The roof is arguably the most important part of the house as it protects from weather conditions. Although most people can DIY the roof on their own, having a roofing contractor do it can save both your time while ensuring the work done is high quality. The problem is that most contractors today do not walk their talk by providing substandard work that can risk both your health and waste your money.
How long have they been operating
The longer a roofer has been in the business, the more likely they can deliver on their promise. Like any business, longevity describes a tenacity to provide the best service and a list of loyal clients and referrals that continuously get them business. With years of experience, a roofer would be in a position to solve hiccups that may arise in a job due to a portfolio of jobs well done.
Are they bonded and insured?
A bond is an insurance policy covering the employees while on a job. It takes care of any damages to the employees, removing the responsibility from you as the client. Also, a business needs insurance to cover any damages to the client’s premises during the job. Before hiring a roofer, make sure they can provide both policies to be sure they are responsible for both their employees and their work.
Where they are licensed
Every city has bodies set up by the government to regulate businesses and permit their operations. A roofer would need these permits to ensure they operate legally and follow regulations set by these governing bodies. A license provides proof that a business is legally allowed to operate in a certain town or neighborhood. Asking for a license will help you understand the address where the business operates, which will increase your trust in the roofer.
It’s good to get multiple written quotations
Before hiring a roofer, you should estimate the whole project. A roofer who has been in business for a long time would be able to estimate the total amount of money the project is bound to cost. While researching roofers, ask for multiple written quotations to compare the best offer for your money before you even sign the contract. The quote should include; the cost of equipment, the duration of the project, the cost of labor, etc.
Do they offer warranties?
There are two types of warranties you must ask for before hiring a roofer. These include; one from the equipment manufacturer and the other one from the roofer. The manufacturer’s warranty covers all equipment used in the project, while the roofer’s warranty covers the work done by the roofer. In most cases, the roofers would guarantee their work for a year, but others would offer a longer period. Warranties will help you differentiate genuine roofers from mediocre ones.
Ask for references
References are customers that have worked with the roofer in the past. They have experienced their workmanship and can attest to their excellence. If a roofer has been around for some time, they are likely to have a list of previous clients they can refer to for confirmations. Avoid any roofers that hesitate to provide you with referrals as this implies a lack of confidence in their craft.
Ask the referrals about their experience working with the contractor, if the roofer fulfilled their promises, among other questions to help you understand more about their service. The more referrals you get, including online reviews, the more you can trust a contractor.
The cheapest isn’t always the best
While some people might consider the cost of their services as the determining factor, it is important to compare roofers’ reputation and the quality of their work. Price does not represent the quality of work that the roofer would provide. Before hiring a roofer, you should find one that is decently priced and has a great reputation for successful installations, repairs, and replacements. They must be qualified and experienced in the specific type of installation you fancy.
Whether you are starting a new construction project or want roofing done on an old building, always take the time to consider these factors before hiring. You will be able to guarantee yourself a stress-free project that is both high-quality and affordable.
