Everyone has heard the mantra, “get three estimates,” but there’s really no way to determine which contractor is the best unless you actually compare each one. First, establish their legitimacy by checking for a license.
Next, make sure each candidate comes to your house for a roof inspection. This will help you understand what needs to be done, and get a more accurate quote.
- Check Their License
We don’t know where this three estimates rule came from, but it’s important to make sure you get at least a few quotes before hiring a contractor for a replacement roof. Make sure to ask for each roofing company’s full name and physical address, as well as their license information. You can then run this information through the Better Business Bureau, social media sites, and other online databases to identify any potential red flags.
Checking a roofing contractor’s license is also important because it ensures they are insured and have adequate coverage in case something goes wrong during the job. Make sure they have worker’s compensation and liability insurance at a minimum. They should also be bonded, which means that they have money available in case something happens to your home during the project.
- Check Their Insurance
It is important to know that your roofing contractor is insured and bonded. This will help protect you during the course of your roof repair project if something were to happen and also ensure that any damages incurred to your home are covered by their insurance, not by your homeowner’s policy.
Insurance can also protect you from shady contractors that engage in insurance fraud by excluding items from your insurance claim that are required by code or are necessary for the proper completion of your roof repair project. This can result in additional costs beyond your deductible amount.
Additionally, a reputable contractor should have workers’ compensation and general liability insurance. Ask for proof of this before hiring a replacement roofer. Also, make sure they have a physical address as opposed to a P.O. box.
- Check Their Reviews
Many contractors will go out of their way to hide negative online reviews, but for the most part you should be able to quickly determine who is worth hiring from a quick search of complaints. This will help eliminate contractors who are not reputable and should be avoided at all costs.
You should also look for a contractor who will take the time to discuss your roof replacement options with you and answer any questions that you have. A good roofing contractor will work with you to keep within your budget and will use quality products that will last longer, saving you money in the long run. They will also provide clear communication throughout the entire project. Avoid any contractor who knocks on your door or calls you uninvited to perform repairs or a roof inspection.
- Check Their Portfolio
As a property owner, there are many maintenance tasks to keep your home or business in tip-top shape. Some of these tasks involve managing a garden, others might include cleaning windows and painting doors. But perhaps one of the most important is servicing your roof.
This is why it’s essential to ask any potential roofing contractor for a portfolio of their work. This will help you get an idea of the quality of their work, as well as their overall approach to roofing.
After establishing their legitimacy, ask each of your candidates for a roof inspection and a quote. You can compare their quotes to see which contractor offers the best value. It’s also important to check how long they have been in business.
- Check Their Experience
Roofing projects are big investments for homeowners and it’s important to ensure that you are dealing with a competent contractor. This is why you should always ask for references and a written estimate. A good roofing contractor will be happy to provide these, as they want to paint a clear picture of the work that needs to be done.
You can also check their experience by looking at their website. You can find out if they have been around for a long time and whether or not they have worked on local homes before. You can even ask them for local referrals. Then, you can make a more informed decision. You can also ask for a free inspection to check the condition of your roof.
