It’s a shame that homeowners are often taken advantage of by roofing contractors. There’s nothing worse than spending a lot of money on a roof and finding out it’s not properly done or is full of leaks afterwards.
Many people are told to get three estimates, but that’s not enough. You need to interview contractors and ask them the right questions.
1. Experience
If you’re going to hire someone to do roof repair, it’s important to know that they have the experience to get the job done right. You can learn a lot about the quality of their work by talking to them about their experience and asking for references.
Getting referrals from trusted friends and neighbors is one of the most reliable ways to find a reputable roofing contractor. Ask them how their projects went and whether they would hire them again. It’s also worth contacting local lumber yards and hardware stores to see if they can recommend contractors. You should also make sure that your contractor is bonded and insured. A bonded company will guarantee that they’ll complete your project on time and with the right materials.
2. Reputation
A reputable roofing contractor will make it a point to communicate with you throughout the project. This will ensure that you’re aware of their progress, and it will help to speed up the process.
It is also important to find out how long the company has been in business. This is a good way to weed out storm-chasers who will disappear as soon as they have finished their work. A reputable roofing company will have been in business for long enough to have built a solid reputation.
They should also be able to answer any questions you may have about their process, guarantees and other aspects of the job. A reputable roofer will not act offended by any questions and will be happy to explain things clearly.
3. License
If a roofing contractor is licensed in the state, it shows that they have experience and knowledge of the field. They can be trusted to provide quality work at a fair price. It is also helpful to know that a roofer will be insured, so you are protected in case of any accidents during the project.
All roofers should carry a minimum of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. It’s important to ask about these insurance policies when requesting an estimate.
Some states have specific licensing requirements for roofing contractors, so check with your local city and county to see what the requirements are. In addition to licensing, a roofing company should have software that will streamline all leads, sales, jobs, and tasks into one place. Try JobNimbus for free.
4. Insurance
It’s a good idea to find out about your potential roofer’s license requirements. Even if your area doesn’t require them, it shows that they take their work seriously. Also, you need to make sure they have liability and workers’ compensation insurance in case something goes wrong.
Get a written quote that includes a price breakdown and an outline of the project timeline. Also, make sure there’s a designated foreman who will be your point of contact for any questions or concerns that may arise.
Checkbook’s undercover shoppers found that it pays to get several estimates. If one roofer tries to rush you or makes you feel uneasy, keep looking. There are plenty of other reputable roofing contractors out there. It’s worth the extra time to find them!
5. Customer Service
When you hire a roofing contractor, make sure they treat you with courtesy and respect. This means listening to your concerns, providing you with a thorough estimate, and answering all of your questions.
Ask for references and inspect their job sites to get an idea of how they work. Also, check if they have a physical office in your area and their licensing is valid.
It is also important to find out if they require a full payment upfront or cover your deductibles. If they do, that is a red flag. They may be looking to take advantage of you and your situation. Moreover, they should not request cash payments since that leaves no paper trail in case of any issues. Instead, you should prefer working with a company that accepts credit cards or checks.
