Holding Roofing Contractors to a High Standard

Owning a home comes with a laundry list of responsibilities. If you’re like most average homeowners, you can handle the little stuff like landscaping and painting. Big jobs like roofing, however, require an expert. Here are a few things to look for in a reputable company.

Documentation

Only hire a company that is both licensed and insured. Make sure that any contractor working on your home has both workers’ compensation and liability insurance so that you don’t end up liable if they get hurt on the job. Ask for certificates and call the insurance carrier to confirm their validity.

Straight Answers

If you are missing shingles, notice your roof buckling, or have water stains on your ceiling, it’s likely that you need a roofer. However, not all roofing issues require total replacement. Algae growth, for instance, may be unsightly, but it does not require a replacement job. Honest and competent specialists would not suggest work on such grounds. A professional roofer will give it to you straight. If you’re unsure whether you’re getting swindled or not, get a second opinion before hiring someone to do the work.

A good yardstick of dependability for roofing contractors is how willing they are to answer questions in a way that makes sense to you. If your contractor makes you feel stupid or acts frustrated by your questions, this is a bad sign. They should be more than willing to help you understand the complete process that you’re paying for. After all, you are not the expert… they are!

A Timeline

All reputable roofing contractors should be willing to provide you with a timeline, including a completion date. Get it in writing and don’t allow them to overcharge you if they go over the time they quote you. It’s important that you have a comprehensive understanding of what you’re getting into; how many days you’ll have workers in and around your home; how many workers will be on your project; and what hours of the day they plan on being there.

Testimonials

Talk to your friends and family about their experiences with local roofing contractors to find a reputable one. A good company should have a solid reputation in the local community and an established track record of success.

Whether installing new projects or renovating old ones, contractors know their field will always be needed. With this in mind, you are entitled to hold the results to a high standard. Before providing payment, make sure everything is completed to your satisfaction.