You know that you need to repair or replace your roof, but you’re not sure where to begin when it comes to hiring a professional contractor. You want to have things back to normal as quickly as possible, but you also want to make sure that you are going about it the right way. Finding a dependable and accommodating contractor may seem difficult, but there is a way to make the search a lot easier. You should always abide by certain criteria when vetting potential roofing contractors.
Check Their Online Reviews
Find out what other people are saying about the contractor in question. You can learn a lot about a company by looking up their online reviews. The local community will usually provide you with enough insight and information to make the right decision when choosing your contractor. This is also a resourceful way to determine if they are familiar with local ordinances and safety regulations.
Researching the Contractor’s Better Business Bureau Rating
Severe weather events are going to give rise to roofing issues – this is a given. Sometimes what will happen is a contractor will show up to town after there is a major storm. You can easily check out the rating they received from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). If no such rating exists, then we advise that you don’t do business with them. For contractors to retain their certifications, they must receive satisfactory ratings from the BBB.
Extended Warranties
Every roofing manufacturer offers an extended warranty with their products. However, not all contractors will offer the warranty to include their workmanship. If that’s the case, then this should raise some serious concerns regarding the contractor’s professionalism. You also have to consider the fact that it can take months and sometimes years before you realize that the roof was installed incorrectly – and you’re insurance likely won’t cover the repairs. The contractor who installed your new roof may flat out refuse to fix it, or worse, their company is no longer in business. You are then left with having to foot the bill when it comes time to fix those mistakes.
Check for Proper Certifications, Licensing, and Insurance
This is a big one. A professional contractor should possess the necessary insurance for their employees and also provide valid documentation that certifies it. Not possessing the proper insurance can result in litigation if someone gets injured on the job, which can be a major hassle for either party involved.
Although most states require contractors to possess the proper licensing, this will not stop them from attempting to perform roofing jobs. If you live in a state where licensing isn’t required, then you should ask your contractor to show you a copy of their license. In most states, you can confirm if the contractor meets their licensing requirements online.
Watch Out for Insurance Fraud
Most fraudsters will claim that they can perform any repair work without having the homeowner pay their deductible. The deductible is always your responsibility. The contractor will attempt to inflate the cost of their repair service so that it covers all or part of the deductible. This is very sheisty behavior and you should handle any insurance claims on your own. It’s also prohibited in almost every state for the contractor to act on behalf of the homeowner when filing an insurance claim. If a contractor is opening the door to any illegality, then you should stay away from them.
Stand Your Ground
There are some contractors out there who will hound you for your business right out the gate. This is usually part of a ploy to get you to sign a contract before the insurance agency has a chance to assess any of the damage to your roof. You should have your contractor take a good look at your home to ensure that the insurance appraiser didn’t overlook anything.
Know Your Materials
Contractors utilize a wide range of materials for roofing installations, and you should learn more about the options that are available to you. If a contractor is only offering you asphalt shingles, then you shouldn’t hire them because they are not looking out for your best interest. The material you choose to install can greatly affect the resale value of your home, which is why you should always choose wisely. Your new roof should also reflect your tastes and personality, so there’s no need to rush into a decision.
There is certainly a lot to consider when deciding on hiring a contractor, but if you adhere to the criteria that we laid out, then you should be okay. If you have any questions, you can always give us a call and talk with one of our representatives about roofing repair and installation services.