Important Considerations In Finding The Best Roofing Contractor
Important Considerations In Finding The Best Roofing Contractor
Blog Article
A Guide to Finding Hiring and Working With a Good Roofing Contractor Today
There are a lot of horror stories about fly by night roofing contractors who pressure homeowners to sign contracts, demand large down payments and then disappear before the job is completed. Quality contractors value word of mouth referrals and are customer-centric in everything they do.
You can identify a good contractor by examining their legal name, physical address and more. Ask for references from previous customers as well.
1. Check Their License
Whether you need a roof replacement or a few repairs, hiring a licensed roofing contractor is always a good idea. Licensed contractors are more likely to be up-to-date on industry standards and practices, and they’re held accountable by state regulations that protect homeowners from unlicensed roofing scammers. You can usually verify a roofing contractor’s license on your state’s website by typing in their full legal name and an address where they can be reached.
You should also ask if they have insurance, which is essential for any large project. This insurance should cover safety procedures and liability, including workers’ compensation. Make sure to get a contract that details everything, including work methods, installation times, costs, and payment amounts. You should also request a lien waiver to avoid potential disputes down the line.
2. Check Their Insurance
Unlike some fly-by-night roofers who will disappear after doing the work, legitimate roofing businesses have insurance that will protect you in the event something goes wrong. Make sure you get a copy of their insurance before starting work.
You should also ask about their workers’ compensation insurance. This will cover any employees who are injured while working on your roof.
A quality roofing contractor should be proud of their insurance and should be happy to share the details. You can even do a little research online to find out if they have any insurance claims. Check that their insurance address is a real business location rather than a P.O. box. This will help you avoid storm-chasers who may have a ghost policy that won’t actually do much good.
3. Check Their Reputation
It's a good idea to check how long they've been in business and how many years of experience their roofing contractors have. However, that doesn't mean you should ignore a newer company completely; many roofers spend time working for other companies before launching their own roofing businesses.
Ask the roofing contractor you're considering to provide you with a quote before starting work on your home. That way, you'll be able to go over the estimate line by line to ensure there are no hidden fees or charges. It's also a great way to avoid getting ripped off by a "storm chaser" roofing contractor who tries to pressure you into signing a contract and then disappears before the job is complete. You can usually spot these by looking up the company's address online and seeing if it is a P.O. box or a legitimate business address.
4. Check Their Portfolio
It's important to ask for references and portfolios of roofing work. This allows you to see the quality of their work and gauge whether they can deliver the results you're expecting.
Checking online reviews is another great way to get an idea of a roofer's experience and reputation. Look for testimonials that mention the contractor's professionalism, customer service and ability to meet deadlines and other project requirements.
Lastly, it's always worth asking friends, family members and neighbours for recommendations. Their personal experiences can help you make a more informed decision, avoiding the risk of regretting your choice later on. You can also take a walk around your local area and look at some of the roofing works that are currently being undertaken. Many contractors put up signage indicating their name, contact number and type of work.
5. Check Their Pricing
While a fly-by-night contractor may seem to offer attractive pricing, this is often an indicator of poor quality materials and untrustworthy workmanship. A reputable roofing contractor will provide an itemized quote, which should be clear and transparent.
Ask for a list of past clients and their contact information so you can talk with them about the quality of work they received and whether they were satisfied with the process and timelines. If possible, ask if they can provide photos or addresses of jobsites so you can inspect their work and see the results with your own eyes.
Working with a local contractor is also local metal roofing contractors beneficial because they care about their community and will take pride in their work. They will also be more likely to have a manageable workload and work within your schedule, reducing the risk of weather-related delays and construction complications.