If you ever have your roof replaced, you know it doesn’t come cheap. Considering that you will spend so much money, it’s only fair that you get the job done right.
The best method to do this is to call a reputable roofing contractor who will guarantee that your roof lasts for many years. However, since there are so many options, a person is left baffled about choosing the right one. Luckily, our experts know a thing or two that will help you narrow down your options.
We are sure that following these steps will ensure that you have found a company capable of offering the service you deserve. So without any further wait, let’s look at the steps to help you choose a roofer for your next project!
1. Choosing Local:
You’ve probably encountered a door-to-door salesman offering roofing services at some point in your life.
Usually, people them no and go back about their typical day. However, when there is some work on the roof, you might start considering going for that salesman. Beware! These salesmen are usually a red flag. They aren’t usually local. While they might do their work, some might even pull it off too well. They pack up and go to the next city. Since they have moved on to another city, there isn’t practically a way for you to reach them if you face any problems with the job they had done on your roof.
So, you would be back to square one. Instead, it’s best to choose local always. If any problems come in the future, you know where to reach them, and you can have your problem solved. If you don’t know where to find a local roofer, your best pal in this scenario would be the internet!
Go to the internet, and search for a roofer in your area. For example, if someone lives in Milwaukee, they would simply go to the internet and search “roofing contractors milwaukee”. The greatest strategy would be to opt for the top results or someone with positive ratings and rankings.
2. Asking your Friends and Family
You will likely come across various options even when you decide to shop locally. Nevertheless, if you want to narrow it down even further, one of the best ideas is to ask your friends and family and see if they can refer you to anyone.
Friends and family are likely to give you an honest opinion of any company they have used. You will have peace of mind while you examine their proposal this way. Even if any of your friends or relatives haven’t got any roofing work done recently, it’s always a good idea to ask.
Maybe they might know someone whose roof got worked at and are likely to give you a recommendation.
3. Consider online reviews
According to a study, 91% of People trust online reviews and personal recommendations. Regardless of whether you could secure a few good recommendations, part of your research must consider online reviews. Even if someone you know had a good experience, you would want to ensure that it’s a regular practice for the roofer and not an exception.
You must choose a service with at least four stars and significant reviews on Google or other trusted review sites. If they are a few, there is no need to worry. Instead, go over them to see what the problem was.
However, if all the negative reviews are consistent and mention the same thing, it is probably best to go for another option and cut off that option.
4. Get Quotes
Without a doubt, pricing will be an essential factor in deciding on the roofer.
It’s good to extend your list and ask all the companies on the list for a quote. As a general rule, you must consider getting at least three quotes. However, the more, the merrier.
As you have multiple quotes, you will be able to get a rough idea of the average cost it might take to get the job done. On the other hand, feel free to cut off any contractors asking well above the average pay rate.
Choosing the lowest quote isn’t always the best. You must keep an eye out for any bargain that appears to be too good to be true. Companies that offer well beyond the average pay rate are trying to scam you.
In conclusion, your best bet is to go with the companies that offer an average price range. However, it’s recommended to prefer companies that you may find leaning towards the lower end of the average amount.
5. Experience Counts
We already know that roofing is one thing that doesn’t come cheap. Because you will be spending a significant amount of money, it is recommended that you hire someone who understands what they are doing and has past expertise. Someone probably experienced will cost you a tad more than the other options but think of it as insurance that everything will go fine.
As an expert handles your project, you will be left having a confident feeling since you know that there is a very minimal chance for mistakes. Ensure to ask the roofer about their time in business when you sit down with them to decide whether you will pick them or someone else.
6. Insurance is a Must-Have!
You might think that it shouldn’t concern you whether or not the roofing contractor has insurance or not. But, in reality, it does. Suppose the roofing contractor does not have any proper liability and insurance for all of their subcontractors and employees. In that case, there is a strong chance that legal and financial burdens will fall on you if someone faces an injury on the job.
So, before you sign on the dotted line, be sure to ask if the roofing contractor has insurance and demand proof. Many companies that might feel affordable are likely not to have insurance for their employees which can backfire on you.
7. Check Their License
Many states have a requirement from roofing companies to have a license. Nevertheless, you will come across various unlicensed companies that will try and attempt to find work.
Hiring an unlicensed contractor can land you in trouble. They might not have the experience or skill-set needed to provide you with a strong enough repair to hold for a while. And since they are unlicensed, there is a good chance that they also don’t have insurance, which may open you up to liability if someone gets hurt.
So, it is better safe to be than sorry. Although getting your roof in the best condition is one way of increasing your house value, it can backfire if you choose an unlicensed person with no insurance.
8. Get a Warranty
Okay, here is a logical question. What if the roofer, while installing the roof, makes mistakes? You might not see a mess up until months or even years later. Due to this reason, there is a possibility that your insurance might not pay for it.
If you choose a contractor and they do not offer a warranty, it’s possible that they may not pay to fix these problems either. This way, you will have no other choice but to pay another company to fix your roof, meaning that you will have to spend twice the money for a job.
So, ask for a warranty beforehand and ask them what it covers. The best roofer will offer you the best work possible and a warranty if any problem arises during the warranty period.
9. Ask Who will be doing the work.
It seems like a no-brainer that your roofing contractor will have employees that will work on your project. However, that is not always the case. Some companies consider outsourcing the work to third-party independent contractors.
If they hire a third-party independent contractor, you are open to the problems we have tried to avoid. There is a chance that you may deal with unlicensed workers or someone who doesn’t have insurance.
So, always ask who will perform the repairs or work on your project.
10. Ask About their Policy for Unsatisfied customers:
We all are humans. Regardless of how much a roofing company’s expert might be, there is still a chance that they might make mistakes. That’s not important. What’s important is knowing how they handle these problems and how they turn them around to leave customers happy.
You must enquire them about their policy for the unsatisfied customers. If their answer doesn’t satisfy you, it’s time to look for another roofing contractor.
Closing Thoughts
We have already established that many roofing companies are available on the market, and not everyone is the ideal choice for you. However, by adhering to the tips above, we are sure that you will be able to find the best roofing company to build you a roof that will last for years to come.
From choosing a local company to choosing the one that provides a warranty, there are many ways to choose a trustworthy company that will serve well for fulfilling your roofing needs, whether commercial or residential.
