The decision to replace your roof isn’t as easy. You need to hire a professional roofing contractor. So, the main question is, what should you consider when looking for a roofing contractor?
How to Hire a Professional Contractor
In most cases, the homeowners focus more on the cost of the contractor’s services. You’ll always get what you pay for. Some roofing firms usually give better prices; however, the main focus is on whether their client base is happy. If a contractor is offering low prices, there is a high likelihood that the quality of their work is not as good.
Some of the things to consider when hiring a roofing contractor include:
01. Double-Check the Insurance and Licensing
The roofing process is dangerous. As a result, the homeowner should hire a professional to handle such work instead of opting for DIY techniques. There is the need to have the right tools, safety equipment, and materials. The contractor should also be experienced. A professional contractor will also have a valid license and the necessary permits depending on the state where they’re offering their services.
A professional roofer will also have an insurance policy, and it will come in handy if they incur some injuries. As for the homeowner, there is the need to avoid contractors who don’t have a valid insurance policy.
02. The Price is Not the Only Factor to Consider
If you have not overseen a home remodeling project before, you need to get quotes from at least three contractors. The estimates will help you to determine which is the most suitable price range for the roofing project.
There are contractors whose quotes will be higher than the rest since they’ll use high-quality materials. In this case, the main focus is on ensuring that you won’t be exploited. You can also liaise with different firms that deal with roofs, and they’ll ensure that you’ll get all the information you require, and you’ll manage to make an informed decision in the process.
03. If You’re Not Satisfied with the Quality of Work, What Happens
Regardless of whether you have a good plan, there is a likelihood that some issues might come up. In case there is an error, how will the contractor handle it? These are some of the things that you need to focus on before the project commences. Is the roofing company representative reachable easily? Will the firm offering the roofing services take your money and fail to deliver?
Some firms will first install the roof. If you’re satisfied with the quality of services being offered, you won’t be charged. The firm will make the necessary corrections to make everything right.
04. Will the Old Roof Be Torn Off?
Some firms can install the shingles without getting rid of the old roof. Well, such ideas are not as suitable. For starters, the roof will have additional weight because of the old roof. The underlying issues that prompted you to replace the roof won’t be addressed. The shingles will only help to conceal the damage. Such solutions are only short-term; however, they’re cost-effective. The main issue is that you’ll end up spending more money on replacing the roof within a short period.
05. How Long Has the Contractor Been In Business?
Do you own a car? Can you take it to a mechanic who started offering their services one week ago? The answer most likely is No! You wouldn’t want to deal with someone who doesn’t have enough experience.
The main advantage of dealing with experienced contractors is that they have a track record, either negative or positive. For instance, if there are damages, how does the contractor go about such? The contractor you hire should value integrity while also ensuring they offer quality services.
06. Look at Previous Work
If the contractor has been installing roofs for at least five years, you can go ahead and ask them to provide samples of their past work. Fortunately, you can also get honest reviews from the internet, and they’re not biased. Some of the platforms you need to crosscheck include BBB (Better Business Bureau). Carry out some research to learn more about the reputation of the contractor before you go ahead and hire them.
Some homeowners have hired the contractor before. What do they have to say? In this case, you need to ask for recent references. When you get in touch with a client recently served by the contractor, they’ll ensure that you’ll get an honest opinion. The references should not be a close friend to the contractor since they can issue contradictory information which may mislead the client.
07. The Financing Agreement Should Be in Writing
Each aspect of the roofing process should be documented professionally. Ensure that you also have a better understanding of the financing terms. A good roofing firm will ensure that the employees are knowledgeable and they can guide you through everything. If you have any questions, the contractor should be able to give an appropriate answer.
08. Is the Contractor an Authorized Roof Installer?
The contractor can be a preferred partner for a particular roof manufacturing firm. It is essential to consider some of these factors since the manufacturers can’t honor a warranty agreement if the roof was not installed by an authorized professional.
Final Thoughts
As you hire a roofing contractor, you need to ensure that you have hired a professional. You should consider each of the factors listed above if you want to hire the right person for the job.