What’s the Difference Between a Roofing Contractor and a Roofing Company?
A professional roofer can choose to work independently or join a certified roofing company. Choosing either of these options could have its benefits and downsides but you can always find the best roofers in both positions. To start with, independent roofers are usually less expensive and do all the work by themselves with the expert skills they have. However, it can be difficult for a homeowner or a business to determine the licensing and certifications of an independent roofing contractor. Furthermore, a project may take much longer when one person is doing all the work.
On the other side, a professional roofing company may have a larger portfolio and more references, thus making it easier to determine their licensing and certifications. The only downside is that the overall cost may vary slightly with an independent contractor based on the labor, skillset, timeframe, and equipment used to complete the roofing project.
Steps to Hiring the Right Roofer in Hawthorne New Jersey
- Get a Referral
Ask your friends and neighbors about a reliable roofing contractor around the area. To make it easier on your side, make a list of names of anyone around you who has had roof repairs or replacements done within the past few years. Find out how happy they were with the overall outcome and whether they would work with the contracting company again. Personal contacts tend to give honest feedback and a true picture of what it is to work with a particular roofing company.
- Do Your Research
If you do not have anyone to contact or cannot find accurate feedback on testimonials from referrals, then you can do an online search on the best roofing company in Hawthorne New Jersey. In both cases, try to find at least three qualified roofers and investigate each of them exhaustively. Start by verifying the contact information of the business, their licensing, and insurance. You need to watch out for any red flags and honest reviews of what customers did not like. Also, do not forget to check reports on reliable contractor review sites.
- Meet Physically With Your Contractor
The next step will be to invite prospective contractors to visit your home and determine the scope of the project. It is crucial to discuss with them the extent of work to be done including the roofing materials, time, and required labor for completion. Some of the qualities to look for when discussing the project with your contractor are their enthusiasm, expertise of the project, and professional demeanor. You also need to participate in the decision-making process by asking many questions and getting a list of references before they leave.
- Sign the Contract
It is not advisable to start your roofing project if not everything is on paper. A contract should cover every aspect of the project and should cover the liability, safety procedures, and workers’ compensation. It is also important to specify the schedule, payment amounts, and clean-up methods on paper. A lien waiver can help protect against claims that may arise afterward should a roofer fail to pay the vendor for materials delivered.
It is important to keep in mind that the cheapest bid is not always the best bet when choosing a qualified roofer. While it is important to consider the issued estimates, your level of confidence in the ability of a roofer to perform an outstanding job should also come into play. If you have found a roofing company in Hawthorne New Jersey that isn’t the cheapest on the list, you need to ask yourself about the peace of mind you expect to get if they take on the project. For most homeowners, it is always worth it in the end especially when everything exceeds their expectations.