At one time or another, most homeowners will have to replace their roofs. Perhaps you’ve just moved into a new home, but the new house needs some remodeling. Or maybe you’ve lived in your home for quite some time, and you’ve recently started to notice that your roof has some cracks, buckling shingles, or sagging. If this is you, and you haven’t already started shopping around, you will soon need to start considering a few things. What kind of material do you want your roof to be? What is your budget like? And who will you choose as a contractor?
Picking out the right person for the job will make a world of difference. The right contractor will ensure that you are satisfied with the final product and that your hard-earned money is well spent.
Here is a list of key things to consider when hiring a roofing contractor for your renovation.
Don’t Make a Rushed Decision
If you need a new roof because of an emergency, it can be tempting to go with the first option you find. This is rarely a good idea. In these cases, it is essential to stay as calm as possible and take your time researching multiple roofing companies or independent contractors.
Occasionally, in some areas where storms are frequent, you will see what are called “storm chasers” who come knocking at people’s doors after the damage has been done. Be wary of these individuals and do some of your own research instead.
Do Some Research
The roofing company or independent contractors’ website will be an excellent first place to start during your search. Looking at their website should be able to tell you a few key things:
- Whether they have experience with the type of roofing you are interested in
- Approximately how many years they have been in service
- References that you can contact
However, keep in mind that these websites are often designed as a marketing tool, and you may need to dig deeper to find out additional information and the reputation of the company. At this stage, it may be best to cross-check with other sources as well. For example, you may be able to check their score from the better business bureau (BBB). A higher score suggests that the company or contractor is trustworthy and of good quality.
Check for Proper Licensing and Insurance
Most states require that contractors and their employees are certified. However, because the process of insuring staff can be costly, many contractors will try to avoid it. To avoid legal complications, you should ensure anyone who works on your roof is fully licensed. Anyone who is licensed should easily be able to provide you with the correct paperwork. It’s also pretty easy to check this yourself before even reaching out to the person. The National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies (NASCLA) keeps a list of all licensing boards. To check whether the party of interest is licensed, all you have to do is search them by name.
Get Multiple Bids
Before deciding on a contractor, we advise getting bids from at least three bids. This will allow you to get an idea of how much your project should cost. Plus, a good contractor will be patient with you and be willing to explain their plans in detail, review the contract with you, and answer any questions you may have.
Get Your Agreement in Writing
You will need a contract. Every single aspect of your roofing installation should be professionally documented. This includes the details of the project and the price of each step, the associated materials, etc.
It may also be beneficial to discuss what the roofer’s satisfaction policy is at this stage as well and be sure that you get it in writing. With any large project, it is always possible that something will go wrong. It will be important to know ahead of time how the roofer will handle these situations. Some companies require upfront payment, while others do not take payment until the job is done. Make sure you know your options.
A & J Reliable has been the most consistent and highly rated roofing contractor in the Tri-State area for over 40 years. Call or click today to learn how we make the contracting process stress-free.
