If you’re a homeowner, you’ve probably thought about replacing your roof at some point. Maybe it’s just that time or maybe a hailstorm just rolled through. Whatever the case may be, here’s a few tips on finding a good roofing contractor.
1. Look at multiple contractors.
You’ll want to thoroughly research your options before you commit to any one contractor. Start with the Better Business Bureau to see how different contractors in the area stack up. Once you’ve begun to narrow your search down, get begin talking with a small handful of contractors to see how they compare to each other. Once you’re really thinking about someone, ask for a list of previous clients that you can contact. You’ll want to ask those clients how satisfied they were with the contractors.
2. Make sure they’re local.
Look for a contractor who has an established reputation in the area. This not only means they are allowed to work in the area (some places require area-specific licensing) but also means they are likely to stick around. If you have problems a few years down the road, you don’t want to find out that the people who did your roof have up and vanished.
3. Are they licensed and insured?
Make sure your contractors are licensed to do the work they are trying to do. Most states require roofing contractors to be licensed, yet many people will attempt to work without the proper licensure. You also want to make sure that everyone who will be working on your roof is ensured. Get a copy of the insurance, and double check to make sure that the insurance will be applicable the entire time the company is working on your roof.
4. Don’t give in to pressure.
Many door-to-door salespeople and storm chasing roofing contractors will show up at your door making wild claims about roof damage. Often times they will try to get you to agree to something before you are ready. Don’t give in. Take your time, and do your research. Hiring a roofing contractor is a big deal.
5. Don’t just look at the price.
As they say, you pay what you get. Having someone fix or replace a roof is already expensive, but if you pay for a bad job, it could just as easily be even more expensive to get it re-done. It’s better to make sure you pay for a good job up front.
6. Get everything in writing.
You will want to make sure you have the everything about the job you’re paying a contractor to do laid out very clearly in writing, including an spoken agreements. This includes start and end dates, daily work times, the employees working on your roof, the materials used, safety procedures, payment and payment schedules, and clean-up methods. As a good rule of thumb, if it relates to the job, get it written down in a clear, professionally documented manner, and then keep a copy for yourself.
7. How’s their communication?
If you can’t seem to get ahold of a company, whether that be by phone or email, there should be red flags going up. If you can’t get them to clearly and quickly communicate with you now, before you’ve paid them, the likelihood that they will continue to communicate clearly years down the road, if you run into problems, is slim.
8. What are your roofing options?
If the company doesn’t have multiple roofing options to suit your needs, be cautious. Roofing options will have various pricing options, benefits, and styles, which will affect the longevity of your roof and the resale value of your home.
9. Pay your deductible.
Sometimes, contractors will offer to pay your deductible or will include it in the price of their work. While this may come from a well-meaning place, it is often illegal for them to pay your deductible for you. Politely decline and adjust how you’re paying them accordingly.
10. Get an extensive warranty.
Oftentimes, roofs will not have problems until years down the road. Make sure you get a warranty that properly prepares you for the future. It may cost more, but it is worth it in the long-run.
