Roofing Guide
How to Choose a Roofing Contractor
At Ambia, we know roofing projects can be tricky, which is why they shouldn’t be entrusted to just anyone. Whether you’re looking to get your roof repaired or replaced, take the time to find a good roofer.
While it’s easy to create a shortlist of companies operating in your area, what’s important is to dig deeper. It’s very easy to appear credible and professional online, especially with the aid of a good copywriter and web designer. Be careful. If you don’t do your research properly then you may just end up with an amateur and his truck.
Your home is one of your biggest investments, which is why it shouldn’t be entrusted to just anyone. Once you’ve prepared a shortlist of contractors, find out if they’re as good as advertised by conducting brief phone interviews.
Five factors to keep in mind
Take note of how long the company has been in business. What’s important is to learn whether they’ve been operating under the same name or combining their experience from multiple, previous companies.
Before you hire a contractor, learn whether or not they’ve had any experience working in your area. A good contractor understands just how much climate plays a part in your roof’s stability and also knows that it makes every roofing project unique.
Ask about permits. Some projects may require different permits for different stages of roofing work, and your contractor should be able to explain what applies.
Ask to see a certificate of insurance before signing anything. Any legitimate, insured contractor should be willing to present documentation and have their insurance agent send a personal copy upon request.
Where licensing is required, ask to see a copy of the contractor’s license and verify it with the proper state or local office.
Speak with your top choices
Take the five factors into consideration and jot them down, along with the names and phone numbers of the top companies on your list. Once you’re ready, call and speak with each company to discuss their processes.
Take note of how open they are and how easily they answer your questions. Finally, take the time to ask them for any references who can speak about their work. Scribble this information down and do the same for the next few companies on your list.
By the time that you’re through, you should have a much better idea of how each company does business and how they’ll approach your project.
Check references
Even though it sounds boring, don’t skip this step. Even though a roof contractor may sound professional over the phone, it never hurts to make sure of their credentials. Speaking to a roofer’s references will also give you a better idea of how they go about their work and whether or not they can stick to a schedule.
If, at any time during your phone calls, you feel that something’s off, make a note of it and check back again later.
Ask for a project proposal
Once you’ve made your decision, contact your chosen contractor and ask them for a roof assessment and a detailed project proposal. Make sure that you study the details and that they also provide you with a price quote for the repair or replacement.
Keep in mind that every company has its own way of doing things, which is why you should also take the time to understand their procedures.
