Hiring the Right Roofing Contractor

Spring and summer seem to be the most popular seasons when people start making modifications to their homes. If you’re in the market for a new roof due to its age or because a recent weather event damaged it, you’ll want to make sure that the person you hire will get the job done correctly.

Roofing contractors will not only be more experienced but they will be licensed in the state you live as well as be insured and bonded.

What steps should you take before considering hiring a good contractor to work on your roof?

Get Recommendations

The search for a contractor should begin with getting recommendations – either from a family member or friend who has used one before or by doing your search online. By asking people you know, you can weed out the good from the bad by their positive or negative experiences. By searching online, you can read reviews to see how a contractor’s work has been rated. Another option is to visit your local lumberyard or talk to a building inspector to get their recommendations.

Also, don’t forget to check to see if a contractor is listed positively or negatively on the Better Business Bureau.

Conduct Phone Interviews

Once you have compiled a list of potential contractors for the work you need done to your roof, start calling contractors to check their references, and availability and ask if they can handle a project of your size. You should also check to see how many other projects they have going on during the timeframe you would need them for.

Meet Face-to-Face

Meeting face-to-face should be the next step in the process before picking your roofing contractor. The contractor should see the work they may be accepting and be able to offer you examples of their work.

Get Bids

After interviewing and meeting with potential contractors, you should get bids for the job and compare and contrast the prices. Keep in mind, the cheapest bid might not be the best route because that contractor might not be using the best materials so it’s best to ask all contractors where they would be getting their materials.

Put Everything in Writing

The last step before hiring a contractor is to get everything in writing. The contractor you ultimately choose should draw up a contract which should include detailing the work that will be done, the amount of the project, the expected start and completion dates, the materials and products that will be used, and proof of being insured and bonded in your state.

Remember, if you are making repairs to your roof because of storm damage, be sure to contact us and make a property claim first. Your adjuster will help you through the claims process and let you know what is and isn’t covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy.