Quick And Easy Roofing Contractor Hiring What To Do And Things To Avoid
Quick And Easy Roofing Contractor Hiring What To Do And Things To Avoid
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How to Find the Roofing Contractor You Can Trust Without the Stress
You can narrow down your list of contractors by asking for references. Good roofing companies will be eager to give you referrals from satisfied customers.
Many people have heard horror stories of “storm chasers” swooping in after a big storm and pressuring homeowners to sign contracts or hand over large amounts of money upfront. Stick with local, trusted professionals.
1. Do Your Research
When it comes to choosing a contractor, the first thing you need to do is take some time and do your research. You can start by asking for referrals from friends and family or by searching online for reviews. You should also look for a roofer with proper licensing, insurance, and certifications.
When looking for reviews, pay attention to both positive and negative comments. If a company has a lot of negative feedback, you may want to consider moving on.
You should also ask a roofing contractor how often they go over budget or miss deadlines. This can give you an idea of their level of experience and professionalism. You should also avoid any contractors that request a large cash deposit or full payment up front.
2. Ask for Referrals
Referrals are the best way to gain new clients. Make sure your roofing business has strategies in place to cultivate referrals from satisfied customers.
Ask for a list of references before you hire a contractor, and don’t be afraid to contact them. You should also ask for a portfolio of previous work that you can look at to gauge their skills and quality.
Depending on your location, you may need to acquire permits before beginning the project. It’s a good idea to discuss this with your potential roofing contractor so that you know what to expect.
Whenever you receive a referral, be sure to thank the client with a handwritten note and/or a small gift. This will make them feel appreciated and more likely to do it again.
3. Look at Their Portfolio
If a roofing contractor is offering an excellent deal on a new roof, it’s likely because they have established long-term relationships with suppliers and have the financial stability to withstand price fluctuations. Similarly, if one roofing contractor says you need a replacement and two others say repairs, take the time to get quotes from each.
A standard roofing contract will list all of the costs for materials and labor in an itemized breakdown. This will help homeowners avoid surprises during and after the project. Roofing contractors should also outline how they plan to clean up after their work and whether or not cleanup services are included.
Look for warranties that last longer than a year and are transferable should you sell your home. Also, be wary of any contractors who require a maintenance inspection for the length of the warranty, as this could void your warranty.
4. Get a Written Contract
A good roofing contractor will be happy to provide a detailed estimate and a contract that clearly defines the scope of work, costs, materials, a project timeline and warranty information. This will help prevent any misunderstandings during the project.
You should also request a copy of their insurance documentation and ask for the name of their insurance agent. Make sure they have liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
Avoid contractors that use scare tactics to pressure you into signing. They may be trying to take advantage of your emotions by making you fear that prices will go up or they may be attempting to trick you into buying on impulse without comparing quotes reputable roofing contractors from other companies.
5. Get a Warranty
There is a lot of buzz around roofing warranties. A contractor that offers a limited lifetime roof warranty is certainly worth considering, but the most important thing is to understand what these warranties actually cover. There are two types of roofing warranties: workmanship and manufacturer’s material.
Workmanship warranties are standard for contractors who stand by their quality of work and use good materials. Most roofing problems and leaks are due to installation errors, so a workmanship warranty is crucial.
Manufacturer’s material warranties are great and typically offer coverage of 25-30 years or even a lifetime. However, they are often void if the roofing contractor does not install the product correctly. So, ask any potential contractor about their work guarantee and ensure that it is up to industry standards.