Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor
Is your roof aging? If you’ve found this article, it’s likely that you are currently choosing a roofing contractor to handle your project. Easily one of the biggest challenges homeowners face when getting a new roof is starting out with choosing the right roofing contractor.
A new roof is a pretty significant investment. As a result, it’s important to look for a few key signs that great roofing contractors have in common.
Here are 6 tips for picking the right roofing contractor:
1. Get References
We always recommend asking a friend or colleague to share their experience with a roofing company. Word-of-mouth is an excellent, if not the most honest and thorough way of gaining the details of how their roofing project went – this can include whether the roofers stayed within budget, what the cleanup plan entailed, whether there were any project delays, how the roofers handled questions and concerns, etc.
Most importantly, ask your friend or family member how satisfied they were with the project.
2. Read the Company’s Reviews
Similarly, we recommend you read the roofing company’s reviews to get an overall impression of how they do business. Google, Facebook, and Yelp reviews reveal the reputation, punctuality, and expertise of the roofers who have worked on other people’s roof replacement projects.
A good way to identify the reliability and professionalism of a roofing contractor is by the recency and frequency of their good reviews. Roofing businesses that have a lot of negative reviews or that leave negative reviews unanswered are a cause for concern. A good roofing company will not only have great reviews, but will always respond with courtesy, professionalism, and a willingness to resolve a problem when it arises.
3. Understand the Difference Between Independent Contractors and Roofing Companies
As a homeowner, you likely have found two different types of contractors:
Independent contractors and roofing companies.
In a nutshell, both an independent contractor and a roofing company can get a job done, however, one may be a better choice than the other depending on the size and involvement of your project.
- An independent contractor is best for whenever you need a quick, simple repair done. They may be an advantage for you if you need or want only one point of contact. However, keep in mind that having only one point of contact means that the project could take longer since only one person at a time is on the job. Lastly, if you have warranty issues at any time, an independent contractor may be difficult to track down.
- Roofing companies are a better choice if you need a large roofing project done. Hire a roofing company if you need a brand-new roof installation, full replacement, or you have major storm damage to your roof. A roofing company has a team of skilled professionals who can provide a faster turnaround time, plus a warranty for your peace of mind. With a roofing company, however, you may talk with different team members at different stages of the project.
Here is more information on whether you should repair or replace your roof.
4. Ask About Licenses and Insurance
Most reputable roofing companies will be able to provide a copy of licenses and insurance upon your request. Knowing that part of the cost of the roof and the service provided to you is under the protection of security coverage should give you peace of mind.
Hiring any contractor or company without proper documentation can put you both at risk. As a result, many professionals recommend asking about specific manufacturer affiliations.
5. Compare Warranties
Make sure you compare warranties and know the length of the warranty. Only a small number of contractors will be able to offer manufacturer warranties that include work coverage.
If at any time there is an improper roof install, it may take months or years for the damage to become apparent. Much of the time, your insurance will not cover it.
While the length of a warranty is not necessarily an essential factor, you should definitely opt for a contractor with a long-term experience that will stand behind the quality of their work.
6. Make Sure That There is a Written Quote
Always make sure that your roofing project has a clear, written quote so that you can plan financially and avoid hidden costs that push the project out of budget. Items that should be present on the written quote include a breakdown of the cost of the materials, payment agreement, project timeline, and insurance coverage.
Make sure that the timeline of the project is clear, so that if delays occur for any reason, that at least setting expectations for a timeframe will keep the project running smoothly. No matter what stage of the project, you should be able to refer to your written quote whenever a problem arises. This will help keep you and your roofing contractor on the same page. Here is more information about everything that should be in a roofing estimate.
Contact Affordable Contracting
Clear communication is very important when it comes to picking the right roofing contractor for your home and project. Any credible contractor, like Affordable Contracting, will answer your questions and concerns with the utmost professionalism.
Our team focuses on building a relationship with each of our clients throughout Appleton and the Fox Valley. We have been in the business since 2003, have a skilled, professional team of certified contractors, and are a GAF Factory-Certified Contractor for your peace of mind. Contact our roofing contractors today at (920) 216-2243 for a quote on your roofing project!
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