Dealing with roof repairs after a storm? Need to replace your roof completely?
As a homeowner, you know all too well that replacing your roof is no small task. Far from a little DIY project, a roof replacement is an investment of time and money.
That commitment can actually cause some homeowners to delay the process completely. Unfortunately, that procrastination can lead to more costs, even risking the structural integrity of your home.
The best bet if you know you need a new roof? To do it soon, and to do it right.
A big part of this project will be finding the right roofing contractor. While the ideal way to find a good roofing contractor is to check their testimonials, their credentials, and their work, it’s also useful to think about what to look out for.
If you want to avoid a shoddy installation, then you need to avoid a bad roofing contractor. Here are four questions to ask yourself that will help you find the right contractor for your next roof replacement.
The first question to ask any potential roofing contractor: do they have the proper licenses and insurance to do the job?
This isn’t a day one question. This is a day zero, before-the-first-meeting question. Before they can agree to begin work, look to see that they have the certifications to work in your state and that their team and subcontractors will be covered on the job.
Testimonials and online reviews are a good starting point. Keep in mind that in some online spaces the company can show off their more favorable quotes, leaving the less-than-stellar reviews to the side. Look past the front page and go to the source, like their Google Business Profile, for a balanced view of their past work.
A reference is good, too. Though they’ll likely recommend someone they had a successful relationship with, this will give you an idea of what to expect of the working relationship.
Another time-honored way of how to avoid a bad roofing contractor: get a referral from someone you trust.
A website is an important checkpoint on your way to assessing a good contractor. Now, the mere existence of a good website doesn’t guarantee you’re getting a good contractor. Instead what it does is allow you to see how they present their work.
Dive in deep and you’ll see the scale and scope of projects they’ve taken on. If it seems like information is lacking, or if in later conversations they aren’t able to comment deeply, it’s clear they aren’t ready for your job.
A seasoned roofing crew will have the experience to handle all aspects of your roof, including siding, gutters, and repair. They’ll be able to foresee expensive problems from the get-go, saving you time and money. And yes, they may charge a bit more for their experience.
A company that has only been around for a few years may save you some money upfront, but it comes with its own long-term risks.
While we don’t believe a new company is necessarily a bad choice, most homeowners will find more success with companies that have more experience.
Even if a bad roofing contractor isn’t to blame, you may find that at some point you have to submit a supplement for a damaged roof. From a particularly nasty storm to an inaccurate initial claim, insurance supplements are a part of your business.
That’s why we have made helping contractors with these supplements our business, too. If you’re looking for help, we have helped many roofing contractors get paid fairly for their work. To find out more, get in touch with US Home Supplements today.