Your roof is one of the most important parts of the integrity and stability of your home, so choosing the right contractor for the job can be a daunting decision. It’s important to ensure the job is done efficiently and correctly, and that both you and the workers are kept safe during a replacement or repair. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate through a few key factors – warranties, safety protocol, reviews, and more – that you should consider when choosing the roofing contractor that will be your perfect fit.
1. Check for Roofing License, Insurance, Certifications and Warranties
First things first, you need to verify the legitimacy of the contractor’s legal documents, such as licensing and insurance coverage. It’s important to ensure that the contractor of your choice is licensed to work in your state and has insurance that will cover not only general liability, but also workman’s compensation benefits, before looking any further. These coverages act as your safeguard should anything go wrong while the job is being completed. Another important thing to look for is the contractors endorsements, and is a great sign if they are certified by major, reputable roofing contractors. A warranty of at least 10 years is recommended, to protect your finances if the repair or replacement doesn’t go as planned. If the contractor is legitimate, they should have no problem providing all of this information.
2. Local Reviews and Social Media Platforms
Digging in to online reviews and testimonials is worth the time and could be the most important factor to take into play if you are torn between contractors. Google reviews, sites like Yelp, or maybe even the contracting site itself should have customer ratings and testimonials to help you get an idea of what you’re getting into. Dig deeper than just star ratings – read exactly what previous customers are saying about the contractor and their work. If the contractors are active on any social media platforms, or even if they provide a gallery on their website, be sure to give those a look to see both their projects and their interaction with their clients. Consider reaching out to a friend or family member for recommendations!
3. Get multiple quotes
Don’t just go with the first contractor you speak to! Roof work is often a big investment, so it’s important that you get multiple quotes from different contractors to ensure you’re getting the best plan for you. Be sure they include all relevant information – price, materials, warranties, and insurance policies. This will help you when you are comparing different contractors in your area. Be sure to check each contractor’s scope of work to get a feel for what kind of work they are qualified to perform. By following these steps, you can compare market prices in your area as to not get overcharged or settle for subpar work. Roof replacements and repair can be pricey, so you want to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck. Just like with anything, cheaper isn’t always better and price should only be one of the factors that comes into play when committing to a roofing contractor.
4. Choose an Experienced Roofing Contractor
Roofing isn’t something that just anyone can do. It requires training, skill, and lots of practice. Ask your contractor how long they’ve been in business and what type of projects they have worked on, and compare previous projects to what you are looking to achieve on your own roof. Experienced contractors will deliver top-notch quality service, utilize their tried-and-true knowledge, and will better know how to mediate issues that may arise during your roof’s repair. Try taking a recommendation from a trusted friend in the area!
5. Don’t skimp on the cost
Everyone loves to save some money, but roofing is not the place to be cutting financial corners. If you get a quote from a contractor that seems too good to be true, it’s likely the case. Reliable roofing companies will value their experience, workers, and labor, and it will reflect in the cost. Cheap prices could mean lower-quality materials or rushed labor, and will end up costing much more money on repairs in the end. No or little insurance coverages or warranties may be a red flag indicating that you should go with a different company. The roof is a fundamental piece of the stability of your home, so it is important to choose reputable contractor’s to mend it. Learn more about the average cost of a roof replacement here.
6. Ask about safety protocols
Roofing can be dangerous work and injuries on the job aren’t uncommon, which is why you need to be certain that your roofing crew is following proper safety protocols. Ask them what their steps are to ensure that each and every worker stays safe while working on your roof. They should have a solid plan and be able to run through their companies’ guidelines. If they brush off your concerns or do not have a plan in place, it may be a sign to start looking for another contractor. A reliable, worthwhile contractor will make safety a top priority.
Schedule A Roof Inspection with Craig Roofing
At Craig Roofing, we promise to deliver all of this and beyond. With our values in good, honest work, satisfactory customer relationships, and safety, we believe we have what it takes to help you reach your goals for your home. Get a free consultation with Craig Roofing today so that you can navigate your roofing journey with ease!