Quality Roofing Contractor And Tips For Selecting Your Project
Quality Roofing Contractor And Tips For Selecting Your Project
Blog Article
A Simplified Guide to Finding and Hiring the Best Roofing Contractor
A roof is one of the most important parts of any home. That's why you can't just let a random contractor replace or repair your roof.
You've probably heard horror stories about "storm chaser" contractors who swoop down on property owners, demand a large upfront payment and disappear before the job is finished.
1. Check Their License
In most states, it is illegal to offer services without a license. This means that any unlicensed roofing contractor is taking a huge risk by working on your roof and could end up facing lawsuits if something goes wrong during the project. To check a roofing contractor’s license, visit your state’s business licensing website and type in their company name. If they do not have a license, do not hire them and instead look for other indicators of professionalism, like their insurance credentials and product warranties offered by manufacturers like CertainTeed.
Licensed contractors are trained and certified to meet strict industry standards. They also have a history of work in your area and are more likely to be around to honor any warranty in the future. This significantly reduces your risks and eliminates any chance of scamming from fly-by-night operations that may emerge in the wake of severe weather events. This protects homeowners and helps to ensure the quality of craftsmanship and long-term durability of their roof.
2. Check Their Insurance
The internet is a great way to check roofing contractors’ insurance. Ensure that the contractor you choose has adequate workers’ compensation and liability coverage. You can also ask potential roofers for a detailed testimonial. It is important to know what kind of experiences past clients had working with them. For example, if the work was delayed by weather, ask them about their contingencies for delays.
It is also a good idea to check the contractors’ insurance accreditation and licensing by consulting with your local chamber of commerce and Better Business Bureau. This will help you to determine their legitimacy and prevent any issues that may arise during the project.
Lastly, be sure that the roofing contractor visits your home to inspect the existing roof and its condition before providing a quote. This will prevent them from overcharging you. Also, it will allow you to discuss materials and the extent of the work needed in detail.
3. Check Their Reputation
A good roofing contractor will have a solid local reputation and be highly regarded within the community. A reputable contractor will also be able to provide you with a list of references from previous clients. These references can be contacted to reliable roofing company inquire about their experience with the contractor and the quality of work performed.
A reputable roofing company will also be able to provide you with an estimate of the cost for the job, and any warranties or guarantees that may be associated with the work. They will also be able to answer any questions you have regarding the project and will provide you with a detailed written contract before beginning any work.
You should be cautious of contractors who pressure you into hiring them immediately after a storm, or who ask for large down payments before starting the work. A reputable contractor will understand that you are under stress after experiencing a disaster and will be willing to take the time necessary to discuss your concerns and answer any questions you might have.
4. Check Their Portfolio
A roofing contractor’s portfolio will offer you insight into their skills and craftsmanship. The best contractors are happy to share the addresses of properties they’ve worked on and excited to show off their work. Detailed testimonials on online platforms also offer valuable insights into the contractor’s professionalism and customer service standards.
The length of time a roofing company has been in business is also an important factor. A long track record shows reliability and a commitment to excellence. It can also protect you against unethical “race to the bottom” pricing tactics, which often lead to a lack of profit and, ultimately, financial instability for the roofing company that can make it difficult to honor warranties should something go wrong.
Be sure to request price estimates from several contractors and carefully compare each of them to determine which offers the best value for your specific roofing project. Also, don’t be afraid to ask a potential roofing contractor to explain their pricing strategy and the inclusions of each quote.