Having work done on your roof is rarely a cheap or easy job. Therefore, it is crucial that you find the right person for the job. Getting it wrong can end up being a very costly mistake indeed.
There are several things which you should consider before letting a roofing contractor anywhere near your roof. Here are a few tips to help you to know how to choose a local roofing contractor.
Shop Around
Never go for the first option you find and certainly don’t take up any door-to-door sales calls. Aim to find around two to three different contractors who you would like to quote you for any work that needs doing.
Take plenty of time to do your homework and see if the business has a proven track record in the type of project you need completing. Also, it is well worth checking their business credentials by seeing if they hold all the appropriate state licenses and insurance.
Go Local
Choosing an established local company with a proven track record is always a solid strategy. Try and look for recommendations from friends and family, especially people that have had work done previously – it may even be possible to view some of the work they have done in person.
Do an internet search of local companies and check out reviews from other customers. Finding a local contractor will give you peace of mind should you need any follow-up work done while under warranty.
Don’t Just Go For The Cheapest
Price is an important consideration, but it shouldn’t be the only one. A legitimate roofing contractor will have insurance and good quality material costs to cover so their price will reflect that. Besides, you get what you pay for. The last thing you want is to have to spend extra money and time on regular repairs because of poor workmanship or substandard building materials.
Make sure that the contractors you get quotes from offer guarantees on the materials that they use.
Make Sure All Your Questions Are Answered
Once you have some people in mind, ask them over to quote for the work needed. You should have a list of questions ready regarding materials, length of the project, insurance, procedures regarding delays, and the terms of payment.
If the contractor is evasive or doesn’t satisfactorily answer you, then it would be best to look elsewhere.
Get It All in Writing
Once you have found a contractor that you like, make sure that you have everything agreed to put down in writing. This will help you to avoid any misunderstandings or conflicts later on, should there be any problems or delays with the work.
Avoid any contractors that expect to be paid in advance or don’t have the appropriate insurance – as you will have no protection should anything go wrong.
Keep the Channels of Communication Open
You should be able to reach the contractor during their working hours easily, but if you find that they are hard to get hold of or don’t take the time to answer any queries you have, then it is probably best to look elsewhere.
Any established business will understand that looking after their customers is as important as the work itself. So even if they are super busy, they should always find a spare five minutes to discuss your concerns or queries.
