The roof is a valuable investment that should last for several decades. During that time, this structure requires regular maintenance to maintain its appearance and functionality at its best. From time to time, certain repairs are likely to be required.

Although you can do some maintenance and minor repairs on the roof yourself (as explained here), it’s best to leave the work to professionals. Experienced roofers have the necessary knowledge, skills, and, most importantly, professional tools and routines. They can handle any project much faster and more efficiently than any DIYer.

Choosing a roofer can sometimes be challenging. If you’re rushing with this decision because you urgently need their services, for example, due to major roof damage after the storm, you could settle with a contractor who isn’t licensed, provides shoddy work, or doesn’t have enough trade experience. To avoid such a mistake, we give you guidelines on how to find the best roofing contractor.

Get Recommendation

When you need roofer services, it’s always good to go with local contractors. Apart from the fact you can check their credentials, they’re accessible and familiar with local building codes. Moreover, you can see some of their works in person, sometimes even in a nearby neighborhood.

For starters, ask friends, family, and neighbors for a recommendation for a roofing contractor if you know they have used their services recently. Their firsthand experiences can be of great help because they can tell you whether or not they were happy with the work provided and also give you details such as how the project went, whether there were any delays or budget breaking, etc.

Do Your Research

After getting the names of a few local contractors through referrals, look for more roofers in your area. A simple Internet search can help you with that. You can look at the first few results that appear in your search, and a good tip is to check trade associations.

Reputable trade associations list certified roofers, like Mona Roofing company, making your search faster. You should always hire licensed contractors because they have the appropriate qualifications and trade experience and offer a guarantee for their work. Plus, all license holders must have proper liability insurance, considering they’re doing a job that carries certain risks due to its complexity and working at height.

Pick a few contractors that seem reputable and reliable, and dig deeper to check their reputation and track record. On the Internet, you can easily find reviews and experiences of previous clients with roofers. These comments can help you ‘filter’ the original list and write off roofers with too many bad reviews. Also, check their BBB ratings, which speak about the company’s interaction with clients. If it’s good, you can proceed with a contractor.

Check Testimonials

After making a shortlist of licensed roofing contractors, you can check their websites. Before scheduling a meeting with them to discuss your project, look for important information about their business. Find out how long they have been on the market, what services they offer, details about the physical location, etc.

Contractors’ websites should always clearly state the details regarding the licenses and certificates they have, as these prove the business legitimacy. Also, reputable roofing companies often have a prominent portfolio of their previous projects. Browse it and pay special attention to projects similar to yours.

Discuss Your Project

When you want to meet the roofers in person, it’s best to have them to your place. Thus, they can assess the situation and give you the most accurate estimates for your project. However, before you get down to the specifics, ask the roofers some general questions.

Inquire about their expertise because some contractors specialize in certain types of roofs. Then, ask about their experience and projects similar to yours. Don’t hesitate to ask for references, as these are a great way to find out more about roofers firsthand. Previous clients can tell you details about working with a particular company, so you can get a sense of how trustworthy and reliable contractors are.

While discussing your roofing project, pay attention to how roofers communicate. They should answer all your questions, especially those about obtaining permits, insurance, and a work warranty. They must be honest and transparent and speak to you the way you understand.

Get Everything in Writing

When you have roofers on the spot, you can get the most accurate quote. Make sure to get at least three from different contractors, so you can compare them and choose the best one. Once you agree on the project price, make sure to get everything in writing. That way, you avoid hidden expenses. If the final project cost depends on the material price, make sure that clause is clearly stated in the contract.

Below, learn about common roofing materials:

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/renovation/a43622815/best-roofing-material-types/

The rule is that you never pay the complete roof cost upfront. Some contractors might ask for payment in advance but never agree to high sums. Up to 10% of the estimated project value should be enough to start. You can pay the rest as the project progresses or settle everything when the job is done.

Your search for a good roofer might take a while. But you mustn’t rush this decision, as you need to find someone qualified, experienced, and reputable to work on your roof. It’s a vital structure on your home, so don’t let someone do shoddy work on it.