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3 Things to Consider When You Hire a Roofer

Have you researching roofing repairs or roof replacement services lately? In one respect, things haven’t changed all that much. Getting a quality repair or replacement still hinges on finding a skilled, trained, experienced professional to handle the job the right way. But on the other hand, a lot of things have changed when it comes to roofing. There are new materials, new methods – and depending on where you live, there is stronger competition. More contractors have popped up, and a lot of those “unofficial” roofing specialists are available too. The internet has made it a lot easier to find information, but it’s also much easier to be misled!

Roofing is one of those areas of home ownership that just can’t be overlooked. Cutting corners here could result in very serious and very expensive problems over the long run – even to the point of affecting your property value in a negative way. We’ve all heard of someone who neglected their roof and had a small problem turn into a very big one. This happens more often than most people realize – and the most important method of prevention is to have regular roof inspections, and to rely on a qualified roofing professional to handle any repairs that do need to be carried out.

But how to you make sure that you’re working with that kind of professional? As you set out to find a reliable roofer in your community, where do you start? Here are three important things to consider when you hire a roofer.

  1. How long have they been around?

Experience is key when it comes to success in the roofing business. The most experienced contractors are almost always the best, so it’s important to get clear sense of how many years this particular contractor has been installing and repairing roofs.

  1. What are other customers saying about them?

One of the best ways to tell if a company is delivering good results is by reading the first-hand account of previous customers. This gives you an overall sense of how the company does business, and gives insight into any specific service or technical issues experienced by the customer.

  1. Do they offer competitive rates?

It’s always important to look for a roofer whose rates are competitive. Keep in mind, however, that roofing is a specialized skill that requires years of training. If you come across a contractor who offers ridiculously low rates, there are probably corners being cut, and you’ll pay for it in the long run.

Getting to the core of the problem

One of the distinguishing characteristics of a great roofing contractor is their commitment to quality inspections, accurate information, and getting to the core of the problem when a repair does become necessary. Too many roofing contractors perform the minimal amount of work required to “cover up” a problem, without giving much thought to the big picture. That’s why putting in the effort to find the best roofers in your community is worthwhile – they won’t cut corners, and they’ll always keep your interests at heart when they inspect and repair your roof.