When it comes to roofing, the contractor you hire is equally as important as the materials that they use. Your roof is one of your home’s most critical components, and entrusting its repair or installation to a contractor who is inexperienced or unprofessional could lead to expensive mistakes, issues with your safety, and potential for damage in the long term.
Regardless if you’re installing a new roof, replacing an old one or making repairs after a natural disaster occurred at best the work that will be performed will impact your home’s protection, energy efficiency and overall worth. So where do you begin? Here are what we believe are foundational must-haves when choosing a professional roofing contractor.
1. Proper Licensing and Insurance
First of all, you want to make sure that the roofing contractor that you are considering is licensed and insured. Roofing is a dangerous business and unlicensed contractors could be unequipped to handle your project because they lack experience or proper training.
licensed: It’s important to note that some states don’t require a license to perform roofing work, but in cities and towns where roofers must be licensed, it’s critical to make sure that your contractor is properly equipped. Reputable local contractors will possess all required state and local licenses rooftops ago.
Insurance: Always ask for proof of both liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. The former protects your property in case the contractor damages your home during the project, while the latter covers any injuries the crew might sustain while working on your roof. If a contractor doesn’t have insurance, you could be left paying for damages or medical bills if something goes wrong.
It’s a big risk to take without it.
2. Experience and Expertise
When it comes to your roof, you really get what you pay for. Hiring the cheapest contractor could result in subpar workmanship and a roof that leaks or worse—a roof that caves in on you and your home. It’s worth it to hire a reliable, professional roofing contractor with plenty of experience and expertise. The professional roofer won’t just hand you a quality-constructed, beautiful, long-lasting, waterproof new roof; they’ll also give you unbeatable peace of mind.
Don’t be afraid to ask any or all of these questions before hiring your next roofing contractor:
Can I have some references? Can I see photos of your work? How many years have you been operating? Do you specialize in flat (or metal or shingle or slate) roofing—or whatever material/style/etc. best applies to the type of roof that would top my dream home?
Check Portfolios and References: Don’t be afraid to ask contractors for references of recent customers. A good contractor has a portfolio he’s proud of, and his past customers will give you insight into such things as responsiveness to frequent repairs, roofing types, and materials suggested in the past, and typical project time frames.
3. Written Estimates and Transparent Pricing
Before any of the work begins, you should receive a written estimate that details the following aspects of your project: who will be responsible for which parts of the project including suitable subcontractors; approximate start and completion dates; specific materials the contractor will furnish; standard site cleanup; and total cost for the work, broken down into reasonable payments with a provision allowing you to withhold final payment until satisfactory completion of all work specified in the contract. However, don’t make your decision on prices alone. Be aware that lower bids may indicate a contractor who plans to take shortcuts or use subpar materials.
Know the Costs: A good estimate should outline all of the associated costs such as labor, materials, permits and any other related costs that may arise. This will help you to avoid any unexpected fees in the future.
4. Reputation and Reviews
The reputation of a roofing contractor is everything. With online reviews and ratings from past customers, you can gain some insight on the workmanship, professionalism, and customer service of the contractor. Go to review sites like Google, Yelp or Better Business Bureau (BBB) to read what customers have said.
Better Business Bureau Accreditation: The Better Business Bureau accredits businesses based on their commitment to truth, honesty and transparency. Also BBB accredited businesses must uphold obligations in resolving consumer complaints or disputes.
Make sure to read reviews. Not just the good ones as all businesses have good and bad reviews (it’s impossible to please 100% of all customers). You should really pay attention to how a roofing contractor addresses a negative review when they receive it. Do they apologize for a mistake? Do they offer an explanation when things go wrong? Or do they blame someone/something else and push the blame off their shoulders.
Another excellent way to find trustworthy roofers is via word of mouth. Ask your friends, family, or neighbors around your area who’ve recently re-done their roofs with a contractor if they’d refer the company that did their roof to you.
5. Written Warranty
A professional roofing contractor will guarantee their work and offer a warranty on both labor and materials. Warranty length can vary but 10 to 30 years is pretty typical for a roofing warranty depending on the type of product you choose.
Material Warranty vs. Labor Warranty: Be sure to ask what the warranty specifically covers. The material warranty typically only covers against material defects with the actual roofing material whereas the labor warrant covers issues with the installation of those products. Some contractors have separate warranties while others may include labor in the material coverage.
Read the Fine Print: Make sure the warranty is in writing, and read the fine print to understand what is and isn’t covered. That way you won’t be shocked – or worse, angered – if you do discover a problem down the road.
6. Availability and Schedule
Roofing is a big investment, and you want to make sure the contractor can actually do the project when you need them to. Before signing a contract, ask the contractor what their availability is like and how soon they will be able to start on your roof.
Timeline: Any good contractor should be able to give you an estimated timeline of how long the project will take. While delays happen (the weather being a big one), they should communicate that with you and keep you updated.
Flexibility: Some roofing projects cannot wait. If you have endured a severe storm or other type of emergency that has caused serious damage to your roof, you will need to find a contractor who can respond immediately. Discuss emergency service options and procedures with the contractors on your list before making a decision.
8. Trust Your Instincts
Finally, go with your gut. When you’ve met with a contractor, ask yourself: Do I feel comfortable with this person? A reputable and professional roofing contractor will inspire confidence in his or her capabilities and leave you with no doubt as to what needs to be done.
If something doesn’t feel right – it could be their communication style, pricing or general demeanor – then keep looking. It’s better not to hire someone if you’re not sure.
Conclusion:
It is important to choose the right roofing contractor when you want to make sure your home is safe, dry, and well protected. Research, check credentials, read reviews and if need be, trust your instincts to get a contractor that will provide exactly what you need and deliver it with high standards.
The end result should give you more than just a new roof but some peace of mind too knowing that your home is indeed in good hands.
So, the right choice is the best one. Don’t rush your decision. Make an informed one. Do some research, and find out what products are really going to be the best for your home. Which warranty provides the coverage you would want if something were to go wrong? What company is in it for the long-haul, and will be able to help you twenty or thirty years down the road? Then, make a decision… but not until then.
