Replacing or fixing your house’s roof is always a significant project that requires big decisions by the homeowner. Also, since it’s such a substantial and costly project, it goes without saying that it needs to be done right the very first time, or you risk losing precious amounts of time and a lot of money along the way.
After all, your home’s roofing system is an integral part of the entire building envelope, which is your house’s first line of defense versus outside elements. If the outside of your house is construed well and maintained properly, the inside will be well protected as well. For that reason, while working on your roofing system, it’s essential to use high-quality materials, and, most importantly, find a professional roofing contractor to install or repair your new roof.
So, how do you know what to look for in a roofing contractor? Each roofing project is a significant investment, so you need to ensure that you choose the right professional to tackle the task for you. In this brief article, we’ll highlight the things you should always keep in mind when searching for the appropriate roofing contractor for your home undertaking.
Your Roofing Contractor Must Be Licensed And Insured
First of all, your roofing contractor must be licensed and insured. These two pieces of paper are in place to protect you as the party paying for the job and ensure that the project is done right. And to ensure that the prospective roofer is licensed and insured, don’t be afraid to ask for proof. If they are, they’ll be more than happy and proud to show you that they own the appropriate paperwork.
Licensing
For roofing contractors to get a license, they need to register with your state’s board of licensing contractors. For instance, a job over $3,000 demands a home improvement license and anything above $25,000 requires a general contractor’s license. Since most roofing projects are significant investments, ensure that your prospective roofing contractor has a general contractor’s license.
Insurance
In addition, your prospective roofing contractor needs to be fully insured with general liability policy and have specialized insurance coverage for roofers to protect themselves and their clients. If the prospective contractor isn’t licensed and insured in your state, don’t even think about hiring them because if something goes wrong, you will have zero recourse.
Take A Look At Their Past Work
For the majority of companies that provide a service, reputation is king. So, to check their previous roofing projects, use the Internet to find unbiased, third-party reviews from other homeowners who’ve used the business’ services in the past. After all, over 80% of consumers state that they always conduct online research before purchasing.
So, before you spend your hard-earned money, it usually pays to do your homework and check the business that you’re interested in hiring. Also, feel free to ask the company if they have a list of homeowners you can contact, and check their website for more information regarding past jobs.
Talk About Permits
As a homeowner, it’s your sole responsibility to ensure that adequate permits are pulled for your roofing project. However, if a prospective roofing contractor recommends skipping permits to save some money, that should raise a red flag for you, and it might be wise to move on to the following contractor on your list.
Also, as a homeowner, make sure to talk to your local building authorities and ensure that your roofing project is good to go. A building permit is demanded in most regions in the U.S. for all reroofing except for repairs totaling less than 100 square feet, but it’s best to confirm with the building authority from your area.
Arrange A Face-To-Face Meeting
Finally, having narrowed down the field, invite the prospective roofing contractors to visit your house and scope out the job. When they visit, you’ll want to discuss the roofing materials and the extent of work that needs to be done. Also, don’t forget to ask about the staffing and time required for completion.
Moreover, observe the contractor as they should be knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and professional in demeanor. Make sure to ask a lot of questions before they leave, which they should gladly respond to, and explain everything that you want to know about the process that’s about to follow.
In Conclusion
Now that you know the essential tips to find an excellent roofing contractor in your area, remember that hiring the right one is crucial to every aspect of your project. In the end, only after you’ll go through a thorough selection process, you’ll be able to make the right decision on your roof investment.