How to Choose the Right Roofer for Your Roofing Project?
Whether your roofing project is about roof replacement or installing a new roof, it is the most important structure shielding you and your belongings from the elements. Besides, your roof contributes in a big way to your home’s overall value. So, it is extremely important to choose the right roofer for your project.
The roofing market is highly saturated. While finding a roofer may seem quite easy, ensuring you are dealing with the right contractor is an entirely different thing. It is recommended to follow these tips for choosing the perfect roofer for your roofing project.
1. Check for Licensing & Insurance
Look for roofers who are fully licensed and insured. While some provinces do not require roofers to have licenses, it is in your best interest to choose a licensed professional. You should also ensure that the roofing contractor carries adequate insurance coverage. This should include general liability and worker’s compensation cover.
When you work with a licensed and insured contractor, it helps protect your interests. These credentials also mean that the service provider is accountable and professional.
2. Choose Local Roofing Contractors
Always look for roofing contractors who are local to your area. Make sure you create a shortlist of roofers who have a local physical address and phone number.
There are many reasons for this, including:
- Local roofers know and follow the local codes
- They can help ensure all proper documentation is completed
- A local roofing company will be easier to find if you ever have an issue with your roofing
- Local roofing contractors also tend to be more affordable
While this does not mean that out-of-state roofers are bad, a reputable local company is more likely to know and meet the local requirements. Besides, if you are not satisfied with their work, you will know where to find them.
3. Compare Estimates
Once you have shortlisted the most relevant roofing companies, get a quote from them. Compare their pricing while ensuring that the different expenses are broken down into line items. This includes details of the prices of roofing components, labor costs, cleaning-up costs, and such. Any item that affects the new roof’s cost must be mentioned as a line item.
When you compare the line items on the estimates, make sure they list the same components. It is recommended to disqualify estimates with the following attributes:
- Hiding or not including fine print
- Estimate only contains the price
- Lack of any warranty information
- Presence of hidden fees
Make sure the roofer is willing to review every detail to help you fully understand the service you will be getting.
4. Ensure Onsite Supervision
Before you hire the services of a roofing contractor, make sure they will assign a designated supervisor to your project. This helps eliminate any chances of communication gaps, misunderstandings, and mistakes.
When you have a company representative assigned to your project, you can have greater assurance that the job will get done right. Besides, you will have a direct point of contact.
5. Get References to Check Previous Work
Once you have compared the estimates and narrowed down the list, get references. These should be references from projects they have completed in the past 6 months. This allows you to see the quality of work the roofer provides. You can also gain helpful insights from homeowners about their customer experience. Ideally, the right roofing contractors will not have any issues giving references.
Besides taking these steps, it is recommended to ask the roofer about their safety standards. Whether it is roof installation or repair, it requires working at unsafe heights. When you work with a contractor that prioritizes safety, there is a lesser risk of anyone getting hurt on your property.
