If the cost of a new roof has you considering drastic measures such as attempting to DIY or enlisting the help of a friend who claims to have some experience, you should know that cutting corners can lead to dire consequences. When it’s time to replace your roof, there’s always going to be an unlicensed handyman or friend offering their services. It’s tempting from a budget mindset but remember-you get what you pay for. Hiring a low cost, inexperienced contractor or friend means you’re giving up the benefits that come from choosing a licensed, professional contractor who will perform the job safely and with precision and expertise. Hiring anything less than a professional roofing company could end up costing you more than you realize in the long run.
One major benefit to hiring a licensed roofer to install your new roof is they can provide proof of insurance and licensing in the state your home or property resides in. Making sure your roofer is properly insured is crucial in protecting yourself against being held liable for any costs should a worker damage your home or get injured on the job.
You should never purchase a new roof without a written contract, and a licensed, professional roofer would never dream of accepting a job without one. Licensed roofers provide a contract detailing the scope of the project, the materials purchased, and a timeline for the job, making it easier for you to hold the roofer accountable to their word. The contract will also include a clause called a “mechanic’s lien” which is critical in protecting you from being held responsible for the roofer’s unpaid bills to suppliers or subcontractors, should they run off with your money.
Another way to fully protect your investment is by hiring an established local roofing company with an upstanding reputation in the community. For example, if something goes wrong with your new roof in the standard five-year warranty period, and you hired an inexperienced roofer that hasn’t been in the business long, how can you be sure they’ll still be in business five years from now to uphold the warranty if you need it?
A licensed roofing company will have no problem providing you with references and customer testimonials to support their products and services. You can feel confident knowing you’re getting the highest quality of work because you were able to thoroughly check out references and testimonials prior to officially hiring them.
Licensed roofers know the industry, as they must prove their expertise to pass their tests to obtain their license. When you hire a licensed company to install your new roof, you automatically know they’re up to date on the latest and best practices for roof installation, repair, and maintenance, including relevant permit rules. This also ensures they’ll do the job right the first time. Unfortunately, you have no guarantee with an unlicensed roofer.
A licensed roofer won’t break any rules or laws either, like asking for full payment up front. To hire a licensed roofer, you only need to provide a certain percentage of the project cost; usually ten percent-and that is usually used to purchase material for the job.
Hiring a licensed roofing company is the most important step in purchasing a new roof. They should be easy to work with and, most importantly, stand behind their work. For an established roofing company you can trust, contact Armorvue Home Exteriors for a virtual appointment.
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