How to Choose a Roofer

You’ve noticed there may be a leak or a storm that’s damaged your roof. Perhaps you simply want to beautify the look of your home. That’s when you know it’s time to hire a professional roofer to repair or replace your home’s protective exterior.

Putting a new roof on your home and/or properly maintaining your roof can increase its value. So it is essential that you pick the right contractor to do this job.

First Steps

Start by asking your family, friends and neighbors if they have recommendations.

You can also look on the internet for roofing contractors in your area. Some websites offer lists of professionals, along with reviews of their work.

Personal recommendations will give you the best information. Be sure to focus on:

• The quality of work
• The cleanup process. You don’t want scraps of roofing and nails left over after the contractors have gone home. Don’t hire professionals who leave debris after they are gone.

Choosing A Roofer

Pick someone with a long track record in your community. Some contractors travel the country looking for work. They appear after a community experiences a natural disaster or heavy storm. These contractors are making money from the insurance claims.

If you hire one of them, they may not be able to provide realistic guarantees for their work. Remember, they may be on the other side of the country if your roof starts to leak again.

Think Local

Becoming acquainted with local contractors is especially important if you live in an area prone to high winds or monsoons. It is good to know who to call if your house needs repair work.

Interview Potential Roofers

Once you have contact information for several roofing contractors, call them. Inquire about the company’s background and how long they have been in business. Generally, a good roofer should offer a guarantee between 5-12 years. If the company has been in business for less than five years, it will be difficult to determine the quality of their work.

Continue to ask questions about time frames and estimates. You should always get a written estimate before proceeding with any work. Communicating with the contractor will let him know that you will be taking a hands-on approach to this project.

You should also ask about the warranty and whether you can have it confirmed in writing.

Bottom Line

Every professional who works on your property should be licensed and bonded. Insurance is particularly important for roofing contractors. They should be able to cover any damages they might cause to your property. It is also essential that workers are covered under their insurance as well, in the event someone is injured during the job.

Before work commences, you must receive a written contract from the roofer. Read it over carefully. It will state the type of materials to be used, what the work will entail and the final cost. Following these tips will help you find the best roofing contractor in your community. You can rest comfortably knowing that you made the right decision.