Storms are a fact of life during the volatile summer months. Lightning, thunder, rain,wind and hail all conspire to tear your roof up, leaving holes and leaks. When this happens, your roof needs to be repaired or replaced immediately to avoid more damage. Choosing a good roofing contractor can be a daunting task, to say the least. You can look in the telephone book, research online and talk to friends and family, or, a roofer may just randomly stop by your house. Ultimately, you’ll have to decide which contractor you feel comfortable with, and here are five tips to help you make that choice.
- Licensed, Bonded and Insured. Before you allow anyone to work on your roof, make sure they are licensed to do roofing work. In many areas, a non-licensed individual is not allowed to do roofing. Also make sure that the roofer in question is bonded and insured, otherwise, you may end up liable for damages they cause. If a roofer is hesitant about providing any documents that prove these things, steer clear. Any reputable roofer will have no problem producing the appropriate paperwork on demand.
- Knowledgeable and Willing to Share. A professional roofer will have extensive knowledge about the types of roofs most commonly used in your area. They will be more than willing to offer suggestions for roofing materials that will withstand the types of weather you encounter. You should always feel comfortable asking questions, and you should expect an honest answer. If a roofer is standoffish and unwilling to answer even the simplest questions, chances are he doesn’t know as much as he claims. Remember, you’re the one paying for the job to be done and you should get as much information as you need to make good decisions.
- Ask For References. You can’t trust anyone; you need proof that they are as good as they say they are. When it comes to roofers, they are only as good as the last job they completed. If you really want to know what quality of work they perform, ask previous customers. A reputable roofer will be happy to provide you with the names and contact information for their happy customers. When you get a list, contact them! Ask about the quality of the work, whether the roofer was a good communicator and the length of time it took to complete the project. Most importantly, ask if they would hire this roofer again. Any hesitation tells you that no, they would not.
- Appearance Is Everything. The last thing you want is a shabby looking truck, full of unkempt men pulling up in front of your house to work on your roof. It sends a message to your neighbors, and anyone that drives by, that you simply don’t care. A professional roofing company will provide their roofers with a newer model truck, all the proper equipment, and presentable uniform shirts. A fly-by-night operation, or scam artist, won’t put that much thought into the process. Keep in mind that if a roofer pays little, or no, attention to their own appearance, they probably won’t care much about yours.
- Sales Tactics. One key difference between a professional roofer and someone who’s just out to make a quick buck is the way that they drum up business. A professional company doesn’t have to apply high pressure sales tactics to get business. Promises of ultra-low costs and overly fast turnaround times are red flags that tell you this person is just out to get your money. Don’t make snap decisions solely because a roofer tells you they can do it for a very low price. Take some time to evaluate each offer, taking special note of the quality of the proposed materials, time-frame, appearance and general professional attitude of the roofer. Trust your gut instincts and stick with a company that shows integrity.
When your roof needs to be repaired or replaced, you don’t need the additional stress that comes from dealing with a cutthroat roofer. Your family deserves the care and dedication that only a professional roofing company can provide. Follow these helpful guidelines to hire a professional, helpful, and experienced roofing contractor.
