Roofing projects are some of the most important and most expensive home improvement project you’re going to undertake as a homeowner. Whether you’re installing a new roof, replacing an old one, or getting some repairs; you’ll want to hire a trustworthy roofing professional for the job.
Choosing the right roofing contractor, however, is not as simple as it seems. It can be a challenge, especially to those who are hiring for the first time. To help make the task easier, we have compiled a few tips to assist you.
1. Check for license and insurance
Roofing is a complicated and dangerous job, which is why it’s not recommended for homeowners to do it by themselves. Working several feet above the ground, on an uneven surface, is a huge safety risk – one wrong step can send you straight to the emergency room.
Reputable roofing contractors have the knowledge, skills, tools, and proper equipment required to perform the job safely and successfully. More importantly, they carry necessary roofing contractors insurance to cover them and their crew in the event of an accident or injury during the project. Working with licensed and insured contractors will save you from headaches in case something unfortunate happens on site.
2. Look for roofing contractors with experience
Experience means a lot in the roofing industry. There are lessons, knowledge, and skills that can only be honed by repetition and time. Experienced contractors may charge higher than their newer competitors, but they also have a long list of satisfied customers to vouch for their services.
Roofing projects cost a lot of money, so you need people who can do it right the first time. Roofers who have had years of experience are more likely to deliver a quality job.
3. Use past works as a reference
Experience is important, but reputation is everything. That said, when interviewing a potential roofing contractor, don’t simply take their word for it – ask for references. Reputable roofers won’t have any issues with this. It could be contact numbers of previous clients that you can personally speak with or photos and locations of their completed jobs.
But as most contractors already have a well-curated portfolio of references prepared, you need to do some research on your own as well. Third-party review sites provide more candid insights and real feedback on what it’s like working with a specific roofing company.
4. Ask what happens if you’re not satisfied with the results
It’s crucial to ask contractors how they deal with unsatisfied clients because there’s always a chance that the results won’t be to your liking.
How do they handle error complains?
Do you have to pay more to get things re-done?
Go with a roofing company who is prepared to vouch for the quality of the work that they do. If you end up unsatisfied for some reason, they should guarantee to get things done to your standards.
The Bottom Line
Despite the amount of research that they have done, many homeowners still make the mistake of getting swayed by the lowest bid. Yes, budget is an essential factor, but the price is not the only thing that matters here. Cheapest does not equate to best.
The right roofing contractor will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision. In the end, you should choose a roofer who offers you the best value for your money.