We often reiterate in this blog the fact that your roof is one of the most important parts of your home. And you may very well be fully convinced that it’s worthwhile investing the money to have your roof properly repaired or maintained. Our purpose in this blog is not once again to stress the importance of caring for your roof. Rather, it is to help you find the right person or persons for the job. Unfortunately, not all roofers and roofing companies are created equal, which is why it is crucial, before you sign on the dotted line, that you ensure your contracted tradesperson or company will pay the right sort of attention to the details of safety, quality, professionalism, and value.
1. Get Referrals from Past Clients
One reasonably effective way for you to get a sense of whether or not a contractor or roofing company will produce the quality of work you are looking for is by checking out referrals from past clients. You can ask the contractor directly for such referrals. However, a quick Google search will often provide you with all of the information you are looking for. Does this contractor consistently receive good reviews online? What do the majority of people tend to say about them? If any “red flags” are raised in the reviews, that might be a sign that you need to look elsewhere for a roofing professional.
2. Ask the Right Questions about Their Roofing Projects
In addition to getting referrals from the contractor, it’s also a good idea to ask them the right sorts of questions.
- Find out whether the roofing contractor has insurance for all contractors and subcontractors that will be working on your house. And don’t just take their word for it; ask to see the certificate.
- Find out whether they are licensed to do the work. Typically, contractors who are properly licensed will take care to provide written contracts and estimates of the cost of the work.
All of these things should be in place to protect you and your investment from loss. Be sure to get everything in writing, including the estimated cost of the work and what if any warranties are offered on the work and materials.
3. Get a Feel for Unsatisfied Customers
As you read through customer referrals, you should start to get a sense of whether or not your prospective contractor is all they’re shaped up to be. Pay attention to indicators of shoddy workmanship and a lack of professionalism. Some warning signs might include complaints about improper materials being used (e.g. the wrong kind of nails) or inattention to detail (e.g. rotten roof boards not being replaced). Reviewers might also complain that the roofer did only part of the job, did not clean up the yard afterwards, or was difficult to contact after the job was completed.
4. Independent Contractors vs. Roofing Companies
There is nothing wrong with independent contractors who are licensed and insured to do the work. In fact, you may wish to eliminate the hassle of dealing with a larger company, especially if your roofing job is relatively small (e.g. a minor repair). An independent roofing contractor may well be the way to go.
However, a roofing company might be the better pick for larger jobs or if you are looking for a warranty on the work completed. Roofing companies often have faster turn-around times because they can often complete estimates more quickly than contractors (who might be working on other jobs before they get to yours) and can send in a larger crew to do the work.
5. Assess Their Service Offering
This one may not seem as obvious as the others. But it is important that you find out exactly what services your roofing contractor or company is able to provide. For example, if you hire a contractor to shingle your roof, will that person also remove the debris and construction waste from your property at the end of each day and following the installation? Will they repair rotten or damaged roof boards? What about flashings? Roof vents?
6. What Are Their Qualifications?
This does not include just licensing, although that’s an important element of what qualifies a roofer to do the job. Another key qualification has to do with the sort of experience the roofer has. How long have they been in business? What sorts of projects or roofing jobs do they tend to focus on (e.g. roof repairs rather than installations, etc.)? You might consider asking these sorts of questions at the same time that you are looking into the contractor’s customer referrals.
7. Ensure Safety Is Their Top Priority
The importance of safety cannot be stressed enough. Contractors who charge less for their work may not necessarily be the best suited for the job. While price is not always an indicator of quality, sometimes a lowball estimate is too good to be true. Is this contractor willing to jeopardize safety to make a quick buck? Are their subcontractors or employees properly trained? Do they use the proper scaffolding and other safety equipment? Do they show signs of professionalism? Improper behaviours such as drinking alcoholic beverages on the job or working without the proper safety equipment are more than just signs of a lack of professionalism; they are also hazards to be avoided.
8. Meet the Team of Roofing Professionals
For all of the reasons mentioned above, it is a good idea for you to get to know the team of roofing professionals that will be doing the work on your home, whether that be a minor repair or a full-scale roof replacement. Ask the right questions, seek the needed information, and get a feel for the sort of business you are hiring.
9. Discuss Their Warranty Options and Get Everything in Writing
There are two types of warranty that you should look out for. Many if not most contractors and companies promise to include a manufacturer warranty. That’s because, as its name suggests, said warranty comes directly from the manufacturer and applies only to the quality of the materials installed. Find out whether the contractor or company also offers a warranty on its workmanship. Manufacturers will not pay to repair or replace damaged materials that have been improperly installed. They also will not cover damages to your property resulting from accidents or mistakes. That’s up to the roofer. Thus, it’s crucial that you cover all of your bases and protect your investment in your roof against all work-related mishaps.
Trust the Professionals At Davidoff Roofing
If you’re looking for residential and commercial roofing professionals to assess your next roofing project, get in touch with the team at Davidoff Roofing today.