1. Observe and protect
Record visible symptoms, limit additional damage where it's safe, and gather any known repair history.
2. Evaluate the house and site
Roof geometry, valleys, nearby trees, fascia condition, and downspout discharge routing matter more than color, given the Chattahoochee River's Fall Line setting and a textile-mill-era housing legacy.
3. Define a written scope
Clarify preparation, protection, materials, access, permits, testing, cleanup, restoration, exclusions, and change orders in Columbus.
4. Compare providers
Verify credentials and compare the reasoning and boundaries behind each proposal—not only the total.
5. Inspect closeout
Check testing, cleanup, documentation, warranties, and future maintenance duties for the Columbus property.