Whether you’re replacing your existing roof or are getting a new one, you’re probably wondering how to find the best roofing contractor for your needs. Replacing the roof on your home is a huge investment, and you want to make sure you hire the best roofing contractor for the job. After all, you won’t have this task again for many decades, so you want to ensure you get quality work.
When choosing the best contractor, consider the following questions. How long has the company been in business? Is the owner local? Does the company hire subcontractors? How much manpower will be needed? Is the company insured? And what is the contractor’s attitude? Will they answer your questions politely and honestly? If you’re not sure, check out previous projects to see if they’re professional and reputable.
If you’re not familiar with a particular roofing company, ask around for recommendations. Ask friends and family who have had successful experiences with them. If there’s one family member who’s had a great experience with a roofing company, that’s enough reason to choose them. If you can’t find anyone who’s personally recommended, check online reviews. Look for at least four stars and a good number of customer reviews.
Another important tip is to check out the Better Business Bureau website. Roofing contractors that are accredited with the BBB have committed to a code of ethics that involves resolving customer complaints. By checking out a roofing company’s BBB page, you can view customer complaints and reviews. Look for a company with an A rating and few complaints. In addition, check out the “about us” section of the company’s website.
Aside from looking into credentials, it’s also a good idea to check a prospective roofing contractor’s license and insurance coverage. Roofing work is dangerous, and hiring someone who isn’t licensed or insured can result in more damage than necessary. Even if the city doesn’t require roofing contractors to have a license, it’s still a good idea to check with local government offices before hiring a contractor.
The best way to avoid this pitfall is to get everything in writing. It’s important to get everything in writing, especially agreements regarding payment. You don’t want to find out later that the roofing contractor didn’t provide the promised services or lied about a payment schedule. Getting everything in writing will protect both parties. In addition to protecting you and the contractor, it will prevent many frustrating situations. And don’t forget to check for a warranty, which protects both you and the roofing contractor.
You should also consider asking around for referrals from people who have gone through the same roofing process. This way, you’ll have someone who can give you a second opinion about the quality of the work done. If someone in the building you’re entrusting with your roof has had a bad experience with Roofer A, don’t hire him – find someone else. Taking a few minutes to ask about the company’s project managers is a great idea, because it can save you a lot of headaches later on.