How to Evaluate a Roofing Contractor
The benefit to hiring a professional is that they can offer the best solutions to permanently solve any problems that come up but finding a roofing contractor who can get the job done in the best possible way is no easy task. There are so many contractors out there, and it will take quite a bit of research to find the best fit. To help you find a contractor that is experienced, ethical, an expert in their field, and the best value, we’ve prepared the following list of questions.
- What licenses does he currently hold and what business experience does he have?
A good first step is to know what your state’s licensing requirements are for roofers, so that you can make sure whoever you hire is properly licensed. Asking for experience will allow you to gauge the level of results you can expect. Pay attention to subtle details such as business location, tax ID number, and telephone number, and make sure you take the time to verify them. Any misinformation is a red-flag that a contractor is not reputable.
- Is there a list of completed projects and recent client references?
This question enables you to see the quality of their work and affirm client testimonials. Unhappy clients typically love to warn others with negative reviews. The Better Business Bureau is a good place to check for complaints against a company.
- Is there provision for insurance which covers liability and workers compensation?
Uninsured contractors should be automatically disqualified from your search. Make sure you don’t just take their word for it, and actually see a copy of their insurance and worker’s compensation certificates. Doing so will ensure that you are safe from liability for any accidents that may occur.
- Find out about the contractor’s ability to provide a detailed proposal.
Business transactions should always have written agreements in the form of a proposal. A proposal should spell out the details of work including the type of roof covering, color, manufacturer, the scope of work to be done, the method that will be used for the installation, the payment procedures, length of warranty, and approximate dates required to complete the project. It will serve as a source to fall back on should any problems arise and will protect you in the event of a disagreement.
- Request local references for any similar work that has been completed.
Good and reputable contractors will be able to provide you with local references. If they have an ongoing project nearby, you can drive by to see how the company operates before committing to them.
- Ask to be shown physical warranties.
Read over any contracts carefully before you sign them. Pay attention to hidden details and fine print so that if anything goes wrong you are protected.
The roof is the most important part of your house, so it is vital that you find the best contractor to do the job. Weeding out incompetent roofers can be time consuming, but it is well worth it to ensure you get the best quality work done.
