The largest obstacle when looking for the right person to repair or replace a roof is finding a trustworthy contractor.
No matter the situation; if your building was damaged by hail, if you are looking to sell and want to invest in a valuable selling point, or if you have recently bought a property with an older roof; it’s important to find a credible roofing contractor.
While this may appear to be a difficult task, there are ways to sort out the good from the bad: and a contractor who checks all these boxes may well be the best choice.
Get Local Referrals
Choosing a local roofer is often a safer bet than hiring out-of-state companies. Local roofing contractors will have an understanding of the specific codes, rules, and regulations that apply to your area. They also have an established relationship with the area suppliers. Above all, the chance of potential issues of scams is much smaller when you choose a contractor from your community.
Look for Manufacturer Designations
A roofing contractor must meet certain requirements to be factory-certified. Look for manufacturer designations, as they can often determine a contractor’s quality of work and available warranties.
Check the Ratings
It’s always important to check your contractor’s ratings and reviews. The Better Business Bureau and Angie’s List are two valuable resources to check contractors in your area. Google reviews allow you to read about the contractor’s personal experiences from past clients.
Concerned Yourself with Safety
Every roofing contractor should have a training and safety program for their employees. A contractor who can’t show you their safety manuals or explain exactly how they keep their employees safe should immediately put you on your guard.
Check for Proper Licensing and Insurance
A dependable contractor will be able to provide a copy of their insurance certificate for validation, as well as any other licenses required for your area.
Without proper insurance, you might be liable for various bills and legal fees if a roofing employee sustains an injury on the job site.
Most states require contractors to hold one or several licenses for home and commercial work. However, the requirement does not stop unlicensed contractors from trying to make money.
If your state requires it, sure your contractor provides you with a copy; and confirm their status online.
Get an Extensive Warranty
The warranty is by far the most important part of a roof repair or replacement contract. Some contractors can’t offer valid manufacturer warranties: and not all warranties cover the contractor’s work. If a roof is installed incorrectly, it can take months or years for the mistake to be noticed. Worst of all, your personal insurance won’t cover the fee. If the contractor will not fix the problem, or if they have gone out of business, without a proper warranty your only choice might be to pay for their mistake.
Don’t Give In to Pressure
Be aware of any contractors who pressure you to sign a contract before your insurance company has completed an assessment. While a contractor might say they’re able to work with whatever the insurance company settles for, there might be unforeseen costs.
The contractor should thoroughly examine the roof and check that your insurance adjuster didn’t miss any damage. Only sign a contract when the roofing contractor and insurance company are in agreement on the scope and price of work.
There’s not much worse than having half the roof done and discovering that the roofing company under-estimated the cost of supplies or labor.
Hiring a roofing contractor can be much less difficult if you know who and what to avoid. A good contractor will be free with information and give you peace of mind. The best contractor is one who goes above and beyond to prove themselves to you as a trustworthy and dependable choice.
At APC Roofing Experts, we strive to give our customers the best possible experience. Contact us for a free 17-point roof inspection.