By Whether you’re installing a new roof or need repairs on your existing one, hiring the right contractor is essential. There are a few things you should look for that can help you make an informed decision.
For starters, it’s important to find out how long they’ve been in business. This will give you a good idea of their reliability and follow-through on contracts and warranties.
1. Ask for References
When searching for a roofing contractor, asking for references is an excellent way to find out more about their previous experience. By contacting a contractor’s references, you will be able to learn more about their work ethic and if they are a good fit for your job.
Be sure to ask the references whether or not they were satisfied with the work done, and if they would hire the contractor again. It’s also important to find out how the contractor handled any issues that arose during the project.
Also, be sure to ask the references how the contractors protected their property during the roof replacement. This will help you ensure that your home and landscaping are protected from any potential damage. If a contractor does not provide this information, this should be a major red flag.
2. Look at Their Work
The general rule of thumb is to get estimates from three contractors. This helps to give you an idea of average pricing.
It is also a good idea to inspect job sites where the contractor has worked in the past. This can tell you a lot about the quality of their work and whether or not they are capable of completing a project in a timely manner.
During the roofing process, obstacles may come up that could delay the completion of your project. You want to be sure that the contractor has a plan in place for dealing with these issues. Ask them about their process for handling unexpected developments and how they will communicate with you throughout the project. Ideally, they should offer a warranty for the finished project as well as post-project support.
3. Look at Their License
You want to be sure that the contractor you hire has a valid roofing license, which is required by state law. If they don’t, this is a red flag that you should move on.
In addition, you should ask them if they have workers’ compensation and liability insurance, which protects the homeowner in the event of an accident while the contractors are on the property. You should also run this information through the Better Business Bureau and other online databases to identify any potential red flags.
It’s also important to hire a roofing contractor who is local. This helps ensure that they will be around if you need them for any future problems with your roof. Additionally, local roofing contractors are more likely to have a good reputation in the community and will be more trustworthy.
4. Look at Their Insurance
Whether you need roofing repair or replacement, a roofing contractor without insurance can be a big red flag. You should always ask if they have both general liability and workers’ compensation insurance, and be sure to check their policy to make certain that they do. This protects you in the event that one of their employees gets hurt on your property during a job.
You also want to be sure that their full company name and physical address are listed on their website, and run this information through the Better Business Bureau and social media sites to look for any red flags. You may also want to ask about their contingency plans in case of any unforeseen obstacles that would delay the completion of your roofing project.
5. Look at Their Pricing
You may have heard the rule of thumb that you should get three estimates before choosing a contractor. However, it’s important to look at many more than just the price when hiring a roofing contractor.
A reputable roofing contractor will be transparent with you in their assessments and pricing. Attempting to hide costs or surprise you with extra fees is unprofessional and leaves room for miscommunication.
Also, keep in mind that a good roofing contractor will be able to explain any permits that are needed for the job. If a roofing contractor says that they will skip any necessary permits in order to save time, this is a red flag and should be avoided. The proper permits ensure that your home is protected against any damages caused by the roofing work.