Thinking of servicing or replacing your roof? If so, it’s best to follow the old home improvement rule: do it right the first time.
Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t seem to be aware of this rule. Rather than do some research, they’ll allow prices to dictate their choice of contractor. In most cases, they’ll get exactly what they paid for.
Want to do things the right way? Here are four key factors that will help you find the best roofing company for your needs.
Check Insurance and Licensing
Your contractor of choice should have worker’s compensation and liability insurance. The former provides coverage if a contractor gets injured. The latter covers third-party injuries and property damage.
Next, you’ll want to make sure that your contractor is legitimate. Ask for their business address, business website, phone number, and tax identification number. Verify all this information as soon as you get it.
Finally, find a contractor who has a home improvement or building contractor license. Some states don’t require these licenses, but they ensure that your residential roofers are serious about their work.
Consider Their Experience
Would you sign up for heart surgery with a surgeon fresh out of high school? The same logic applies to choosing a roofing contractor. The longer they’ve been in business, the more prepared they’ll be to do the job well.
Hiring a business with years of experience also protects you from unscrupulous roofers. Many fly-by-night contractors disappear to avoid paying for damages, only to reopen under a new name a few months later.
Ask for References
For professional roofers, reputation is everything. Any roofer worth his or her salt will be happy to provide references and examples of previous work. Call these references and, if possible, ask to see the job site.
Reviews and testimonials can also be a good way to check the contractor’s credentials. Their website is a good place to start, but check the dedicated review sites such as Yelp as well.
Finally, you’ll want to take a look at Better Business Bureau (BBB). Having a BBB rating goes a long way toward establishing trustworthiness. Even if a business isn’t on BBB, you may still find complaints about them.
Get It in Writing
Any smart homeowner will demand a written contract. The contract should outline the materials used, payment schedules, and a list of subcontractors. No part of the agreement should be confusing or left up in the air.
Also, make sure that the contractor will provide a warranty along with the contract. If something goes wrong, you’ll want to know how to fix the issue in advance. If they won’t offer a warranty, it’s best to look elsewhere.
Find the Best Roofing Company Today
Finding the best roofing company for you can take a while. That’s annoying, but not more than doing the same job twice! Be patient, do your research, and get as many estimates as you can before making the decision.
Want to know more about the roofing industry? Keep checking out our business section!
