- Referrals
Getting referrals from your neighbors, friends, or family is often the best way to start your search for the right roofing contractor. The good thing about this is that you can physically visit their home to check the quality of the completed job.
- Choose Local Roofing Contractors
It is okay to hire roofers from out of state but choosing the local companies has certain benefits. First, local roofers are familiar with the weather patterns in your area, which makes them more knowledgeable about dealing with the challenges it poses. In addition, they are readily available and can always attend to your roof in the shortest time possible in case of an emergency, and are more likely to honor their warranty.
- Skills and Experience
Seasoned roofing contractors tend to do better than those who are just getting started. No homeowner wants someone to experiment on their roof for the first time when they have invested so much in the project. Even if there are small errors along the way, you want a contractor who will identify the problems quickly and repair them as soon as possible. Experienced roofers also have access to suppliers who offer reasonable rates.
- Portfolio of Previous Work
Sometimes you just need a little extra motivation beyond the contractor experience and certifications. Ask your contractor for a portfolio of the roofing jobs they have done recently and in the past. Not only does it give you a chance to see their workmanship but also gauges whether they can do a better job on your roofing project. Look at the contractor’s website as well as reviews from their previous clients.
- Access to a Variety of Choices
A good contractor should give you a wide range of choices to choose from when it comes to various types of roofing material, shingles, and color assortment. If a contractor provides you with limited choices that do not meet your expectations then you should not stick with what they offer. Choose one that offers various options because the choice of roofing material affects the style of your home and its resale value.
- Review Bids from Different Contractors
Before you settle on a roofing expert of your choice, it is important to review bids from at least three different roofing contractors. This helps you get an idea of how much your repair or roof replacement should cost. You also get to learn about who offers the best deal and what unique service they provide that others do not. Choose a contractor who is more than happy to answer your questions and stays patient while you review their contracts and warranties.
- License and Insurance
Every roofing contractor needs to be insured, licensed, and bonded. Since a roof is a very huge investment, your roofer needs to have a general contractor’s license. A bond ensures that the customer can fall back on the bond company when the roofing contractors go out of business before the job is done or there is a problem that they will not fix.
- Trust your Intuition
You should not feel at any point that your potential roofing contractor is pressuring you to choose them or sign any papers before you agree to anything. Always stay away from companies that ask for a full cash deposit before they start the job. After visiting and comparing the contracts from different roofing companies, something unique will always make you choose a particular roofer and drop the others.
Always consider pursuing other options if you do not feel right about the company or the contractor. Do not be afraid to walk away from a deal that does not seem realistic or has some red flags to it. Remember, you are investing a lot of money in this project and you deserve to be aware of everything from the beginning.