Hiring a roofing contractor is a big task, since there are plenty of options and variables out there. From using google for your search, to asking your friends and neighbors for recommendations; how do you know who to hire? Well, today we are providing some insight into what to consider when selecting the best roofing contractor to help with your home project. Keep reading to figure out how to make the best decision for you.
Roofing Contractor Qualifications
1. Experience
A reputable roofing company should have years of knowledge and experience in the roofing and home remodeling business. Experienced roofers have seen all kinds of homes and will be able to provide the best recommendations for your home, work with plenty of materials in the market and have mastered every step of various jobs, including installations and repairs.
They should be able to explain why they use the materials they use, how their jobs are performed, and provide plenty of information before the hiring process begins. This shows that they are committed to their work and installations
2. Licensed, Insured & Bonded
Always make sure your roofing contractor is fully licensed, insured and bonded. While some companies may charge less than others because they don’t have one of the coverage above, or simply don’t have enough experience, it puts you at risk now and once the roofing project is completed. A seasoned prospective contractor will be able to provide all their licenses and insurance paperwork, as well as their workers compensation, Better Business Bureau standing and more. While it can be a lot of paperwork, its better to know that the company won’t be putting themselves and you at risk.
Putting a new roof or doing any repairs can be dangerous, so its best to know that the hiring prospective roofer is able to provide quality work safely. Always check that the roofing company’s license is up to date, which means they meet all the requirements in the state to perform their job accordingly.
3. Reviews
The power of google makes it easier than ever to check on any company. Hop onto a potential roofing company’s main page and read their reviews section. Reading past customers’ experiences with roofing contractors (the good and the less than stellar) gives you a good idea of what you will be dealing with and what to expect. If a company has multiple negative reviews or complaints, its probably best to steer clear from them.
Reviews make it easier for customers to know who to call and what to expect from these prospective contractors. Roofing work can be expensive so you want to hire the best roofing contractor around.
4. Take your time to find the best fit for you
Finding the right contractor for installation could take longer than you would normally expect. From doing your research, asking for recommendations, reading the reviews, making sure you stay within budget and more. Additionally, there are so many options to choose from and this can make your decision sway one way or another in a never ending project that can take longer than anticipated. Which is why we suggest to talk to at least three roofers, but ideally not more than five, otherwise a person’s decision becomes harder. That is natural psychology when people come to terms with multiple options.
Once you pick the top three and get the estimates, review these carefully. Make sure that they have everything that your home needs in writing. Schedule a time that fits both your schedule and the roofing contractor’s schedule. Being patient and deciding the key factors and how the contractor can help is essential.
5. Ask for references
When it comes to working with homes, a good residential roofing contractor will have beaming references from their previous clients. Asking for some of these references and reaching out to them will be the best way to determine if the contractor is exactly what you are looking for. If a contractor is not willing to provide references, its probably best to ask them why. There is probably a reason. Of course, every experience is different. But, for the most part, if the roofing contractor has many positive reviews and recommendations, its safe to say that they will provide an overall great experience.
6. Get the estimate in writing
Getting an estimate or estimates from different roofing contractors is a good way to get an idea of how much the job will cost and to avoid any surprise charges that may come down the road. While the cheapest repair option can be enticing, it can cause some trouble later on, especially if the contractor is not insured or does not have their proper licenses. As we stated earlier, its always a great idea to get at least three roofing estimates from your local contractors.
When getting these estimates in writing, make sure they include the work that is being performed, the parts of the roof that are being added, colors and other details. Additionally, you want to be aware of the warranties and other details that may be necessary in case there are issues with your roof. Most roofing contractors will provide 5 year labor warranties for their work. Remember, you are not only paying for the installation, you are also paying that the work is well done and the roof is performing as it should.
A great roofing contractor will go over each line item on their estimate or contract, explain the materials that will be used and answer any questions you may have. Its always better to ask questions so that both you and your roofer are on the same page. Good contractors are transparent with their work and always answer questions as their customers are their top concern.
Roofing Contractor near you
We have been in business for over 20 years and helped customers with all kinds of roof projects. Oscar Roofing Bloomington has the expertise and proper experience to make sure we are the right roofer for you. Contact us today to schedule your free, in depth roof inspection.
As pristine roofers, we also provide other home services! These include gutter installations, siding repairs, painting and exterior and interior remodeling services. We are a general contractor and licensed with the Indiana Builders Association, the Better Business Bureau and are an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor.