Tips for Choosing a Roofing Contractor – The opinions expressed by the author in this and all guest blogs are not necessarily those of Gainesville Restoration and Remodeling.
Tips for Choosing a Roofing Contractor
The roof is one of the most important components of your home. For most homeowners, replacing the roof is a huge (and costly) decision. That said, it makes perfect sense that you look for the best roofing contractor to work with.
Just like contractor insurance, replacing the roof is a massive investment, so you must make sure you pick the right contractor for the job. When choosing a roofing contractor, keep the following important tips in mind:
Exceptional Standards
If you spend $10,000 or more on your roof, a roofing contractor with “decent” or “average” standards won’t cut it. With such a huge investment, you need to pick a roofing company with exceptional standards.
The ideal roofing contractor focuses on craftsmanship, employee training, and durable materials. Your chosen roofer should also be transparent throughout the whole process. Do some research to determine if a roofer has high standards before starting any work.
Great Partnerships
Superb roofing contractors often give back to their community through partnerships with reputable businesses or other community organizations. Often, you won’t have to ask about these partnerships as they are most likely a part of their PR and marketing efforts. Great partnerships are also a sign they offer superb service and quality products.
Dependable On-Site Project Management
The ideal roofing contractor has a reliable project manager on site that helps ensure work is going smoothly. The project manager also functions as a quality control mechanism and will provide answers to any questions you may have about the project.
Before signing on the dotted line, ask your prospects if they have an on-site project manager to ensure everything is done accordingly and within the agreed timeline. An on-site manager can save you from headaches and hassles down the road.
Excellent Warranties
The right roofing contractor will provide manufacturer warranties covering the roofing products used. They also need to provide labor warranties to protect you against the improper installation of roofing products.
Warranties can give you peace of mind since they will ensure that if anything goes wrong, you are covered. You should opt for a roofer that provides installation and product warranties for maximum protection.
High-Quality Materials
Even if your chosen roofing contractor has the best installation team, it means nothing if they use cheap and substandard roofing materials. Tropical storms, heavy rains, high humidity, and hurricanes can put your roof to the ultimate test so it’s crucial that your roofer use only top-of-the-line materials.
Before picking a roofing contractor, it would be best to find out first about the roofing materials they use. Are the materials fire and algae-resistant? Will they offer protection against high wind and UV rays? When it comes to the roofing materials used, there is no such thing as asking too many questions.
Remarkable Online Reputation
When assessing a prospective roofing contractor’s online reputation, you must remember that not all review sites (and reviews) have been created equal. Case in point: sites like Yelp! give lower ratings compared to other sites because they target those who need a platform where they can share negative experiences.
If someone has a complaint about a business, it does not always follow that the contractor offers mediocre services. Remember that it is also possible that there was a mistake or misunderstanding; in some cases, the problem is not always with the contractor. However, it’s another story if you notice negative patterns in the reviews.
Negative patterns like not communicating clearly, using cheap materials, using high-pressure sales tactics, and lying should not be taken lightly and should be enough to scare you away. Check BBB, Top Rated Local, Google, and other neutral review sites to see what previous clients have to say about your prospects and take it from there.
Right Insurance and Licenses
Insurance and licenses will protect both contractors and homeowners in various situations and it’s the two things that stand between the parties when something goes wrong during the process. That said, it is recommended that you pick a contractor with insurance and licenses.
If a roofing contractor you are considering does not have insurance or a license, don’t hesitate to find another one. Also, if they claim they have insurance and licenses but won’t show you any proof, it would be best to walk away. Ensure you opt for licensed and insured contractors when working on a costly project like your roofing.
Goes Above and Beyond
When choosing a roofing contractor, pick someone passionate about their trade and willing to go the extra mile to deliver superb service. You would also benefit from picking someone who takes their job seriously and is dedicated to going above and beyond to satisfy customers.
Final Thoughts
Lastly, trust your gut. If you find an energetic contractor with a helpful vibe and extensive experience, they might be the perfect contractor for you. Also, take your time when choosing a roofing contractor. Don’t jump into the first ones you talk to or those that offer the cheapest rate. Choosing the right contractor will save you time and money so make sure you choose wisely.