Hiring a roofing contractor for your new roof can be intimidating. Installing a new roof isn’t something that homeowners do often, and it can be difficult to know if you’ve chosen the right contractor for the job. While there are many good contractors to choose from, there are ways to verify that you’ve hired the right contractor to install your new roof.
Does Your Roofing Contractor Offer a Valid Warranty?
Most roofing contractors will make sure you know they guarantee their work and that you have a warranty should you need to use it. A quality roofing contractor will explain the details so that you understand your warranty and how to use it. If your roofing contractor doesn’t offer a valid warranty for your new roof, that is a red flag. There are sub-par roofers that don’t offer warranties, and some of these roofing contractors can be very smooth talkers and may try to convince you that warranties aren’t necessary for a new roof, but this simply isn’t true.
Is Your Roofing Contractor Local?
Local is better. A local roofing contractor will understand local regulations, procedures for the necessary permits, and the climate and weather considerations your new roof will face. In addition, a local roofing contractor will be invested in maintaining their reputation in the community. They know that their business is coming from references and they will make sure that you are satisfied with the project when they’re done. If there are issues with your new roof in the future and you need to use your warranty, you’ll know that your local roofing contractor will be around to talk to.
Is Your Roofing Contractor Licensed and Insured?
If your roofing contractor is unwilling – or unable – to provide you with proof that they are licensed and insured, reconsider your choice. Having an uninsured roofing contractor working on your home is a huge liability risk for you as the homeowner. Roofing is a dangerous business, and if any of the workers are injured on the job and your contractor doesn’t have the right insurance, you will be held liable. This is a risk that no homeowner should be willing to take, no matter what the cost.
Did Your Roofing Contractor Offer a Thorough, Written Estimate?
A new roof is a big investment and you may be tempted to jump on a bid that saves you the most money. Gathering several estimates and comparing the prices is a smart move, but going with the cheapest bid solely as a financial choice is not a good idea. Each contractor you get an estimate from should give you a thorough estimate that includes everything from damage repair to materials used to removal and disposal to finishing. If a bid is significantly lower it may be due to low quality materials, an incomplete estimate that doesn’t factor in damage or necessary repairs, a bid that doesn’t include removal or disposal, or simply because the roofer is not as qualified or experienced. Check each estimate to ensure that you are comparing apples to apples, and check references from those outlying bids to see what quality the new roof actually was.
When you hire a contractor for your new roof, make sure you find someone you feel comfortable with. If you don’t get a good feeling about the contractor for your new roof, you may worry throughout the process. Take the time to ask the right questions, check on references, and get a sense of each candidate. Armorvue Home Exteriors has been installing roofs in this community for decades, and we have the experience and know-how to get the job done right the first time. Contact us for a virtual appointment to talk about a new roof for your home today!
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