What to Consider When Choosing a Roofing Contractor

When it comes to repairing or replacing a roof, homeowners’ most challenging task is choosing the right person for the job. Following a severe storm, they must rapidly return to normalcy and undertake the essential roofing repairs. However, this does not imply that they should hire the first contractor who comes to their door; you must choose wisely, and always try to search for pros when choosing a roofing contractor.

Several uncertified roofing contractors provide low-quality installs and shoddy craftsmanship. As a result, the average new business is closed within three years, and it may be out of business when possible roofing problems develop. 

The decision to replace your roof is huge. You need the best roofer for the job. How do you know what to search for? 

Most people will only replace their roofs once in ten or twenty years. So it’s a significant investment, and you want to make sure that you select the right company. We’re going to assist you. 

Working With “Storm Chasers” Is Not A Good Idea

Anyone who lives in a region prone to hail storms or other natural disasters is familiar with the “storm chasers” who arrive after the damage has been done. Stick to your initial plan of seeking personal referrals and assessing companies based on user feedback.

How Long Have They Been in Operation?

You’re unlikely to take your automobile to a mechanic who has only been on the job for two weeks. And you’re not going to have heart surgery with a doctor who just graduated from medical school. So, why choose a roofing contractor who does not have a proven track record of producing high-quality results?

Fly-by-night contractors are notorious for fleeing to avoid paying damages, only to reappear months later under a new identity. Working with a company with decades of experience and a good reputation will help you avoid falling prey to this type of unethical contractor.

In the era of the internet, it’s an excellent idea to search for well-established companies online. Then, read reviews by other customers. Reviews from others will help a great deal.

Select A Local Roofing Contractor

Choosing a reputable local roofing contractor reduces the likelihood of problems occurring during your roofing installation. A well-known local roof repair contractor will not jeopardize their image by doing a sloppy job.. Reputable contractor from your neighborhood will be knowledgeable about all of the local legislation and rules. They’ll have better relationships with suppliers and crews, and they’ll be able to acquire more local references.

Do you have a friend or family member who recently had their roof repaired? Referrals from friends and family are an excellent method to find a reputable contractor. You can also learn which ones to avoid. Online reviews are also helpful, especially if no one in your network has any recommendations for roofers. This brings us to the following point.

Check for Proper Licenses And Insurance Coverage

Roofing contractors are required to be licensed in the majority of states. The state of Florida is also included in this category, with special certification requirements for roofing contractors. Before doing any business with the contractor, demand that they give you a current license. Also, make sure that your contractor is covered by liability insurance.

In the event of an employee injury, a lack of proper insurance could lead to litigation between you and the contractor. This is something that you should avoid at all costs. As a result, ensure that the roofing firm you select gives you a copy of a valid insurance certificate.

Pay Your Deductible

Any contractor who promises to handle the repair without r paying their insurance deductible commits insurance fraud and puts the homeowner in danger. The insured is responsible for the insurance deductible, and the contractor should reflect this in the bid without inflating the estimate to cover all or part of the deductible.

Get It in Writing

As the homeowner, you are protected by a written contract. If a contractor refuses to give a formal written agreement, it’s time to find someone else. Payment schedules, roofing materials utilized (brand, kind, and color), and a list of subcontractors should all be clearly outlined in the written contract. It is critical to keep a list of the materials utilized. 

Plus a start and end date, as well as information on removing the old roof, inspecting the existing roof, and repairing or replacing it. The contract should also specify how the gardens and landscaping will be safeguarded, who will be liable for cleanup, and any damages to your property or the property of your neighbors that may occur during the construction.

Discuss Permits

In most cases, it is your obligation as a homeowner to ensure that the necessary permissions are obtained for your project. If a contractor advises you to forego permits to “save a few bucks,” go on to the next contractor on your list. I always advise homeowners to check with their local building authorities to ensure they are adequately covered. Except for repairs totaling less than 100 square feet, most regions require a building permit for any re-roofing but always check with your local building authority.

No Cash Deals

I never advocate cash transactions, but they do occur – but keep in mind the risk you are taking, no paper trail, no warranties – nothing! When there is a problem or a disagreement, documentation always wins. Avoid contractors who insist on cash payments. Cash cannot be traced.

Select A Roofer Who Offers On-site Project Management

Most roofing firms employ a salesman who also serves as a project manager, and they are frequently overburdened with many jobs at once. That leaves you in charge of the roofing crew during the installation process. However, if you’re shelling out thousands of dollars for a new roof, you shouldn’t have to lift a finger to get the job done.

The best roofing businesses have a project manager (rather than just a salesman) on-site at all times to ensure that everything runs well. They act as a quality control system and someone who can answer your inquiries and address your problems. 

Before you sign on the dotted line, inquire about your prospective roofing company’s on-site project managers (or lack thereof). A simple question could save you time and money in the long run!

Will Your Existing Roof Be Removed By The Roofing Contractor?

Some roofing firms will install new shingles on top of an existing roof. This, however, is virtually always a bad idea. For starters, it adds weight to a roof that is likely already deteriorating and in need of replacement decking. Second, it does not treat any underlying issues, such as damage hidden behind old shingles.

In this sense, slapping new shingles on an existing roof is like applying a Band-Aid to an infected lesion. You repair the damage but do nothing to address the underlying cause of the injury. It may be a quick and inexpensive answer in the short term, but it will cost you far more in the long run.

Inquire About Repairs That Aren’t Planned

Unexpected repairs and crises are, unfortunately, the norm rather than the exception when it comes to home remodeling. As soon as you begin taking down walls or ripping down cabinets, you will undoubtedly discover additional problems that must be handled.

Roofs can function similarly. In certain cases, moisture has decayed or damaged the decking, or the crew has discovered water damage that must be repaired before more moisture enters the property. When choosing a roofing contractor make sure to ask how it handles unforeseen repairs. This way, even if you’re taken aback, you’ll know what to expect.

Have A Comprehensive Warranty

Mistakes can occur, and there is always the possibility that something will not go as planned. For example, if the contractor installs the roof poorly, the damage will not be apparent right once. It can take months or even years for the first signs to appear. If this occurs, the insurance company will refuse to pay for the contractor’s errors. 

If you don’t receive an artistry warranty before the repair, you’ll be on your own to pay for the repairs. Again, this is something you should plan for ahead of time and request the most comprehensive warranty possible.

The Cost is Crucial. However, It is Not Everything

We understand that price is an important factor in practically every purchase you make—a significant role. However, there is a reason we included this advice at the bottom of our list: it should not be the only factor to consider when choosing a roofing contractor.

Look at the bottom line if you’ve narrowed your search to a couple of roofers. Why pay more than necessary? However, if the prices of most certified contractors are comparable and a single roofer costs half the price, this should raise a red flag. “You get what you pay for,” as the adage goes, may very well apply here.

Final thoughts

Finding a trustworthy, honest, and professional contractor may appear challenging – but that’s where you come in. It is critical to choose qualified roofers who will be in business in the future to honor their warranties. There are places that offer different sizes of roofs, like APEX Roofing, so make sure you check what’s the best choice for you.

It is critical to complete any roofing work correctly the first time. The first step is to find the best roofing installation business to begin with. It is advisable to take your time and conduct some research. Keep these suggestions in mind when choosing a roofing contractor.