1. Check for License and Insurance
Contractors need a license to operate in most states. Some unlicensed contractors may still try to do jobs in the state, so verify that your contractor is licensed.
The company also needs insurance to cover liability. Request a copy of the insurance certificate to verify coverage. Contact the listed insurance company to verify that the policy is still active.
They also need workers’ compensation insurance to cover their employees. Roofing comes with potentially serious injuries, so workers’ compensation is crucial. You could be stuck in the middle of litigation if a worker gets hurt on your property and the company doesn’t have coverage.
2. Use a Local Business
In the contractor world, you’ll often find “storm chaser” companies that seek you out. They’re often not local and may swoop in after a big storm in the area.
But some companies will come through an area even when there hasn’t been a storm and knock on doors to drum up business.
Stick to a company that’s local to cut down on the risks of being scammed. Seek out companies instead of choosing someone that knocks on your door out of the blue.
Another advantage of a roofing contractor that works locally is familiarity with local and state building codes and regulations. You’re less likely to have issues with things done incorrectly.
The company will also likely have relationships with other contractors, and the employees and subcontractors will likely be local.
3. Evaluate Price Carefully
It’s instinct to go for a cheap option, but you don’t always want the cheapest contractor, especially if the quote is significantly lower than others.
A much cheaper contractor might not understand the full scope of the job or might use inferior products or methods. They may take shortcuts that leave your roof in poor condition.
Compare the prices to look for outliers, either on the high or low end of the price spectrum. When evaluating prices, ensure you’re comparing the same services to get an accurate comparison.
4. Do Research
Don’t just evaluate contractors based on the information they provide. They’ll make themselves sound good, but they could be hiding something.
Check out the contractor on the Better Business Bureau site to look for complaints. Scout out online reviews and ratings to look for repeated complaints about the contractor.
5. Get It in Writing
Before you let the roofers on your property to start working, get all of the details you discussed in writing. The written contract protects you if the roofing company fails to follow through with their promises.
Check the details of the contract before signing to ensure it matches what you discuss with the roofer.
Finding a Roofing Repair Contractor
Choosing a roofing repair contractor is an important decision to ensure the job gets done the right way. Look for key characteristics of a reliable roofer before you hire someone for the job.
Browse our blog archives for more helpful homeowner advice.
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