When is it time to start looking for a local roofing contractor?
The average service life of your home’s roof is about 15 years. If your roof has a problem and it is less than 15 years old, you may want to repair it instead of completely replacing it. If it is over 15 years old, you may need to install a brand new roof. Whether you need repairs or a new roof, hiring a professional roofing contractor is essential. The roofing contractor will be able to assess the condition of your roof, recommend appropriate repairs or replacements, and use suitable roofing materials to ensure a professional and high-quality installation.
References, references, references
Make sure you get references from friends and family before you hire a roofing contractor. Ask for photos of the contractor’s previous work and letters of recommendation or testimonials from previous clients. You can typically get this information through the contractor’s website or by asking them directly.
Even the best contractors still get the occasional complaint from a customer. A complaint does not necessarily indicate that the contractor is not qualified, but the way the roofing contractor handles the complaint can show their true colors. Never be afraid to ask potential contractors how they have handled complaints in the past or call the Better Business Bureau to investigate some of the complaints.
Get multiple roofing quotes and read the details
Be sure to get some quotes before hiring a roofing contractor in addition to gathering references. The roof quote they provide you should contain detailed information about the work that will be completed, materials and labor costs, and provide a reasonable timeline.
One thing that should not be overlooked is that cleanup of the worksite is included in the quote. If you want the contractor to handle all aspects of the project (and you should), make sure that cleanup is included in the contract so that you will not be bothered by additional costs or labor down the road. It is important to consider this in the total price of the roof project. If the contractor does not perform the cleaning, you will have to do it yourself or find another company and pay for it separately.
Verify their roofing credentials
It is imperative to hire well-trained roofing professionals and verify the contractor’s credentials. Ask how long they have been in business. Check to see if there are any complaints or lawsuits on file against the contractor. Make sure they have a physical address and company phone number.
You’d be surprised how many roofers, like some contractors in other industries, are “hobbyist” businesses that work out of their trucks or personal homes. Beware of scams from these types of contractors who work under false business identities without a business license or physical address. The roofing contractor must be licensed as well as fully insured and bonded. This can protect you (the homeowner) from any damage that may be done to your home during the project.
Also, make sure they have workers’ compensation insurance, as homeowners could potentially be sued for accidents on the property. This should never happen and is a huge reason to ensure that you’re hiring quality contractors.
Make sure they adhere to the local city codes & have a safety plan in place
If you end up deciding on a roof repair or a brand new roof installation, your city will need a building permit. Make sure that the roofing company you hire is familiar with the necessary permits and local building codes. Inspections may also be required before, during, and after construction is completed. Make sure the roofer complies with all regulations. This is very important, because if the roof does not meet the requirements, you may be responsible for the repairs needed to bring the work up to code.
Roofing contractors should also have a safety plan, so be sure to get one from them. The safety plan is required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and must ensure that the project is properly implemented.
Get a detailed contract and read it thoroughly
When the time comes and you’re ready to pick a roofing contractor to go with, be sure to get a detailed contract for the project. Again, this should include all the details of the project, material costs, estimated labor, and time frame to complete the work.
If any guarantees or warranties are provided, they must be supported (in writing) in the contract and should mention all of the details of the guarantee or warranty that is being offered. Please read the warranty terms carefully to ensure that you understand exactly what the warranty entails. Please note that only the manufacturer provides a product warranty, and generally, the warranty is only valid if the contractor is “certified” to install the product. Discuss with your contractor all of the manufacturer specifications required to comply with the product warranty.
Don’t hesitate to ask the contractor to explain anything that you don’t fully understand, and follow up on anything you didn’t see in the contract. If you think the warranty is insufficient, please raise your concerns and request additional modifications to the warranty.
Take your time and do your due diligence
Most importantly, when looking for a roofing contractor, do not rush! Take the time to look at all of the details and options available to you. Do your research and evaluate any roofers you may be considering hiring. Your project can wait until you’ve done your due diligence and find the contractor that best suits your roofing project’s needs. Roof repairs and new roofs are both major investments so, in the long run, spending extra time up front to perform adequate research will save you time, money, and headaches.
When looking for the best roofing contractor in your area, be sure to find one that can provide verifiable knowledge and experience, up-to-date licenses and insurance, and provide reasonable solutions for your project. Additionally, you should make sure you are fully confident with the roofer you are considering. You must have complete trust in their character, ability, and commitment to you. Whether you’re getting your roof repaired or getting a completely new roof, you want to be sure that you will be happy with the quality of the work completed for years to come.
You are now ready to go find a great local roofing contractor!
Hopefully, you have found these tips helpful and will aid you in your search for a great roofing contractor. We know this can be a daunting task, but you will never regret spending the extra time hiring a quality contractor to take care of you and your home.
We hope that you will consider using Pro Restoration LLC to meet your roofing needs when the time comes that you need roofing work done. We are located in Machesney Park, IL, and have been faithfully serving the Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin areas for over 10 years.
Please call us at (779) 208-6047 or fill out our free roof inspection form to see how we can help!
