When it comes to choosing a roofing contractor, you need to make sure that you choose the right one. There are many things that you need to keep in mind, from experience and reputation to insurance and financing options.
Avoid settling for the first roofing contractor that you find. Instead, follow these helpful tips to help you choose the perfect roofing contractor for your property:
1. Experience
A new roof is an expensive investment, so it’s important to find a roofing contractor with experience. Check their online reviews and ask for references from past clients. Those who’ve had good experiences with the company are likely to recommend them.
It’s also a good idea to choose a local roofing company. Local professionals have an in-depth understanding of the unique challenges associated with local weather conditions and construction regulations. They’re also more likely to source materials from within the community, thereby cutting costs and shortening project timelines.
In addition, working with a local contractor means better communication between the home owner and the roofing company. This ensures that all of the details are sussed out before work begins. It also helps to prevent misunderstandings and miscommunication that can lead to costly mistakes.
2. Reputation
Choosing a contractor with a good reputation is very important. This will help you to have peace of mind that your roof is in safe hands. If you want to find a reputable contractor, you can ask your friends and family or search online for reviews.
Reputable roofing contractors have a strong track record of completing projects in the best possible manner. They will also have a proven portfolio that showcases their work. They will be more than happy to share addresses of homes they have worked on in the past and allow you to inspect them.
Another aspect to consider is the location of the roofing contractor. It’s ideal to work with a local roofing contractor, as it will make communication and coordination much easier.
3. Insurance
A reputable roofing contractor should not only offer warranties on their work but be open to discussing them with potential customers. This indicates a high level of confidence in their abilities and commitment to customer satisfaction.
Avoid contractors that charge for inspections or do not carry a proper insurance policy. This may be a sign that they are cutting corners or breaking the law, which is illegal.
Be aware that some roofing contractors will attempt to deceive their clients by presenting fake insurance policies. If you suspect this is the case, ask to see their real insurance certificate and add yourself as an additional insured for that specific job. This way, you can hold them responsible should anything go wrong during the project. This will protect you, the homeowner, from any unnecessary risk.
4. Licenses
You wouldn’t hire your neighbor’s uncle’s buddy to re-roof your home and the same goes for roofing contractors. You’d also probably be leery of hiring someone who didn’t hold a license, but that’s exactly what happens when you choose an unlicensed roofer.
Taking the time to research your roofing contractor is something you’ll be glad you did when it comes time for repairs or replacement. It will ensure you’re getting quality work at a fair price and that they are following local building codes.
In addition to customer references, ask for project specifics like whether they stayed on budget or how quickly they were able to address any problems that arose. This can provide insight into their level of communication and dedication to their craft.
5. Financing
It is a huge undertaking to replace your roof, but it’s important to find a contractor you can trust. You wouldn’t take your car to a new mechanic or have heart surgery with an unproven doctor, so don’t hire a roofing contractor without a solid track record of doing high-quality work.
It’s also important to choose a contractor that is local. Avoid “storm chasers” that will come to your door, pressure you to sign a contract and disappear before the job is done. A respected roofing contractor will be happy to share their previous projects and provide you with a written quote that includes everything from timelines to cost breakdowns. This will help you stay on the same page with your contractor throughout the project and prevent surprises down the road.
