Expert Advice – Hiring a Roofing Contractor Made Easy
Roofing is a difficult and time-consuming job that requires a high level of skill and knowledge. Finding the best contractor to handle your roof repairs is an important decision.
Having good customer interaction also helps the work go smoother. Ensure that your roofing contractor is easy to reach for questions, updates and work authorizations.
Ask for Referrals
When you’re looking for a roofing contractor, be sure to get referrals from local homeowners. This will help you find a contractor that has a solid track record and is trustworthy. Alternatively, you can also check their website for customer reviews and testimonials.
Roofing contractors can manage all aspects of your re-roofing project, from ordering and scheduling materials to assigning crews for the job. They’ll also know the necessary permits to obtain and be familiar with local building codes.
Choose a company that offers warranties on their work and can provide you with references for past projects. They should also have a local presence and be established in the community. It’s also important to determine if they will use subcontractors and if so, find out if they are licensed and insured.
Check Their License
A licensed roofer has the proper credentials to guarantee roofing work is done correctly. Using an online contractor licensing verification tool can help homeowners avoid scams and find contractors with proper credentials.
Homeowners should also make sure their selected roofing contractor is insured before hiring them. Roofing is an extremely dangerous job, so the right insurance protects homeowners in the event of accidents or property damage during roofing work.
Roofing companies typically carry general liability insurance and may offer extra policies for things like workers’ compensation. An independent contractor who specializes in roofing may not carry insurance, so it’s important to verify their coverage.
Check Their Portfolio
When you’re searching for a roofing contractor, look beyond just cost. The amount of time a company has been in business can be a strong indicator as to whether or not they’re reliable and know what they’re doing.
Roofing contractors with extensive experience and expertise understand the different kinds of roofs available, the materials to choose from and how to complete the project effectively. As such, they should have a portfolio of previous projects to showcase their skills. A great way to do this is to use video on your website, which allows you to open a dialogue with potential clients before they reach out to you. This will build trust and confidence in your brand. Moreover, it shows that you’re committed to providing quality services and a positive customer experience.
Ask About Their Availability
A roofing contractor should be available to answer questions and concerns throughout the project. If they’re difficult to reach or don’t respond quickly, it may be a red flag.
Also, ask if the roofing contractor will use subcontractors and if so, find out whether they’re licensed and insured. A reputable contractor should only use subcontractors they trust and will take responsibility for their work.
Finally, ask the roofing contractor for a proposal and contract. This will outline the work that’s needed, what materials are required and how much it will cost. It should also include a timeline for completion and any other applicable details (e.g. permit acquisition fees, cleanup services).
You should also ask each roofer whether they offer a warranty on their work and for references to other local projects. For an example of a roofer who offers this and more, click here.
Get Quotes
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential contractors, ask them to provide quotes for the work you want done. Be wary of any who demand full payment upfront, as legitimate contractors typically require a deposit or partial payments while the project is in progress, followed by a final payment upon completion.
Look for a roofing contractor who has a website with photos of previous jobs and testimonials from satisfied customers. You should also ask each roofer whether they offer a warranty on their work and for references to other local projects.
Finally, choose a local roofer that’s readily available to answer your questions and address any concerns. If a roofer takes a week to return your call or try to push you into signing right away, it’s time to move on.