How to Pick a Good Roof Contractor
When the time comes for roof repair or replacement, it is important that you choose a roof contractor that has the necessary qualifications to perform the tasks required. When your roof is damaged or leaking, time is of the essence. However, it is very important to perform your due diligence when selecting a roof contractor. Once you have determined the qualifications of potential contractors, you'll need to make an assessment of their reliability, dependability, and honesty. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Find and make a list of prospective roof contractors. Do the telephone work. If you prefer to use a telephone book, the business section is the place to start looking for roof contractors. Nowadays, the internet is the tool most use to start their contractor search. Your local Better Business Bureau is a great place to start. Another reliable resource is your local Chamber of Commerce website.
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Obtain the critical information. You must check the roof contractor's licensing and insurance status in your state or locality. This is a critical step. Failure to utilize a licensed and insured contractor may leave you legally liable for any accidents that occur on the job. It's also important to know that they are qualified to perform the work needing completion. If there is a problem with the work they've done, insurance gives you a better chance to get the issues resolved. For larger jobs, your state or locality may require the contractor to be bonded.
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Perform the background check. Don't rely on simple testimonials that are written on their website. A quality roof contractor will give you reference contacts for prior jobs. A contractor willing to provide such information moves to the top end of your list. Call the references. Ask them about the timely completion of the job, their professionalism, how close the contractor was to meeting the original estimate, and anything else that will give you the confidence to select them for the job.
Contact the professional organizations such as the Better Business Bureau and Chamber of Commerce for complaint histories.
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Get your estimates from the contractors you've selected. All estimates must be in writing. The more detail they provide, the better. Accept nothing less than a written estimate that includes the price, the warranty information from both the contractor and manufacturer of materials, estimated job start and job end dates, and contact information. Contractors unwilling or unable to supply you with all of this information in writing should be removed from your list.
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Select the company for the job. Prepare to monitor their work and safety practices during the job. Don't be afraid to ask questions without being too disruptive. The more attentive you are to the work they're performing, the less likely they will be to take shortcuts resulting in poor workmanship.
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Tips & Warnings
If the roof contractor intends to sub-contract any part of the job, you have to do all of the research, background checking, and evaluation of their written estimate for that portion of the job.
Don't choose a contractor based on price alone. This is where the phrase "you get what you pay for" probably originated. If the contractor giving you the lowest price has passed your vetting process, that's a great result. Using the lowest estimate as the sole selection criteria is not advisable. The company may be cutting costs by using inexperienced labor or less reliable materials.
Carefully review the written warranties for all materials for the exact provisions that may void it.
