It’s winter and for some people, that means roof issues. The last thing you want during a heavy rainstorm or snowstorm is moisture getting in your home. To avoid damage to your home and belongings, it’s recommended to have a roofer come out and check out your existing roof for any issues.
However, the problem with this is that roofing companies are a dime a dozen. So, how do you know who to work with to ensure you get the right information about your roof?
Below are 4 tips used by consumers when looking for a new roofing company.
Tip No. 1: Make sure the company you hire has insurance.
When working with your roofing contractor, it’s important to know that they’re insured and bonded in case of an accident. If they file a claim against their insurance policy while working on your home without telling you, the premiums for other policyholders could increase. What’s more is that if your contractor doesn’t have any liability or workers’ compensation insurance at all, neither of you are covered in case of an accident.
Since roofs can be dangerous (especially when installing new shingles) make sure your roofing contractor has either liability or workers’ compensation insurance; better yet, ask them to show it to you before signing any contracts or handing over any money.
Tip No. 2: Look for a contractor with proper credentials.
When looking for a roofing company, it is important to find one that has licensing and insurance. However, not all licenses are reputable, so be sure to check the credentials of your potential contractors before you sign any contracts. This means checking their license information with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), as well as contacting local authorities such as the city or state agencies responsible for overseeing companies like yours in order to verify that they’re legitimate and not fly-by-night operations seeking to rip people off. If you can’t verify their legitimacy through these avenues, we recommend you go with another contractor who has proven trustworthy and capable of fulfilling their promises.
Tip No. 3: Ensure your roofing company is fully vetted.
In today’s day and age, full-service home improvement companies have a lot going for them. The ability to do everything from design to completion makes it easier on you as the consumer, but there are pitfalls that should be considered before trusting any one company with your entire renovation project or new installation. So when you hire a contractor to complete your roof replacement or repair work, ask them by what process they will select their subcontractors, most of which will come onto your property unsupervised. A good contractor will not only put processes in place to screen potential sub-contractors (including background checks) but also keep tabs on their workers throughout the course of the job by having spot checks and five-stage inspections to ensure the highest quality comes from every stage of your project.
Tip No. 4: Look for a contractor with a good reputation in the local community.
Just as you would ask around before hiring any service professional from your area, it is also important to ask around about nearby roofing companies when you’re looking for a new roofer or roof repair company to hire. Word of mouth recommendations are one of the best ways to learn about who is good and who isn’t, so think carefully before going over a list of potential candidates with anyone who has had work done on their home before … especially if they have recently undergone a renovation or repair project. Before making a final decision on any company, don’t forget to do your research and check out their online reviews (if they even have any).
Use these tips as a guide when you’re looking for a new roofer near you. Remember, roofing issues can happen anytime, with or without weather. Be prepared by having someone you can call anytime.
