Roofing is a pretty big investment, whether you’re having a new one fitted or need to get your existing roof repaired, and as such, you need to ensure that you choose the right roofing contractor to carry out the work professionally and efficiently. Below are 7 of the best tips for choosing a roofing contractor that won’t let you down:
- Always ask your roofing contractor for references
If they’re reluctant to tell you about the experiences of their previous customers, and aren’t able to provide you with any genuine evidence of satisfied clients, then alarm bells should be ringing.
- Support local roofing companies
When a business is local, not only are they less likely to pack up their equipment one day and relocate (which is often due to shoddy work carried out and complaints/legal action from customers), but they’re much more likely to be well informed about local code rules and regulations.
- Find and read as many reviews as possible
If customers are frequently posting positive reviews of a roofing contractor online, then you can be pretty certain that you’ll have a positive experience with them, too. That said, some customers may leave negative reviews, but if the contractor has responded to them and promised to rectify any issues, or has offered a feasible explanation for whatever the problem may be, then you shouldn’t necessarily write them off without further investigation.
- Check the licenses and insurance coverage of each roofing contractor
If a roofing company is worth pursuing, then they should be able to provide you with a copy of their licenses and insurance coverage when requested. Without the peace of mind of knowing that part of the roof cost and service you’re being provided with is protected by security coverage, it would be difficult to pursue hiring a roofing contractor who can’t give you this.
- Compare warranties between different roofing companies
Typically, not all roofing companies offer manufacturing warranties that include workmanship coverage, and while the length of a warranty isn’t necessarily essential, your chosen roofing contractor should at least stand by the warranty they offer you.
- Be on the look-out for a fraudulent roofing contractor
In some unfortunate cases, a non-reputable roofing company may trick the homeowner into believing that they are not required to pay the deductible; this is insurance fraud and any roofing contractor who claims this, should be avoided at all costs.
- Make sure your contracts are documented before work begins
Any roofing contractor worth employing will ensure that both parties are clear on what work is going to be carried out, and at what cost. If a roofing company refuses to give you a written contract, or refuses to discuss the project with you in any detail, then you should begin your search again and find one who will.
Finding and selecting a reputable, qualified and reliable roofing contractor is a process that shouldn’t be hurried, but with the above tips and a generous dose of common sense and vigilance, you should be able to select a roofing company that will install or repair a roof for you, using high quality materials and expert workmanship and customer care.
