Finding a reputable and trustworthy roofing contractor who can deal with leaks, replacement and new
installations is not as easy as it appears. Depending on what roofing need is required, it could mean a lot of hard effort and a large amount of money. Preparedness and knowledge are the two key factors in finding the right company to do the job.
Initial Considerations
It is important to make some important preparations when looking for the right contractor, including the following suggestions.
- Be Careful – One common mistake is choosing a company that is not licensed or experienced in an attempt to save money, which usually winds up costing much more money than was planned. Professional licensed contractors make use of the latest techniques with state-of-the-art components.
- Proper Ventilation – This is just about the most neglected part of a roofing system, yet it is one of the most crucial of all the features. Improperly vented attics encourage mold growth, higher energy consumption, and worse yet can cause structural damage. Proper air intake and exhaust vents are key to prolonging the life of a roof.
- Comparisons – Before making any financial commitment, careful comparisons should be made between all prospective roofing companies. Bids should be solicited from at least three to five contractors and comparisons should be made in these three important aspects – materials, project time span and labor costs.
- Options – Take time to look around at various styles and colors. There are useful websites offering good seletions to spark ideas and provide an education about what is available today.
Conscientious Contractor
It is important to hire a company that is honest and has a good reputation. Following are some tips to find the best possible constructor.
- Testimonials – Contact the nearest Chamber of Commerce to gather valuable information about local companies. Friends, co-workers or relatives are also good sources to check with if they have had similar work done in the recent past.
- Insured – Be sure to ask about insurance at the very beginning of an interview with a prospective roofer to be sure that proper insurance is carried. Their representative should be happy to provide that information.
- Licensed – Always ask for a copy of a contractor’s license as there are several states that require these companies to produce proof they are bonded.
- References – Get references from each prospective contractor and call these clients one by one to gather essential information. Be sure to prepare the same questions ahead of time.
- Payment – Do not make a binding agreement with a contractor who asks for full payment up front. Make sure to include in the written contract the amount and date each payment is due.
Hopefully this article has provided valuable information about finding an honest and trustworthy roofing contractor. Meet with each candidate personally and consider the above items in order to find the perfect one for the job!