Choosing a professional, reputable, honest, and customer-focused roofing contractor is not only important: it is essential and a need in today’s roofing market. Here are seven ideas to keep in mind while you compare roofing contractors and eventually decide which one is worthy of your trust to help you make a wise choice:
- Consider Local roofing contractors
Have you considered the perks of getting a local roofing contractor for your roofing needs? First, they will be aware of the local regulations and codes, therefore, doing the right job according to area guidelines. Secondly, you will be able to get important feedback from other homeowners near you regarding the credibility of their work.
- Say no to high down payment demands
Feel the down payment rate given to you by your contractor is too high? Chances are it might be higher than the minimum rate required. Roofing contractors should get a 5-10% down payment rate from their clients. Anything higher than this should make you question their financial stability.
- Verify, verify, verify
It is important to research and find put the required certification, licenses, and warranties that roofing contractors should have to make them stay in business. A search for roofing contractors near me will show you the companies that are available and further give you options to check their eligibility. You shouldn’t assume that all contractors automatically have all the required documentation.
When it comes to insurance, double-check their certification to prevent you from accruing extra costs that will set you back a few dollars. Labor warranties are those exempted from the labor charge, while product warranties only work for the products.
- Don’t forget documentation
Contractors have to start with writing a proposal that includes everything your project will require from materials, payments, due dates, work schedule, insurance, and clean-up procedures. All these are documented to ensure that nothing is left out.
Ensure you review this proposal and ask for clarification in case there are hard terminologies that you might not be familiar with. Be on the lookout for add ons that often form part of the roofing structure such as chimneys or vents.
- If you never ask…
It is important to ask every question you might have regarding the roofing project. If you never ask, don’t be surprised if you later get mediocre workmanship. A good contractor will aim to sensitize you on the process and requirements of the roofing procedure and help you understand the various materials and warranties to make you get the process. With the right questions, you will be able to get knowledge on pertinent roofing procedures, making you understand what you are paying for. You can search for roofing companies near your area to get a feel of their work ethic.
- Who is doing the work?
Some roofing companies are notorious for being middlemen by allowing third parties to sub-contract your project. They take your project but instead contract other companies to work on the project, therefore giving you little to no say over the project. Searching roofing installers near you will give you an inkling of the type of contractors available and whether they are prone to use subcontractors or not. Also, ensure that you can prove their employment eligibility through U.S E-VERIFY PROGRAM and that they have gone through drug testing to prevent any undue accidents during work.
- Communication is king
A credible and professional contractor will understand how to communicate with their clients. Prompt and responsive communication goes a long way in helping the client understand what is happening with their project. If a contractor does not respond to inquiries or brushes any concern you might have a way, you might want to reconsider in choosing them to represent you.
In conclusion
It might not be a walk in the park when it comes to choosing a credible contractor. However, with the above pointers in mind, it should be easier to determine who is worthy of your time and who isn’t.
