Before embarking on a major roofing job, homeowners might ask “how to pick a good roofer?”
Although finding a good roofer might appear perplexing and difficult, it need not be that way. All you have to do is to follow the tips provided. Chances are, you may have the right man for the job.
Check for Insurance
Insurance is an absolute must since there is always a risk of accidents or other unfortunate incidents that might prove to be very expensive. Whenever you vet a contractor, make sure that they have both liability insurance and workers compensation insurance. You should take a look at the certificates and just to be certain you should call up the insurance company.
Select Local Contractors
You must go for local contractors. This will provide you with a few advantages and much needed peace of mind. If the local contractor that you are considering has been operating in the area for a few years, then chances are that you are looking at an established business capable of providing quality service. The contractor that you are vetting should be a recognized name in the community that homeowners can rely upon for a roofing job well done.
Some naive homeowners make the mistake of thinking that the standard 5-year warranty is all that they need. Unfortunately, that is not enough as they soon discover to their dismay. Sometimes, when homeowners call for warranty coverage, they find that the contractor has moved on. This problem will never transpire with a local contractor. Not only should the business be established locally, the contractor should also be a local himself, having his family and friends living in your locality.
Be Careful About Cost
Cost is not everything. Never be tempted to hire a contractor just because they are offering a low bid. Unusually low bids may be grounds for suspicion. Are they offering a low price because they are inexperienced or simply inept? While this may not be necessarily true, you should certainly be on your guard if you find a low price and investigate.
Do remember that you get what you pay for. A contractor may be able to offer cheaper service by operating out of a pickup truck or similar tactics. They may not have insurance. You might end up with a greater headache having to cover the cost of a badly done roofing job with your own money. More often than not, cheapness entails much frustration and ironically, extra costs.
Say No to Storm Chasers
Avoid those roofers who go around knocking on people’s doors claiming that they are from your neighborhood. Instead of going for such roofers, you should select those that have good referrals.
Take Notes on Everything
You should talk to your roofer in advance and ask about the costs in detail. A good and honest roofer will be glad to discuss details and will never hide anything. Discuss the terms and conditions and write them down. We have worked in your area for many years and have several satisfied clients who can attest to our workmanship and expertise. For any kind of roofing job, you can trust us to put our workmanship and expertise at your service.
