archway-new

How to Choose the Right Contractor

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:18:00 GMT

Not all contractors operate the same way—and that matters more than most homeowners realize.

Especially when it comes to large exterior projects like roofing, siding, and storm damage repairs.

What Homeowners Are Seeing More Often

In recent years, there’s been an increase in:

One-person operations
New contractors entering the market
Projects started—but not completed

Many of these situations don’t start with bad intentions.

But they can still lead to real problems for homeowners.

Where Things Can Go Wrong

Getting In Over Their Head

Larger projects require:

Crew coordination
Material management
Scheduling and timelines

Without the right infrastructure, delays happen quickly.

Incomplete Work

We’ve seen situations where:

One phase is completed
Follow-up work never happens
Homeowners are left trying to find someone new

Lack of Long-Term Support

When a business isn’t established:

Warranties may not be honored
Follow-up service can be difficult
Communication drops off

What Working With an Established Company Looks Like

An established contractor provides:

A full team—not just one person
Clear timelines and communication
Accountability from start to finish
Support after the project is complete

What to Look for Before Hiring

Ask:

How long have you been in business?
Who is actually managing my project day-to-day?
What does your timeline look like from start to finish?
What happens if materials are delayed or something unexpected comes up?
Can you walk me through exactly what’s included in your estimate?
If I have a question during the project, who do I contact?

Summary

Choosing the right contractor is critical for large home projects. Established companies offer structure, accountability, and long-term support, while smaller or newer contractors may struggle with complex jobs, leading to delays or incomplete work.

Summary why homeowners choose archway contracting

We have built our business around one simple idea: homeowners deserve a team they can rely on from start to finish. As a company rooted in Minnesota and serving homeowners across the Twin Cities and Western Wisconsin, we understand the conditions your home faces—and how to build for them.

We’re not a one-person operation or a company that appears after a storm and disappears when the work is done. We’re an established team of roofing, siding, and exterior professionals who live and work in the same communities we serve.

Our team is built to handle projects the right way—with clear communication, defined timelines, and a structured process that keeps everything moving forward.

Homeowners trust Archway because we:

Have an experienced, dedicated team—not just a single point of contact
Manage projects from inspection through completion
Focus on long-term performance, not quick fixes
Stand behind our work after the project is finished

We understand that your home is one of your biggest investments. Our goal is to make sure the process is clear, the work is done right, and you feel confident every step of the way.

CONTACT ARCHWAY CONTRACTING

Before starting your next project, make sure you’re working with a team that can see it through from beginning to end.

How Much Does a New Roof Cost in Minnesota?

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:17:59 GMT

If you’ve started looking into a roof replacement, you’ve probably asked:

“How much is this actually going to cost?”

The honest answer is—it depends.

But understanding what drives the cost can help you avoid surprises and make a confident decision.

What Impacts Roof Replacement Cost

Size and Layout of Your Roof

Larger homes cost more—but complexity matters just as much as square footage.

Roof Pitch and Accessibility

Steeper roofs require more labor and safety precautions.

Materials

Asphalt shingles (most common)
Impact-resistant shingles (great for storm-prone areas)
Upgraded systems and ventilation

Tear-Off vs Overlay

Removing old shingles vs layering new ones changes both cost and long-term performance.

Why Estimates Can Vary So Much

If you’ve received multiple quotes, you may notice large differences.

That’s usually because:

Some include full system upgrades
Others only cover surface-level work
Some leave out key components like ventilation or flashing

Not all estimates are built the same.

The Biggest Mistake Homeowners Make

Choosing based on price alone.

Lower bids often:

Skip necessary repairs
Use lower-quality materials
Leave out critical details

This can lead to:

Early failure
Insurance issues
Paying for repairs twice

A Better Way to Compare Roofing Quotes

Instead of asking: “Which one is cheapest?”

Ask:

What’s included in the system?
Are permits and cleanup included?
Is this built for Minnesota weather?

Summary

Roof replacement costs in Minnesota vary based on size, materials, and labor complexity. The biggest factor isn’t just price—it’s what’s included in the estimate. Homeowners should compare full roofing systems, not just surface costs, to avoid long-term issues.

FAQs

How much does a roof cost in Minnesota?

Most projects vary widely depending on size and materials.

Why are some quotes so much cheaper?

They often exclude key components or use lower-quality materials.

Is it worth upgrading materials?

In storm-prone areas, impact-resistant options can provide long-term value.

If you’re comparing quotes, start with a professional inspection so you understand exactly what your home needs.

New Insurance Changes: What Homeowners Should Know

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 08:57:54 GMT

There’s been a recent update from Federal Housing Finance Agency, along with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, that could impact how much homeowners pay for insurance.

At a high level, some requirements that were increasing costs without adding much value have been removed. For homeowners, that sounds like good news, and in many cases, it is. But there’s an important detail that often gets missed—lower insurance requirements don’t change the actual risks your home faces.

What Changed with Homeowners Insurance Requirements?

The update gives lenders more flexibility by removing certain insurance requirements that had become standard over time.

In simple terms:

Some policies may no longer require extra layers of coverage
There’s potential for lower premiums
Homeowners may have more control over how their policy is structured
It’s a shift toward reducing unnecessary costs—but not necessarily reducing exposure.

Why This Matters for Minnesota Homeowners

If you own a home here, you already know the realities:

Strong storms in the spring and summer
Hail that can damage roofing and siding
Long winters that put stress on materials

Those factors haven’t changed. So while your policy might become more flexible, your home still needs to hold up against the same conditions.

will This Actually Lower Your Insurance Costs and save you money?

Possibly—but it depends on your situation. You might see savings if:

Your lender no longer requires certain coverages
You choose to adjust your policy
Your home hasn’t had recent claims

That said, reducing coverage without fully understanding your home’s condition can create risk down the road.

However, many homeowners will still need:

Roof coverage
Storm damage protection
Replacement cost coverage

What Homeowners Should Do Right Now before making ANY CHANGES

1. Review Your Current Policy

Take a close look at:

What’s required vs optional
Where you might be over-insured
What protections you’d lose if you scale back

2. Don’t Reduce Coverage Without Inspection

Before adjusting your policy:

Make sure your roof, siding , and gutters are in good condition
Undetected storm damage could cost you later

3. Schedule a Professional Inspection

Before making decisions about coverage, it helps to know exactly where things stand.

That way, you’re not guessing. You’re making a decision based on real information.

An inspection ensures:

You’re not missing hidden damage
You’re protected before changing coverage

How This Impacts Storm Damage Claims

A common question right now is: “If I reduce my coverage, will insurance still cover storm damage?”

The answer depends on your policy—and on the condition of your home before the damage happens.

If there’s pre-existing damage that wasn’t documented, it can complicate claims later.

That’s why taking a proactive approach now can make a big difference.

Why Archway Contracting Recommends a Proactive Approach

These changes are meant to remove unnecessary costs.

But they also shift more responsibility to homeowners to:

Understand their coverage
Maintain their property
Make informed decisions

It’s not about having more or less insurance. It’s about having the right insurance.

Summary

Recent updates from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac remove certain insurance requirements that previously increased homeowner costs. While this may lower premiums for some Minnesota homeowners, it does not reduce the risk of storm damage. Homeowners in areas like Ham Lake, Blaine, and Maple Grove should review their policies carefully and schedule a professional inspection before making coverage changes to avoid gaps in protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my homeowners insurance automatically go down?

Not automatically. You may need to contact your insurance provider to adjust your policy.

Is it safe to reduce my coverage?

Only after confirming your home is in good condition through a professional inspection.

Does this affect storm damage claims in Minnesota?

Your claim eligibility depends on your policy details, not just these new guidelines.

Should I get my roof inspected before changing my policy?

This helps avoid coverage gaps and ensures you’re protected.

Who should I contact for a home exterior inspection?

A licensed contractor familiar with Minnesota storm damage patterns—like Archway Contracting.

Contact Archway for a free inspection

If you’re considering adjusting your homeowners insurance, start with a professional inspection.

Archway Contracting provides free inspections across Ham Lake, Blaine, Maple Grove, Plymouth, and surrounding Twin Cities suburbs, helping you make informed decisions before changing coverage.