5 Things to Do When Choosing a Roofing Contractor
A roof is a significant investment that protects your home from rain, sun, and other weather conditions. The roof can also improve the value of your home. Hence, only a qualified and experienced contractor should work on your roof.
Discover things to consider when hiring a roofing contractor.
1. Know the Difference Between Roofing Companies and Freelance Roofers
You can work with an independent roofer or hire a roofing company. The choice will depend on the unique requirements of your roofing project.
An independent contractor is ideal for short and quick repairs. Also, hire a freelance contractor if you want a single point of contact. However, a freelance contractor may be slow to complete larger repairs.
Working with a roofing contractor is far much better if you have a large project. A company will quickly complete the project and may be able to offer discounts. However, the company may have slower communication, and you may find yourself dealing with too many people.
2. Read Reviews and Get Recommendations
Know what the previous customers think about the contractor. You can get this information on the contractor’s social media pages. Also, check third-party websites, such as Yelp, to get further reviews.
Some contractors also have a website where they post testimonials from previous clients. You can contact some of these clients to hear their side of the story. If possible, visit some of the roofed houses to have a firsthand account of the contractor’s work.
You can also ask your friends and relatives to recommend a professional roofer. The friends or family members can also explain whether the contractor went over budget, had good communication skills, and used the best materials.
3. Look at Their Qualifications
Generally, most roofing experts don’t undergo any formal training to become roofers. Instead, roofing expertise comes from garnering experience while working for other roofers. Hence, you should know how many projects the roofing contractor has completed.
Also, request to see the contractor’s license. The licensing rules are different in each state. Some states demand that any roofing contractor should have valid licensing to work on any roofing project. Others only require licensing for projects above a specific threshold.
Professional roofers should have liability insurance. Being bonded is another good sign of a qualified roofer.
Most roofers need to have sufficient experience and complete an examination before getting a license. A government agency typically administers the examination and only approves qualified people.
4. Meet the Contractor in Person
Organize a face-to-face meeting with potential roofing contractors. The meeting will allow you to know the contractor’s communication skills. You will also have an opportunity to ask questions to the contractor.
Some of the questions you can ask include:
- Where do you buy your roofing materials from?
- What equipment do you use?
- Do you work alone, or are you part of a company?
- How long do you typically take to complete a similar job?
- Do you offer a warranty?
- Do you clean the site after work completion?
- 5. Select a Roofer With Quality Materials
A qualified roofing contractor can still do a shoddy job if they use poor-quality materials. Poor-quality materials may be unable to withstand extreme weather conditions and won’t last for a long time. Hence, you will spend a lot of money on regular roof repairs.
The potential roofing contractor should provide a comprehensive statement about their chosen roofing materials. The materials should be from a reputable manufacturer and withstand high humidity, storms, and snowfall.
Work With a Qualified Roofing Contractor
The durability and effectiveness of your roof depend on the chosen contractor. You can expect prompt, affordable, and high-quality work when you work with Jerry Newman Roofing & Remodeling Inc. Contact us to get an estimate.
