specialize in CertainTeed shingles as a CertainTeed ShingleMaster contractor. Other premium brands can be sourced on request.

Question 19

How long do asphalt shingles last in Western NC?

Accepted Answer

Quality dimensional asphalt shingles typically last 25 to 30 years with proper installation and ventilation. Premium shingles can last longer.

Question 20

Do you handle commercial roofing projects?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Highlander installs and repairs TPO, EPDM, metal, and modified-bitumen systems for commercial properties throughout Western North Carolina.

Question 21

Can you work around our business hours?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We schedule commercial work to minimize disruption — including evenings, weekends, or phased crews when needed.

Question 22

What areas do you serve for residential roofing?

Accepted Answer

Franklin, Highlands, Cashiers, Sylva, and the surrounding Western North Carolina counties — Macon, Jackson, Swain, Haywood, and nearby.

Question 23

Will my home be protected during the project?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We protect landscaping, gutters, siding, and the work area with tarps and equipment placement. We clean up daily and perform a magnetic nail sweep at completion.

Question 24

Do you install and replace gutters?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We install seamless aluminum gutters and gutter guards as part of roofing projects or as standalone work. Contact us for a project-specific quote.

Question 25

Why are gutters important in the WNC mountains?

Accepted Answer

Heavy mountain rainfall and steep terrain make proper drainage critical. Well-designed gutters protect your foundation, siding, and landscaping from water damage.

Question 26

What construction projects do you take on?

Accepted Answer

Home additions, renovations, outdoor living spaces, decks, porches, sunrooms, and exterior improvements. We focus on projects that benefit from the same accountability and craft standards as our roofing work.

Question 27

Are you licensed to perform general construction?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Highlander Building Services operates under an NC General Contractor license, fully insured.

Question 28

How long does a home addition typically take?

Accepted Answer

Most additions take 8 to 16 weeks from groundbreaking, depending on size, complexity, permitting, and material lead times. We'll provide a project-specific schedule before work begins.

Question 29

Do you handle design as well as construction?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Highlander offers in-house design services through our paid, three-phase Design & Consultation Agreement — scope, plans and 3D views, then a permit set — so your project is fully defined before construction pricing is finalized.

Question 30

What outdoor living projects do you build?

Accepted Answer

Decks, screened porches, covered patios, pergolas, and outdoor entertaining spaces designed to handle WNC weather and complement the character of your home.

Question 31

Can you build outdoor structures on sloped mountain lots?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Sloped lots are a Highlander specialty — we engineer foundations, drainage, and framing for the realities of mountain terrain.

Question 32

What towns and counties do you serve?

Accepted Answer

Franklin, Highlands, Cashiers, Sylva, and the surrounding Western North Carolina region — including Macon, Jackson, Swain, and Haywood counties.

Question 33

Do you travel outside Western North Carolina?

Accepted Answer

We focus on Western NC so we can stand behind every project. For projects outside our standard area, contact us and we'll let you know if we can help.

Question 34

Do you offer financing for roofing or construction?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer financing options for qualified homeowners on most projects. See our Financing page or ask your estimator for current programs and rates.

Question 35

What warranties do you offer?

Accepted Answer

Highlander backs our workmanship with a written warranty, in addition to the manufacturer warranties that come with your roofing or building materials. Specific terms vary by project — your estimator will walk you through everything before signing.

Question 36

How quickly can you start my project?

Accepted Answer

Lead times vary by season and project type. Storm work and active leaks are prioritized. For planned roofing or construction work, your estimator will give you a realistic start window when we provide your estimate.

Question 37

What does cleanup look like at the end of a project?

Accepted Answer

Daily site cleanup during the project, a final detailed cleanup, and a magnetic nail sweep on roofing jobs. We leave the property the way we'd want our own home left.

Question 38

Do I need a permit for my roof or construction project?

Accepted Answer

Most construction work and many roofing projects require local permits. Highlander handles permitting on your behalf and ensures all work meets WNC code requirements.

Question 39

Do you install and replace skylights?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We install, replace, and re-flash skylights and sun tunnels as part of a roof replacement or as standalone work. On any re-roof with existing skylights we recommend replacing them at the same time so the flashing is fully integrated with the new roof.

Question 40

Can you fix a leaking skylight?

Accepted Answer

Almost always. Most 'leaking skylights' are actually flashing failures at the curb. We diagnose the real source, re-flash to spec, and only recommend a full skylight replacement when the unit itself has failed.

Question 41

Do you offer design services for additions and outdoor living projects?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Highlander offers in-house design through a paid, three-phase Design & Consultation Agreement: scope discovery, plans and 3D views, and a permit-ready set. This is how we make sure your project is fully defined before we finalize construction pricing.

Question 42

How much do design services cost?

Accepted Answer

Design fees are quoted per project after we understand scope. We don't publish generic pricing because a small deck plan and a full addition design aren't the same project. Contact us and we'll walk you through the phases and what to expect.

Question 43

Can I use plans I already have?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you already have designer or engineer plans, we can price and build from them. If plans need refinement or a permit set, we can also step in through our design phases to finish them.

Question 44

How do I get started with Highlander?

Accepted Answer

The easiest path is to request a free inspection or consultation on our Request Inspection page, or call (828) 524-7773. A local team member will reach out — usually the same or next business day — to schedule an on-site visit and understand what you're planning.

Question 45

What should I have ready for the first conversation?

Accepted Answer

Just the basics: the property address, what you're seeing or want to build, and your rough timing. If you already have plans, photos, or an insurance claim number, share those too — but none of it is required to get started.

Question 46

What if I'm still early and just exploring ideas?

Accepted Answer

That's a great time to reach out. Early conversations help us right-size the project, flag anything that could affect budget or timeline, and — if design work is needed — start you on the right phase.

Question 47

I don't have plans yet — can we still talk?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Most construction and outdoor-living projects start without plans. We'll listen to what you want, walk the property, and recommend whether you're ready for construction pricing or need to move through our design phases first.

Question 48

I already have complete plans — can you just price and build?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If your plans are complete, permit-ready, and reflect the finishes and specifications you want, we can move straight to a construction estimate. If anything is missing, we'll flag it up front rather than surprise you during construction.

Question 49

I have partial plans or old sketches — what now?

Accepted Answer

Very common. We'll review what you have, tell you honestly what's usable, and recommend the design phase that gets you from where you are to a build-ready set.

Question 50

How do I get in touch?

Accepted Answer

Call (828) 524-7773, request a free inspection or consultation online, or use the contact form on the Contact page. Someone from our local Western NC team will follow up personally.

Question 51

What are your hours?

Accepted Answer

Our office is staffed during standard business hours, and we respond to storm and active-leak calls outside of hours when possible. The fastest response is usually a phone call — voicemails after hours are checked first thing.

Question 52

Do you have a showroom I can visit?

Accepted Answer

Yes — two. Our Franklin and Sylva showrooms are both open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with roofing, skylight, gutter, and siding samples on display. Walk in or call ahead so your estimator is on site when you arrive. Addresses and directions are on our Locations pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

Roof Inspections

Roof Repairs

Roof Replacement

Storm Damage

Insurance Claims

Emergency Roof Leaks

Metal Roofing

Shingle Roofing

Commercial Roofing

Residential Roofing

Gutters

Construction Projects

Home Additions

Outdoor Living

Service Areas

Financing

Warranties

Project Timelines

Cleanup

Permits

Skylights & Sun Tunnels

Design & Planning Services

How to Start a Project

Plans vs. No Plans

Contacting Highlander

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