Choosing a Qualified Roofing Contractor

Shopping for a brand new roof may seem daunting as it is, obviously, one of the most important parts of your house.  Additionally, depending on the size of your house, it can be a investment. Prior to spending your hard-earned money to replace or repair your roof, do your due diligence and learn as much as you can about the process involved, the products used and the contractor(s) that will do the job.

Finding a qualified and reputable contractor to do the job is, perhaps, the most important step to replacing or repairing your room.  Obviously the goal is to get a great roof and a fair price.  Because all roofing contractors are not alike, it is recommended you interview your potential contractor, outlining your expectations and receiving from them a detailed proposal of the work that will be done, the cost associated and any and all guarantees.

The following tips will ensure that you choose a qualified roofing contractor:

• Does the contractor have a permanent address for their workplace, website, Facebook page, phone number, tax identification number and any and all business licenses necessary to complete the job in accordance with local, state and national laws.
• Insist on seeing copies of the contractor’s liability insurance coverage and workers’ compensation certificates. Make sure the coverages are in effect through the duration of the job. (Note: U.S. workers’ compensation laws vary by state. Consult your state’s laws to determine workers’ compensation insurance requirements.)
• Look for a company with a proven track record that readily offers client references and a list of completed projects. Call these clients to find out whether they were satisfied. While checking online at applicable websites is important, references there can be manufactured. For this reason, it is better to actually talk to the contractor’s references.  Also, ask for a customer than may have been less than satisfied.  Talking to this person will give you an idea of what will happen should the job not go as planned.
• Check to see whether the contractor is properly licensed and/or bonded. Call your state’s licensing board for your state’s specific requirements (where applicable).
• Insist on a written proposal and examine it for complete descriptions of the work and specifications, including approximate starting and completion dates and payment procedures.
• Check to see whether the contractor is a member of any local, state, regional or national roofing industry associations.
• Call your local Better Business Bureau to check for any complaints that have been filed.
• Have the contractor explain his or her project supervision and quality-control procedures. Request the name of the person who will be in charge, how many workers will be required and the estimated time of completion.
• Carefully read and understand any roofing warranty offered and watch for provisions that would void it. Keep a healthy skepticism about the lowest bid. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Remember, price should only one consideration for selecting a roofing contractor. Professionalism and quality workmanship also should weigh heavily on your decision.

If you follow these tips and do the necessary research, you should find a roofing contract that will meet or exceed your expectations.