When deciding on who to hire to either repair or build a new roof, hiring a quality roofing contractor is absolutely vital. Hire the right one, and you can have a well-made roof that lasts for years and keeps you and your family safe from the harsh outdoor elements. Hire the wrong one, and you can expect to pay for costly repairs and frustrating leaks during the rainy season. You may feel like you’re not sure how to tell the difference between a good roofer and an amateur. We have some great tips to help you learn where to look and what qualities to search for.
We strongly suggest first asking around your neighborhood and friends and family if they have and recommendations. Don’t know anyone who’s hired a roofing contractor? Dallwig Brothers has a great list of referrals who have proven themselves over many years working alongside Dallwig and its many long-standing clients. Getting a good referral saves you the time and money of starting your search from ground zero and also prevents you from falling prey to potential scams. If you have found a few options, it’s a great idea to ask each contractor to submit a proposal in writing so you can compare plans, ask questions, and make adjustments as needed. A written document will help protect you in a court of law, should you ever need to present that your contractor did not deliver.
Research roofing materials to understand pros and cons to each type. While many roofers work with a variety of roofing materials, some do not have the specialty or expertise working with more rare types. Some shingles may also be better for the climate where you live, and some may just be unnecessary. If aesthetics are important to you, you may want to choose a certain roofing material that satisfies your design choices. Ask your roofing contractor for samples and pricing as well as warranty for your top picks. Don’t be bullied into making decisions you aren’t comfortable with.
Look up the roofing contractors online to see how they’ve been rated by both homeowners and by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Reviews are helpful, but they don’t always guarantee a company is safe. Once you are seriously selecting a roofer, make sure safety is a priority to them. Construction projects can cause serious injury and death when improperly supervised and when the hired workers don’t observe the rules and regulations of building safety. Ask for a copy of the roofers’ license and insurance and ask if they have any safety training certifications.
Ask pertinent questions that will affect you, so you’re not sorry later. Make sure you get answers on when the contractors can start and a proposed end date, as well. Ask when payment is due and if they require money up front. It is very common for a percentage to be paid before the project starts. You may also want to ask about clean-up and whether it’s a part of the contract.