PJ McTavish & Co in Baltimore: Licensed Roofing with Transparent Pricing and Extended Warranties
PJ McTavish & Co is a licensed and insured roofing contractor serving Baltimore with asphalt shingle, metal, and flat-roof installations, plus repair and inspection services. The company operates as a small, owner-managed firm rather than a large regional chain, which affects pricing structure, scheduling flexibility, and the scope of warranty terms available.
Services and pricing
PJ McTavish & Co handles new roof installations, partial replacements, leak repairs, and pre-purchase inspections. Material options include 3-tab and architectural asphalt shingles (the most common choice in Baltimore), standing-seam metal roofing, and TPO and EPDM membranes for flat roofs.
Pricing for a full asphalt shingle roof on a 2,000-square-foot Baltimore rowhouse typically ranges from $8,500 to $13,000 depending on pitch, existing roof condition, and removal requirements. Metal roof installations run 40 to 60 percent higher. Repairs and leak calls carry a diagnostic fee of $150 to $200, credited toward the final bill if work proceeds. The company quotes jobs in person only; estimates are free but require a site visit.
Warranty terms include manufacturer coverage on shingles (typically 20 to 30 years, depending on grade) and PJ McTavish's own 10-year workmanship guarantee. This is standard for Baltimore roofing contractors; some larger operations offer 15-year labor warranties, which can factor into long-term cost when comparing bids.
How it compares to other Baltimore roofing options
Baltimore's roofing market splits between owner-operated contractors like PJ McTavish & Co, mid-size regional firms (such as Schultz Roofing), and national franchises (GAF Master Elite retailers, Owens Corning certified contractors).
Choose PJ McTavish & Co if you value direct communication with an owner-operator, prefer a smaller crew, and want flexibility in scheduling and material choices. The 10-year labor warranty is solid but not the longest on the market. Schultz Roofing, which serves Baltimore and surrounding counties, tends to stock more premium shingle grades and offers 15-year labor warranties, though its pricing typically runs 10 to 15 percent higher for comparable work. National franchises may offer faster scheduling but less personalized site assessment and higher overhead built into quotes.
For Baltimore's aging rowhouses and narrow lots, where roof access and coordination with adjacent properties matter, PJ McTavish & Co's smaller crew size can be an advantage during scheduling and neighbor management.
Licensing, insurance, and inspection process
PJ McTavish & Co holds Maryland roofing license #XXXX and carries both general liability and workers' compensation insurance. Before starting any job, confirm certificate of insurance is current; this protects you if a worker is injured on your property.
The inspection and estimate process begins with a roof walkover (or attic inspection if roof access is unsafe). The inspector photographs damage, checks for missing shingles, flashing failures, and gutter issues, and estimates remaining roof life. Inspection reports typically take three to five business days to arrive. The estimate includes material itemization, labor hours, and scope limits. For Baltimore homes with asbestos-containing roofing (common in pre-1980s construction), the contractor will note it but cannot remove it; asbestos remediation requires a licensed abatement firm, adding cost and timeline.
Who it suits and who it does not suit
PJ McTavish & Co suits Baltimore homeowners with moderate to large roofing projects, those who prefer to work directly with the owner rather than a corporate estimator, and customers willing to schedule work around a smaller crew's calendar. The 10-year labor warranty is adequate for most residential situations.
It is a less ideal fit for emergency same-day repairs (the company prioritizes scheduled work) or for customers who need the fastest possible timeline or the longest available labor warranty. If you own multiple properties or need roofing across multiple buildings, a larger contractor may coordinate more efficiently.
What the first visit involves
Call to request a roof inspection or repair quote. A crew member will schedule a time within five to ten business days. Expect a 30 to 45-minute walkthrough, including photos and notes on material condition, structural concerns, and past repairs. The estimator will ask about your budget, whether you prefer to match existing shingles or upgrade materials, and whether you have specific timing. Follow-up is by email or phone with a detailed quote. Approval typically begins work within two to four weeks for standard installations; repairs are usually scheduled within one week.
Hours and logistics
PJ McTavish & Co operates Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with Saturday work available by prior arrangement. The company maintains a small yard in Northeast Baltimore. No parking is needed for the inspection visit; crew trucks will park on your street during installation. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on install days; neighboring rowhouses will experience noise and activity during this time.
PJ McTavish & Co fills a specific niche in Baltimore's roofing market: a licensed, insured operator with fair pricing, transparent estimates, and direct owner involvement. For a city where many roofs are over 25 years old and rowhouse configurations complicate access, this combination makes it a solid baseline choice worth comparing against regional and national alternatives.
