As a homeowner, the decision to embark on a roofing project is a significant one. This is why you’ll need the best roofer for the job. Having said that, how do you know what to look for in a roofing company? Given the magnitude of the investment, the expertise of the roofing contractor can make a significant difference in the quality of your renovation project. Homeowners frequently let the contractor’s quote dictate their hiring process.
While price is an important consideration, it shouldn’t be the only factor influencing your decision. If you choose a residential roofer who offers great deals but lacks a credible list of satisfied clients, for instance, chances that they may be skimping on the quality of their materials could be high.
To avoid being a victim of poor workmanship, here are four checklist items to consider before hiring a residential roofing company.
Client References
Requesting samples of previous work and client references will give you a good idea of how long it will take the roofer to complete a roofing job. When it comes to samples, also allow the contractor to show you pictures of their completed work. Portfolios can also be found on the live sites of contractors you’re interested in.
Request a list of references from clients with whom the contractor has previously worked if they are based in your service area. Contact these customers and ask them some questions, among them if they’d be open to working with the contractor on another roof installation or roof repair project.
Years of Experience
When investing in roofing services, conduct thorough research to determine how long a prospective roofing contractor has been in business. As a general rule, look for a roofing contractor who is well established and has a good track record in your area. This is because a contractor who has been in the industry for several years has almost certainly performed annual maintenance on roofs that they have previously installed.
Aside from attesting to the quality of their work, several years in the roofing industry also means they have the resources and expertise to use the highest-quality materials, ensuring a fantastic job. Even better, if they’re a local company, you can have peace of mind knowing that they’ve dealt with roofing issues—wind damage, storm damage, hail damage—caused by seasonal changes and weather conditions—hurricane-force winds, rain, snowstorms—that are unique to your area.
Online Reviews
These days, the internet has made it super simple for homeowners to perform background checks on roofing contractors with whom they are interested in working. You can easily access a plethora of client reviews on local sites by simply entering the roofing company’s business name plus “online reviews.” You can also check out sites like Yelp, Angie’s List, Google My Business, and Yellow Pages to see how your contractors rate. Also, check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Look for more than just positive feedback and take note of how a roofer handles negative feedback.
Warranty
Whether or not a prospective roofing company provides a warranty is another important factor to consider. This is because a roof installation should be backed by two separate warranties: the manufacturer’s warranty and the workmanship warranty. A workmanship warranty guards against installation mistakes. A manufacturer warranty, on the other hand, covers flaws in the quality of the roofing material itself, such as a shingle. Professional contractors should offer a guarantee on their work because the last thing you want is to be held responsible for an error that you did not cause.
Finding the right professional team to handle your roofing needs is not an easy task. Having said that, we hope our list has provided you with several ideas on where to begin.
