What to Look For When Hiring a Roofing Installation Company

Your roof is a big investment. You want to be sure you have chosen a professional roofing installation company, who will do the job well and will be around to honor any guarantees down the road. One of the best ways to do this is to solicit multiple bids from contractors. When comparing prices, take note of any that are dramatically different.

Experience

Your roof is a major investment, and you want to make sure the company you hire has plenty of experience. However, don’t necessarily rule out newer companies if they have solid references, reviews and other qualifications. Ask each potential contractor to come out and perform an attic inspection of your home or building. A good roofer will be able to explain what they find and why it is important for you to invest in a quality roof.

You should also be able to tell how confident the contractor is in their work by how they respond to questions about the process, insurance coverage, and materials used. A reputable contractor will not feel insulted by your inquiries and will be able to clearly and concisely explain all aspects of the job. If they cannot do this, it is likely a red flag. Ask them to provide you with a contract that details all the specifics of your project.

Licenses

You will also want to confirm that the roofing contractor is licensed in your area. This is especially important for commercial roofs that may need to be up to code for your city or state.

A good roofing company should have no problem providing you with their state licenses or proof of insurance. You can also do a search of their business in local and state directories to see if they actually exist. A fly-by-night roofer will most likely not have a physical address to display, which could be a red flag for you.

You should also ask about their worker’s compensation and general liability insurance policies. This will help you if an employee is injured on the job or damage occurs to your home while they’re working. All reputable roofing contractors should have this insurance. It’s also a sign of a professional that cares about delivering quality work for their customers. No one wants to have to file an insurance claim for a bad installation job.

Insurance

Many reputable roofing contractors will have the proper insurance to protect both their employees and customers. This includes general liability for third-party damage, worker’s compensation to cover injuries on the job and a commercial property insurance policy that covers the cost of the structure should it be damaged or destroyed during the project.

During the hiring process, homeowners should always ask for proof of insurance before signing a contract. A good roofer should not have trouble providing this information over the phone or via email. It’s also a red flag to find a contractor that requires payment in cash, as this leaves no paper trail should something go wrong on the project.

Additionally, homeowners should ask contractors what materials they use and whether they offer a warranty. This is especially important for homeowners who are replacing a roof through an insurance claim, as some untrustworthy contractors will take advantage of them by pricing the job based on the cheapest possible materials.

Reputation

You wouldn’t take your car to a mechanic who had just passed their license exam, and you shouldn’t trust your roof to fly-by-night contractors either. You want to make sure that the company you’re considering has been around for a long time and is likely to still be in business if something goes wrong with your new roof.

Asking the roofer a few questions over the phone can be an effective way to gauge their honesty and reliability. No reputable contractor should act insulted when you inquire about their qualifications, certifications, insurance or other important aspects of the roofing process.

Choosing the right roofing contractor is a crucial investment that can save you a lot of money and stress down the road. A bad repair or installation can damage your property, and it can even put your family or tenants at risk. If you follow these tips, you’ll be able to find an affordable roofing contractor with years of experience that you can trust.