Deciding that it’s time for a new roof is a big decision and a big financial investment. Most homeowners will only go through the process once or twice over the course of owning their home, so choosing a roofing contractor is most likely not a task they’ve experienced before. It can be overwhelming to begin the process and there is often uncertainty about choosing the right contractor. But, there are some guidelines that can make hiring the contractor to install your new roof a little easier.
1. Find a Roofing Contractor with the Right Credentials
When it comes to roofing contractors, you need to make sure that they have worker’s compensation and liability insurance. Are they licensed? Are they certified on the materials they use? Ask to see the paperwork. A quality roofing contractor will have no concerns about providing you with the documentation. Hiring a roofing contractor without insurance puts you as the homeowner at great risk if something bad were to happen while the roofing crew is on your property.
2. Stay Local
You want the contractor who installs your new roof to have a presence in the community. A local roofer will have a reputation to uphold and references that you can easily validate. A local contractor also knows that you will become a reference in the community, so it is well worth their time to do quality work. When asking for recommendations, look to your community and other homes in the area that have recently installed a new roof.
3. Make Sure You Get a Full Inspection Before You Install a New Roof
A roofing contractor has to have access to your roof, usually inside and out, to determine the work that needs to be done. They may need to get up in your attic. They will look for signs of leaks and water damage that may need to be repaired before your new roof can be installed. Having several estimates done can confirm your exact needs and will get you a more accurate estimate. If a contractor skips this step and gives you a ballpark estimate, you may find that your costs will go up during the process if structural damage is discovered.
4. Understand Your Estimates
While a new roof is expensive, a cheap bid isn’t usually the right call. A roofing contractor who can offer cut rate work will most likely do a cut rate job. Customers who choose these roofing contractors typically spend more money in the long run fixing issues, and often the entire process becomes filled with problems. Look at the materials, the warranties, and the credentials of the roofing contractors. A good roofing contractor will offer you a fair bid for quality work, and stand behind the installation and products they offer.
5. Be Wary of Roofers Who Solicit Your Business
After a storm, many roofers will approach you to let you know they noticed you have damage and pressure you to sign a contract. If you’re concerned that you have roof damage, call your homeowner’s insurance agent and ask for a recommendation to confirm the damage. If you do need a new roof, you should not feel pressured to sign immediately. Get your estimates, gather your information, and get recommendations from community members you trust.
6. Find a Contractor Who Communicates Well
As soon as you reach out for the first time, you can evaluate how well your potential roofing contractor will communicate. Did they return your call in a timely manner? Were they professional on the phone? Could they do an estimate in a reasonable amount of time? Did they provide you the paperwork you need? If you don’t feel you can communicate well with your potential roofing contractor, it is probably not the right fit.
7. Find a Roofing Contractor Who Will Put Everything in Writing
Verbal promises are easily broken. A quality roofing contractor will have a written contract that spells everything out, including how long the job will take, what the payment terms are, any warranties, how disposal of your old roof will be handled, what will happen in case additional damage is discovered, how your home and landscaping will be protected during the process, and anything else worth noting about the project outlook.
When choosing a roofing contractor for your new roof, speak with several companies who have good recommendations from your community, ask the right questions, and find a contractor you feel comfortable with. When making a major investment in your home, you have the right to feel like you’ve made the right choice. Contact Armorvue Home Exteriors to schedule a virtual appointment to talk about your new roof today!
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