6 Tips for Choosing a Roofer

Choosing the right type of roof is a common challenge faced by homeowners. Choosing the right roofer is perhaps the biggest of challenges. Whether it is about replacing an old roof or installing a new one on a newly constructed property, the choice of a good roofing contractor can make a huge difference.

You cannot just choose the first roofing company that comes your way. They should be trustworthy, professional, experienced, licensed, insured, and be easily accessible. There are many more points to be considered. You should follow these 6 tips when finding and hiring the right roofing company.

1. Choose a Local Roofing Company

A local company operates locally and has a well-established reputation with local community. This will provide you access to in-depth knowledge of local conditions. You will also realize the benefits of hiring local company in the long term.

A good reputation in the local market is a sign that the company is trusted by its clients. Your roof is going to have a long warranty. Experience and market reputation are signs of whether the company can honor those warranties and assurances in the long-term.

2. Check Manufacturer Designations

For greater reliability, stability, and trustworthiness, you should choose a roofing service with manufacturer designations. Such a designation requires the company to pass certain conditions. It is a badge of honor and reputed manufacturers certify only 2% to 5% of roofing contractors in a single market. Remember, a contractor can use their top designation only in a specific market.

3. Choose a Fully-Insured Contractor

The roofer must have both liability insurance and worker’s compensation. Check copies of their certificates. If you are unsure, call their insurance company to confirm the validity of the documents.This will provide peace of mind that you and your property is protected in case of any accidents.

4. Look for an Extensive Warranty

If your contractor installs your roof improperly, the damage may take months or even years to show up. This means that the insurance will not pay for it. So make sure to choose a roofing company that offers manufacturer warranties that cover their workmanship too.

If the contractor doesn’t fix the issue, you will have to pay for such mistakes out of your pocket. So, you should look for a contractor that offers long workmanship warranties.

5. Ensure Licensing

Most jurisdictions require licensing for roofing contractors. This means that you can also come across unlicensed companies in this field. It is better to be on the safe side and choose only licensed providers who can share a copy of their license with you. Similar to an insurance check, confirm the license’s validitywith the appropriateauthority.

6. Accessible &Open to Communication

Consider the following points in this regard:

  • Do they return your calls every time?
  • Do they follow through?
  • Did they send you the documents you asked for?
  • Are they courteous and attentive while communicating?

Choose a roofing contractor only if they meet these conditions. Communication is the most important part of any business process. If they are not responsive or show that they are not interested, believe them and move away.

So, it is recommended to consider all these points when looking for the perfect roofer. Price is a secondary factor. You will have a budget you want to stick to. However, there is no point in making a compromise on the above-mentioned factors just to get a cheaper quote. Make sure the contractor covers all the job details in writing. You can also check with BBB and read online reviews to get a better idea of the company’s service quality.