Whether you are replacing your roof or looking for repairs, it is important to choose the right contractor. You can do a lot of research to narrow your options using online resources like Facebook and Yelp.
Most people advise getting three written estimates from contractors on your list. This will help you compare apples to apples.
Ask for Referrals
In a profession where reputable contractors are hard to find, referrals from past clients can be invaluable. However, it would help to ask them in a way that doesn’t feel opportunistic. This means you have to provide them with a strong reason for helping you.
It is best to ask in person, but try an email or letter if that isn’t possible. Including a copy of their contract for context is a good idea. Also, a library of valuable resources to share can help.
Roofing contractors should be licensed in their state and have insurance to cover any potential damages during the project. In addition, they should have a valid and verifiable worker’s compensation policy covering medical bills and wage replacement if a worker gets injured. Checking licenses and insurance is easy with online tools which can link to local and nationwide license verification websites.
Check Licenses and Insurance
In most states, roofing contractors must be licensed to perform work at your home. If not, you can have many problems with warranties, insurance, etc.
Before starting any work, a good roofer will provide you with a contract that spells out all aspects of the job. It should include the contractor’s name, business registration number, address, and other details. This will prevent any misunderstandings during the project.
The contract should also cover safety procedures, payment amounts, and any other important items you need to know. Ensure the contractor has workers’ compensation and general liability insurance covering accidents on your property.
You should be able to find the roofing contractor’s licensing information on your state government website. It will usually have a search field at the top or side of the page. Type the roofing company’s name and license number into that field to see if they are licensed in your area.
Check Portfolios
Your roof is essential to your home, offering protection, aesthetics and resale value. It should be timely, so be patient and do adequate research to find a reliable residential roofing company.
Many companies will have a portfolio of past work in printed or digital photos. However, it’s important to look beyond this and check their workmanship warranties.
Another important aspect to consider is the style, frequency, and quality of communication between you and the contractors. If a contractor is closed off and unresponsive from the start, this is not a good sign for your relationship during the project. On the other hand, if a contractor is receptive to your questions and doesn’t seem intimidated by them, this can be a positive sign for the entire project. This will help keep lines of communication open and prevent any surprises down the road.
Ask Questions
When meeting with commercial roofers, don’t hesitate to ask them questions. How they answer those questions can tell you a lot about their work ethic. They will likely be the same throughout the project if they seem annoyed or treat your questions silly.
You can also ask roofing contractors about their years of experience and how many roofs they’ve installed. Choosing a company with several decades of experience will give you confidence that they’ve got the knowledge and skills to do a quality job.
You should also check whether they have workers’ compensation and general liability insurance. This will protect you if the roofers get hurt on the job or cause damage to your property. Finally, it would help if you asked about their warranties and guarantees. A good roofing contractor will have clear, easy-to-understand contracts and warranty information in writing. This can save you a lot of trouble in the future.
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