How to Choose a Roofing Contractor

A roofing contractor is an expert in roof repairs and replacements. They specialize in construction, and their job is to monitor the entire process of roofing, analyze construction plans, choose materials and supportive accessories to be used, and make sure roofing is done correctly. Therefore, choosing the right person for the job can be a challenging task – you should go through all the information you gather from different contractors, know what to ask, and ultimately trust yourself to make the best decision.

Licensing

A roofing contractor may say they are experienced and can be very pleasant to talk to. But you shouldn’t hire them based on your impulse. Ask to see a valid license or contact your city or town hall to check the information yourself. Also, if a roofer is an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor, it means they are a part of a group of roofing contractors who demonstrate superior roofing installation skills

Manufacturer’s certification

This is not a necessary trait, but it is a big plus. The difference between non-certified and certified contractors is specialized training on how to install a roof properly. Also, certified contractors typically offer a manufacturer’s warranty that has you covered in case of an error or defect.

References

Nothing is worth more than word of mouth references. Ask your relatives, friends, neighbors, or colleagues to recommend a reliable roofing contractor. Were they satisfied with the work? Did the contractor meet deadlines? How did they handle unplanned issues? Would they hire them again? These are the questions you should ask about references. Also, you can look up the contractor online.

Another piece of useful advice is to look up the contractor for any reviews from past clients. You can do this online, either on their website as well as on independent websites that collect reviews. These will provide you with a clear picture as to the quality of work you can expect to receive. Nevertheless, it’s always better to ask the contractor for a list of people who wouldn’t mind if you gave them a call. You can ask them about how the work progressed, if there were any incidents, damages, etc.

Other things you should consider before hiring a contractor include:

Contractor’s job knowledge. When it comes to roofing, experience is crucial. You should make sure that a contractor can explain the entire process from beginning to end, as well as know about different roofing materials.
Written contract. Signing a document keeps you safe and sound.
Governmental regulation compliance. There are rules and regulations for every field. Contractors must follow OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards.

Secondary factors include include:

Proof of liability insurance. A roofing contractor should have workers’ compensation insurance and general liability insurance. Your roof contractor should also have general liability insurance as well as workers’ compensation insurance. Also, make sure that the Insurance Certificate also specifies roof repair and installation because not all do. Dealing with such a contractor may seem tempting, especially if they’ll offer you a lower price. But if any damages occur to your home or if anybody is injured on your property, you may be exposed to tremendous liability. Even if the contractor is at fault.
Detailed scope of work and timeline. A contractor should be able to provide a complete scope of work, timeline, payment schedule, and warranty. All of these should be in writing, clear, and well defined. They should also include the brand and quantity of the roofing materials used. Also, discuss any incidental costs such as worksite preparation, removal, hauling, damage repair, etc.

Do they offer free roof estimates?

If a contractor offers a free estimate, it’s a promising sign of good service. They needs to visit your property in order to make an estimate. This is when you should ask them to explain all the options available for your budget. Remember that there’s a difference between an estimate and an inspection – inspections cost money. Avoid doing business with a contractor that claims inspection is required for providing an estimate.

Depending on the state, roofing contractors make a yearly salary of $40,000-$48,000. However, if a contractor is expensive, it doesn’t mean that they’re worth the money. Try to find those who make median salaries in their industry because they are usually the most cost-effective roofers.

The roof is arguably the most important part of any house. It protects you, your family, and your belongings from the elements. Over time, all of these forces will affect the condition of your roof. When you’re looking for roofing contractors, you need to make sure that they’re qualified, they have the necessary expertise, and that they’re overall reliable. Here is a checklist that will allow you to narrow down your search and only work with the best.

Governmental regulations compliance

For every field, there is a set of rules and regulations. When it comes to contractors, they need to look out for their employees’ safety as required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). You’ll need to make sure that your roofing contractor is following these standards.

Promptness

Good and professional roofing contractors will always respond to your calls, emails, and messages, regardless of how busy they are. Having a seamless and prompt communication is vital, especially during the middle of the roofing installation project. If they fail to respond on time or don’t send you the information you requested, chances are you’re dealing with someone who’s too busy, understaffed, or disorganized. In any case, this is a red flag.

Though it may be a bit more time consuming, all of these checks will ensure that you’re working with a reliable professional. With 1-800-HANSONS, you will always be on the safe side. With over 30 years of experience and well over 200,000 satisfied customers across the country, we will provide value every single time.

Take all these considerations into account when choosing the right roofing contractor for your house. Click here for a free roofing estimate from 1-800-HANSONS.