How To Find A Roofing Contractor Who Could Really Get You Out Of Trouble
How To Find A Roofing Contractor Who Could Really Get You Out Of Trouble
Blog Article
How to Find a Good Roofing Contractor
Many people find a good roofing contractor through personal recommendations from friends, family and neighbours. You can also check online reviews and recommendations on social media, though take these with a pinch of salt.
Never hire a roofing contractor who rings your doorbell uninvited. They are often storm chasers who pressure homeowners into signing contracts and demand large down payments before starting work.
Check Their License and Insurance
Typically, contractors that are licensed by their state or city are more trustworthy than those who aren’t. That’s because the licensing process tends to be rigorous and is geared toward making sure that roofing contractors have the skills necessary to meet the standards set by their licensing body.
Moreover, roofers that are licensed are often required to carry workers’ compensation and liability insurance, which ensures that you will be protected in the event of any injuries or damage that occurs during your roof work. In addition, they might be required to purchase bonding, which is a guarantee that the contractor will complete the job up to a certain standard.
If a roofing contractor doesn’t have their license, this is a red flag and you should avoid working with them. They may be storm chasers looking to take advantage of the post-storm rush or just unlicensed and shady operators. They’ll probably do shoddy work and will have a hard time providing any guarantees or warranties.
Check Their Portfolio
Seeing the quality of work that a roofing contractor has produced in the past is a crucial step in choosing one for your next project. A reputable contractor will be more than happy to show you a portfolio of their previous work, so don't hesitate to request one. Asking about their years of experience and familiarity with the type of roofing you're interested in is also helpful.
Ask about their workmanship warranty and product warranties to ensure that they stand by their work. Also, make sure to inquire about any safety protocols that they use while on the job.
Aside from these essential questions, a good roofing contractor will be able to provide references from past clients willing to attest to their professionalism and reliability. Avoid contractors who are unwilling to provide these references. They're most likely "storm chasers" who only operate during disasters to cash in on repairs and warranties. Also, find out if they are licensed top roofing contractors and insured to operate in your area.
Check Their Reputation
It's important to look for a roofing contractor with a good reputation. The best way to do this is by checking online reviews and testimonials, especially from local homeowners. You can also ask friends and family for recommendations.
It is a good idea to avoid contractors who are known as "storm chasers." These are companies that show up after a storm and offer to repair or replace your roof, often without the proper credentials and using high-pressure sales tactics.
A reputable roofing company will be able to provide you with a written contract that includes details of the scope of work, materials to be used, project timeline, payment schedule, and warranty information. If a roofing contractor refuses to provide you with a contract, this is a red flag and it's best to find someone else.
Additionally, a reputable roofing contractor will be able to explain their financing options if you are not able to pay for the entire project upfront.
Ask for References
When you meet with contractors, ask for a list of their previous clients. This allows you to hear first-hand about their experiences with the roofing contractor. It also gives you a chance to see the quality of their work.
During this process, you will also want to be sure that the roofer is licensed in your state. This can be confirmed by checking their website or calling your local business office. You will also want to make sure that they have a full legal address and not just a P.O. Box, as this can indicate that they are a storm-chaser and may disappear as soon as the job is complete.
When you contact their references, be sure to ask about how clear they were with communication both during and after the project. This is important to ensure that there are no misunderstandings or delays. You should also ask whether they would hire the roofing contractor again.