If you're looking to build, renovate, or fix your roof, you'll need a roofing contractor to do the job professionally. It is important to take some time to do a thorough investigation before choosing your roofer among local contractors. This step is crucial in helping you avoid shabby, low-quality work.
1. Verify The Contractors' Legitimacy
Start by making a preliminary list of the roofing contractors available in your area and do a quick background check on each. You can ask your friends or family for roofers they've worked with and include them in your list. The most important step is to verify that they're legitimate roof contractors and not scammers. Visit their websites and look for things like longevity -- generally speaking, the longer a contractor has been in business, the better. Moreover, take a look at the companies' size, management, and other credentials like reviews.
2. Check If The Contractors Are Licensed
Take your time to closely examine the roofing contractors' experience, reputation, and reliability. An important indicator of this is to check the contractors' license. Licensed roofers have extensive skills and knowledge, as they must go through rigorous exams to prove that they are up to the industry's standards.
3. Analyze The Contractors' Track Record
Make sure to check the companies' track records of previous roof jobs and ask to see the finished projects. Again, note that established contractors should take pride in their work and should gladly showcase their work performed for everyone to see. Closely examine roof projects that are similar to the one you are looking to get done. If possible, try to get in contact with their customers to check their level of satisfaction with the roofing contractor. You can also check public records for any legal issues like pending lawsuits, mechanical liens, and claims.
4. Arrange For A Meeting
When you have narrowed down your list of potential contractors, it is time to contact each of them. While this can be done over a phone call or Zoom, it is recommended that you ask them for an onsite visit if possible. This way, the roofers can evaluate your roof firsthand. They will typically take measurements, examine the condition of your roof, and take note of the materials needed. The roofing contractors will also be able to give you a more accurate time frame and budget for getting your job done, which takes us to the next point.
5. Compare Estimates
Roofs can be a costly investment, and it is wise to study more than one proposal before making a decision. Study and compare the proposals you receive, but keep in mind that the lowest proposal is not always the best option for you, especially if the difference is large. A more through contractor may have a higher bid, but is also likely to produce longer-lasting, higher quality results.
6. Take Note Of Their Communication
Professional roofing contractors communicate well with their customers. Check to see how fast the roofers return your calls, respond to your concerns, and address any issues you raise. Roofing contractors should be prompt in their responses and proactive from the moment you arrange to meet them until after your project is done. It is not a good idea to work with a roofing contractor that communicates poorly and does not put their customer first.
In conclusion, you must take your time before choosing your roofing contractor. Your contractor's background, experience, cost estimate, and communication methods are important factors to consider before making your decision.
About the Author:
Patrick Hogan is the CEO of Handle.com, where they build software that helps contractors, subcontractors, and material suppliers with late payments. Handle.com also provides funding for construction businesses in the form of invoice factoring, material supply trade credit, and mechanics lien purchasing.
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