Is your roof in need of repairs? Putting off getting it fixed can cause other problems for your house and potentially cost you more money the longer you leave it. It can even be dangerous if the damage impacts the structural integrity or leads to mold growing around the home.
When it comes to getting this job done right, you’re going to need to look at hiring roofing contractors. It doesn’t matter if it’s to replace it entirely or conduct some simple repairs, you need a professional to handle this type of task.
But how do you choose the right contractor? Fortunately, there are several ways to identify someone who has the right experience with roofing to tackle this chore. When you’re researching different companies, make sure they have these telltale signs that give you the confidence to trust their work.
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1. Comparing Roofer Costs
Repairing or replacing a roof is not something you want to cut costs on. You should prepare yourself financially as it can be an expensive job, but it’s one that will last you years before you need to do it all over again.
While you’re researching costs, you might find a contractor who’s rates will seem too good to be true. They likely are. Utilize your free estimates and ensure that you pick the best roofing company who will not corners to the point they’ll back before you know it for more repairs.
2. Make Sure They’re Local
Hiring a roofing company in your area comes with multiple benefits. For starters, if something happens to go wrong or you need to talk to your contractor, then they will be easier to reach if they’re located in your home town.
They may also have a reputation that your local friends, family, or work colleagues may know. Testimonials from people you trust can go a long way in ensuring you end up with the right person for the job.
3. Look at References and Reviews
If you don’t know anyone who’s had repairs on their roof, then you should turn to the online community to learn more about different companies. Fortunately, several locations provide reviews and references on roofing businesses to help give you a better understanding of the quality of their work.
Yellow Pages, Yelp, and Google My Business are great places to start. You should also check social media as well to see what previous customers have said about their experiences with the contractors. While it’s important to read all of the positive reviews, you should also note any negative experiences that may have occurred and the company’s responses to see how they handled the criticism.
4. Hiring Roof Contractors With Real Examples
While online reviews can provide you with a sense of the quality of work you can expect from a contractor, nothing beats seeing it for yourself. A trustworthy contractor should have a portfolio on their website and a list of people you can contact to view their roofs.
You should start with the oldest clients first, as this can give you an idea of how well the roof has held up. It’s also worth asking these customers their experience and if they were satisfied with the work.
5. Check Their Licenses and Insurance Coverage
Don’t underestimate the importance of hiring a roofing contractor with the correct licensing and insurance. Licensed operators have completed multiple tests and formal training to obtain extensive knowledge of the roofing industry.
If they also carry insurance, then you can feel safer knowing that if any accidents occur, then you’re not legally liable or financially responsible. Insured roofers also show that they take their work seriously, as they want to ensure their staff is protected at all times.
6. Make Sure There is a Warranty
In addition to proper licensing and insurance, you also ensure that any work you get completed comes with a warranty. If you’re getting a completely brand new roof, then you should ensure that it comes with not only a workmanship warranty but also a manufacturer’s warranty.
The workmanship warranty ensures you’re covered for any mistakes that may happen during the installation. Meanwhile, the manufacturer’s warranty covers the materials used, such as the shingles.
7. Experience is Essential
Becoming an expert in roofing doesn’t happen overnight. It can take years of experience to become proficient in installing and repairing all of the potential issues that come with them.
You should search for someone who has been in the industry for several years. It’s likely they’ve not only installed plenty of roofs but also conducted repairs on them as well using best practices and the right tools. They’ll also be the right person to know whether you need to replace your roof or get it repaired completely.
An inexperienced roofer might also not know how to handle themselves in different weather conditions. It’s also possible that they may take longer to complete the job compared to someone who’s done the same task hundreds of times.
Looking for More Advice?
It’s not worth the risk of cutting any corners when hiring roofing contractors. While you don’t want the job to drain your bank account, you want to make sure that you find the right person who charges appropriately, is licensed and insured, and have a good reputation with previous customers who will vouch for their work online or in person.
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