Hiring the right roofing contractor to entrust your next roofing project and your home with can be a challenging and confusing task. Here are some helpful tips and to assist you in choosing the right company and getting the best service and value for your money.
1. Insurance Is A Non-Negotiable
Ensure the contractor you hire has liability insurance. Request to see the certificates and go the extra mile to call the insurance carrier to confirm they are valid.
This keeps all bids you receive on a level playing field, knowing that part of the cost of the roof and the service being provided is adequately covered.
2. Work With A Local Contractor
Make sure that the company you choose is local to your area. This means they are not some fly by night contractor but an established business within the community.
3. Cost Isn’t Everything
Never choose a contractor based solely on who is the cheapest. Those who do work on the side or working out of a pick-up truck can always under bid everyone else but in the long run, you also get what you pay for. Customers who choose a company with cost as their sole criteria ultimately end up spending more money to fix problems, many of which would have been covered under a workmanship guarantee by a reputable established roofing company.
4. Avoid The Storm Chasers
Beware of the door-to-door “We were in your neighborhood and noticed some roof damage….” contractors. Choose a roofer who is well established in the area with references who will stand behind and warranty their work.
5. Get Scope Of Work In Writing
Any reputable contractor will thoroughly explain what a roofing project will entail. i.e., the size of crew that will be working on your home, how long the job will take, guarantee of work. Make sure that you are satisfied with the work and that the terms of payment were discussed prior to the job and adhered to by both parties.
6. Customer Service Is Key
Is the company returning your calls? Are they sending documentation you requested? Do they appear to genuinely care about the work being done on your home? A good reputable company will make customer service a top priority.