Choosing the right roofing contractor is an essential step to ensure that your roof construction or repairs are done properly. Choosing an inexperienced or unprofessional contractor can cause lots of problems during the project.
You should also look for a roofing contractor that offers a warranty. This shows that they are confident in their work and committed to customer satisfaction.
Experience and Reliability
Roofing contractors know how to manage various aspects of the re-roofing process, including estimating costs and materials, and coordinating with other subcontractors and local building departments. They also have experience working on a wide range of roof designs and are likely to be able to identify and fix problems that may arise during the work.
When you’re narrowing down your candidates, verify their legitimacy by asking for their contact information and checking their licensing details online. You can also check with your chamber of commerce and Better Business Bureau to make sure they have a good standing in the community.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, ask each contractor for a roof inspection and quote. Compare their work, demeanor, and communication skills to find the best fit for your project. Also, pay attention to any quotes that differ dramatically from one another, as this could be a red flag. Avoid any contractors who require payment in cash, as this leaves no paper trail and makes it difficult to resolve disputes.
Licenses and Insurance
Many States require roofers to show past experience in the trade, pass an exam and obtain insurance and, in some instances a bond before they can be licensed to perform roofing work. Whether the roofing contractor is operating as a solo proprietor, a corporation or as a professional limited liability company, a local business address should be included on their website and business cards.
In addition to licensing, commercial property insurance covers damage done to the roofer’s tools and equipment while they are at work on your project. The insurance also provides protection in case an accident happens on the job site and protects against any liability that could arise if someone is injured while a roofing job is under way.
A good roofing contractor will also provide a warranty on the work they do for you. Ensure that this is clearly written out in your contract. Make sure that they include the length of time for which it applies and what it does or doesn’t cover.
Reputation and Reviews
Everyone can claim to be great at what they do, but the truth is that only a quality roofing contractor can back up their claims with positive reviews. This is why checking online customer reviews is important. You can look for reviews on websites like Angie’s List and Google Reviews.
You should also consider asking the contractor for references from previous clients. This will give you an idea of the work quality and how well they communicate with their customers. Having a good communication with your roofer is essential to ensure that the project goes as smoothly as possible.
However, a strong reputation takes time to build and can be difficult for individual contractors and roofers to manage. For this reason, it may be helpful to work alongside a reputation management company that can help you promote and manage your roofing business’s reputation and client feedback. This can also allow you to spend more time focusing on other aspects of your roofing business and growing your client base.
Pricing
Whether you’re getting a roof replacement or just need an inspection, you’ll want to find a contractor that offers fair prices. However, it’s important to note that no roofing company can charge exactly the same rates as their competitors due to different costs, overhead and objectives.
Also, check if they offer any warranty on the work done and what it covers. This will save you money in the future if something goes wrong after they’ve finished the job.
Finally, it’s a good idea to hire a local contractor since they understand your climate and will be able to provide standard services. In addition, they will have a solid reputation in the area and you’ll know where to reach them in case of any issues with the project. Additionally, they will manage the permitting process and other regulatory requirements for you. This will save you a lot of time and hassle. They will also have all the equipment needed to handle the job efficiently.
