Perhaps you've recently experienced storm damage to your home and need repairs completed to your roof. Or maybe it's time to replace your old roof with a brand new one that is capable of serving you well for years to come. No matter the scale of the job of the extent of the work needed, you'll need to a contractor who's qualified to handle the job and who has a strong reputation for doing quality work.
In order to ensure you get the best contractor, you'll need to do some background work and preplanning. Here are a few steps to make sure you make the right choice.
Taking Bids
You should ask for a couple of different contractors to bid on the roofing job. This lets you get the best and most competitive price and will also help you find the most reputable contractor as well. Bids should include detailed information on the material and labor costs, the time-frame for completing the work, and any other pertinent information.
Asking for bids also gives you a realistic estimate of the costs you'll be facing and allows you to place for expenses. Many homeowners insurance companies also require you to have at least two to three estimates for work before payment for damages can be processed, so if you're dealing with storm damage or other repair work, you'll need the bids in order to satisfy insurance requirements.
Checking Reputations and Licenses
For each contractor you're considering, you'll need to investigate their reputation, licensing and insurance information. A professional roofer will be licensed and bonded. They will carry workers compensation insurance and liability insurance. They will readily offer to share their license number with you and to provide you with the details of their insurance carriers and policy numbers so you can verify coverage.
You will also want to check on their reputation to make sure that no complaints have been filed on their previous work with the Better Business Bureau or any online consumer sites. Many contractors have a few clients who can speak formally about the quality of their work as well, allowing you to find out what previous clients have to say about them.
Guarantees
An experiences and reputable roofing contractor should be able to offer you a guarantee on work complete as well as a warranty on the materials used. They should also be able to provide you with a realistic schedule for completing the work.
Listen to Your Instincts
Don't hire the first roofing contractor that you find. Do your research and spend a little time checking on the credentials and reputation of several contractors. Shop around a little and make sure you get the best price available. Not only may you save some money in the long run but you'll also get a better sense of the character of the contractor and the quality of work he is able to provide. If any red flags jump out at you during your investigation, listen to your instincts and look elsewhere for a roofing contractor.
Posted by: TrustedProsSuggested Reading For You
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