Your Guide to Choosing a Great Roofing Contractor
An efficiently constructed and well-maintained roof protects the interiors and the exteriors from the elements. Correct installation and quality materials are the keys to a lasting roofing system. A poor roofing job can lead to leaks and other issues that can result in costly repairs and compromise the home and family safety.
When installing a new roof, repairing, or replacing the existing one, homeowners should use only superior products and hire the services of a professional roofing contractor. A reliable roofer performs all roofing jobs seamlessly.
However, choosing among the many roofers is daunting for an average homeowner. Here are a few helpful tips to narrow down the search and find the best contractor for all your roofing needs:
Get local referrals
Recommendations from trusted friends and family members reduce the possibility of getting scammed or experiencing issues with the finished work. Ask acquaintances about roofers they have hired in the past. Always consider roofers with a physical office and a local phone number. It is easier to do a background check on local contractors or contact them during emergencies. Local roofers also adhere to the codes, regulations, and permit requirements to help avoid issues in the future.
Check for license
The first step in choosing a capable roofing contractor is to ask about their license. Several states require roofers to have a valid license or pass an exam to operate legally. Working with unlicensed contractors carries several risks and will most likely deliver poor results. Licensed roofers take their job seriously and stay up-to-date on everything required to perform their job correctly.
Check the insurance policy
A roofer should carry general liability insurance and worker’s compensation covering all employees to mitigate risk. Ask the prospective roofers to show the proof of the insurance and what coverage the policy carries. Liability insurance covers damages incurred during the roofing service, while workman’s compensation covers injuries sustained by any employee on the job site due to accidents.
Look at their portfolio
A good roofer will willingly show examples of their previous roofing work. Ask them for the locations or referrals of previous customers to check their work quality, working style, and set realistic expectations. Talk to people the prospective contractor has worked for to know if they completed the project within the given budget and timeframe.
Do not rely solely on price
The biggest mistake many homeowners make is hiring roofers offering the lowest price. It is best to choose roofers based on their service quality instead of cost to get the money’s worth. Take bids from multiple contractors and compare prices, materials, and work quality before making the final choice.
A reliable contractor will always provide a formal contract outlining a list of subcontractors, payment schedules, project timeline, list of materials they will use, cleanup responsibilities, and protection to the landscaping during the project. Avoid contractors unwilling to get the contract in writing.
Hire a roofing contractor you can trust
Use these valuable tips to choose the right roofer for all your roofing needs. A reliable roofing contractor gives homeowners peace of mind that their roof is in capable hands and they will get the most out of their roofing expenditure.
