Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor
Whether you’re replacing or repairing your roof, choosing the right roofing contractor to get the job done the right way from the beginning is important. But how do you go about selecting the best roofing contractor for the job? Here are some essential tips to help you pick the ideal roofing contractor for your home improvement project:
Top Roofing Companies
Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor: Evaluate the Contractor
When you use an experienced roofing contractor, you can leverage their expertise to be able to quickly identify problems that the novice roofing contractor may overlook, and you get what you pay for, too. That means if you’re choosing a roofing contractor based on a discount alone, you may be getting an inexperienced roofing contractor. Thus, it’s important to assess the contractor’s experience. When you use a contractor with years of experience in the roofing industry, you can avoid project pitfalls.
Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor: Verify Insurance and Check Reviews
Insurance coverage is vital in the event that someone gets hurt on the job or property becomes damaged. That’s why it’s important to verify that you’re working with a licensed professional roofing contractor who is insured. A reputable roofing contractor will provide you with proof of insurance and will hold the proper permits and licenses to get your roofing project done the right way. Avoid working with contractors who are not licensed or cannot present proof of insurance for their workers.
Roughly 81 percent of shoppers conduct online research prior to making a purchase, and it’s a good idea to do your research before settling with any one contractor. To find a contractor that fits your needs, it’s vital to research their past work with other clients so you can have an idea of the experience and expertise of their work. Consider reviews from trusted sources, such as Grade.Us. Also, consider speaking with the contractor’s past customers and getting references.
Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor: Check Out Installations Done and Get Agreements Signed
Some roofing contractors outsource projects to third-party contractors. While this is usually done to enhance productivity, it can cause an issue if you have no way of verifying that these contractors are insured, licensed, or even covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. To avoid any of these issues, find out who will actually perform the installation.
Understand every financial agreement you’re making with the roofing contractor, and get it in writing. Also, ensure that you understand the payment terms before signing the agreement. A reputable contractor will have an employee help you understand the terms of the agreement before you sign it.
Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor: Don’t Focus On Price
The price of the project isn’t the only consideration you need to make. You should also consider what other roofing contractors have to offer. Shop around and get three or more estimates. Gather all the information you need before finalizing your decision.
Top Tips
Knowing how your contractor treats work that a client doesn’t find satisfactory is important in deciding whether or not you want to work with them. Find out what actions you can take if you find an error in the job. Also, consider contractors that provide guarantees.
If your contractor finds water damage near the roof or rotten decks that are moisture-damaged, additional repairs may be required to prevent the moisture from damaging your property. Thus, it’s important to know how unplanned repairs are treated. Ensure that you ask about unplanned repairs and confirm what additional expenses may be involved so you know what to expect.
When roofing contractors install new shingles over your old roof, problems can occur. That’s because installing new shingles over old rooftops only adds extra weight to an already-aging roof. Moreover, this type of installation forgoes solving underlying issues, including any damage that’s hidden underneath the old shingles. Thus, it’s vital to confirm that your old roof will be torn off and replaced to avoid problems in the future.
It’s important to consider contractors who are authorized installers or preferred partners of the shingle manufacturer to ensure honored warranties. For your own peace of mind, make sure the roofing contractor you use is backed by the manufacturer’s warranty by confirming that they are an authorized installer.
Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor: Final Thoughts
Follow these 18 tips for choosing the right roofing contractor:
- Locally owned and operated
- Carries at least one million dollars in general liability insurance
- Has workers compensation insurance
- Accredited with the BBB, Better Business Bureau and has at least an A rating
- Be certified with at least one shingle manufacturer
- Be a member of the NRCA, Nation Roofing Contractors Association
- Uses the latest technology in the roofing process
- Been in business at least two years
- Accept multiple forms of payment
- Has local reviews and referrals
- Has a written posted workmanship warranty of at least two years
- Has a current state license
- Does not cover deductibles
- Competent to handle your insurance claim
- Has roofing credentials
- Does not pressure you
- Uses a CRM, Customer Relationship Management system with a client portal
Deciding on a roofing contractor is important if you want to get your roof repaired or replaced the right way from the start. Consider a reputable roofing contractor with the expertise and experience you need for a successful shingle installation and roof repair. At Kreunen Construction , we aim to provide satisfaction with every project as part of our guarantee. That’s why we don’t take any money from you unless you are satisfied with our work. As an Owens Corning™ Preferred roofing Contractor with more than 35 years of experience in the construction and roofing industry in the Tennessee region, we also have expertise that’s backed by the Owens Corning™ lifetime guarantee and our warranty to repair and replace your roof for peace-of-mind. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with your roofing project and to receive a free estimate.
