1. What Kind of Work Can You?
This may sound obvious, but it’s important to ensure that the roofing contractor you choose is an expert in roofing. A new roof is not the type of job that you want to award to your professional or general contractor. General knowledge about exterior home improvements is not enough to ensure that a roofing installation company has in-depth knowledge to perform a top-quality job of setting a new roof on your house.
Think of it this way: Your family doctor likely has excellent general knowledge of the cardiovascular system; however, you wouldn’t see your general practitioner for a heart attack. For that, you would see a cardiologist — somebody with extensive expertise in issues linked only to the center. Why should your roof be any different?
2. Where Would I Locate Reviews?
A reliable roofing contractor will be delighted to guide you to places where it is possible to find actual testimonials from actual clients. Experienced, knowledgeable contractors work hard to build their standing and meet homeowners they want you to find out what other homeowners think about their work.
Since roofing is something many people buy only once (and perhaps twice) throughout a lifetime, they do not always understand where to turn for fair, reliable reviews and advice. A lot of individuals begin by asking a friend, neighbor or relative for roofing contractors to contact. This may be a terrific way to discover a reputable roofing firm — especially if the person you speak to has lately had their particular roof replaced.
However, the internet is also a fantastic resource for obtaining a large number of testimonials from homeowners who have utilized a particular roofing contractor in your area. In fact, studies show that approximately 81 percent of people research online before purchasing a service or product. You most likely check out what other consumers have to mention online prior to getting a new TV or seeing a restaurant for your very first time. Now, it is possible to also search on the internet for testimonials on roofing companies.
Past clients’ experiences are a few of the best indications of how your roofing installation will go. If you cannot find the information you need online, ask your roofing contractor if it’s possible to call previous customers directly. Many are happy to provide the names and contact information of homeowners who have offered to talk with prospective customers to discuss their expertise with the roofing contractor.
3. What Factors Determine Your Cost?
Roof replacement cost is a significant factor for pretty much every single homeowner. You want a high-quality task, but you want to understand you are getting a phenomenal value. As with anything, however, the cheapest price is not necessarily the best value. As an example, you might pay a tiny bit less going with the lowest bidder, however, a poor installation or poor substances may mean replacing your roof a couple of years down the road not to mention dealing with almost any interior damage due to water or mildew.
When it comes to getting estimates, it’s also a great idea to lose the”conventional wisdom” that states you should always get three estimates. In reality, you need to get as many quotes as it can take to feel confident that you’re receiving the best roof installment to your most reasonable price. Be skeptical of bids that look excessively low or too high.
Also, ask exactly what the roofing firm’s price includes. Can the roofing contractor manage the tear-off of this old roof? Will the crew pick up and clean all debris, such as roofing nails, from your property when the setup is complete? What kinds of materials will be used for your dwelling? Also ask how the roofing contractor handles unforeseen damage and repairs, for example, moisture decay or damage they uncover once the tear-off or installation is underway. Is this included in the price, or will you be accountable for coming up with extra funds to pay the price of fixing hidden damage? These are important questions which may make a significant influence on your project’s budget. Do not sign a contract till you’ve got obvious answers.
4. How Long Have You Been in Business?
Everybody got to start somewhere, but do you really want your roofing to be the guinea pig for a new roofing contractor? Ask your roof contractor how long they’ve been in business, as well as how long the professionals managing your installation have worked within the business. It’s an unfortunate reality that some contractors start their doors, perform jobs, and then cease operating after a couple of years — possibly due to suits or because they do not have sufficient business to sustain themselves. Homeowners who work with these types of contractors have no recourse in case their roof flows or they afterward discovered that the installation was defective.
At Present Appearance Home Design, we have been in operation for over 20 years, and we have a well-established history of delivering the highest quality roofing installations in the industry. Our expertise is simply one of the reasons we’re an Owens Corning™ Platinum Preferred Contractor.
5. Are You Licensed?
It goes without saying that your roofing contractor should be licensed and insured. Consult your roofing contractor to offer verification of all licensing requirements, and also to demonstrate evidence that its employees are insured, including covered by workers’ compensation insurance. The last thing you will need to worry about is private liability associated with an injury that takes place in your property. Regrettably, some roofing contractors provide a lower cost because they perform jobs without the proper licensing and insurance protection. Far from passing savings to the homeowner, this just shifts the price of liability to the customer. A reputable roofing contractor is going to have all insurance and licensing requirements in place before they set foot on your property.
If your area needs a license for roof installation, the roofing business should also look after this measure for you. The roofing business will know which entity to get and what kinds of licenses to pull to ensure you’re compliant with local and state laws.
6. Are You Licensed?
Much like any substantial home improvement project, you always need to read through the contract thoroughly. Furthermore, the contract shouldn’t be filled with vague or complicated language. It must clearly explain the price, dates of operation, warranty info, and contingencies for any problems that might come up.
In case you have any queries whatsoever about your contract, then your roof firm should also have a dedicated representative on hand to describe terms and provisions, and to give clarity in the proceedings that you’re unhappy with a portion of the contract.
In many cases, you can tell a reputable roofing contractor from a disreputable person by how they handle the arrangement preparation and implementation procedure. Do they answer the phone if you call? Are they responsive to your queries? Can they make you feel like a bother, nor do they treat you like a valued customer and equal partner in your home’s roof installation? If you receive red flags in this stage of the process, do you really want that builder installing a new roof on your home? Focus on the roof contractor’s business practices, as it is usually a great indicator of how they will run themselves to the duration of the occupation.
7. Who’s Doing the Work?
The roofing contractor you hire must be the one that shows up to perform the job. Ensure that your roofing provider isn’t passing your work off to a subcontractor. Also, identify your purpose of contact to the job. At Nu Look, we create a project coordinator that works one-on-one with homeowners from beginning to end to answer all questions and supply guidance during the duration of this project. We also deliver a construction management agent, referred to as a job foreman, to every roof set up to be the main point of contact between the homeowner and the setup crew.
8. What Kind of Warranties Can I Get?
Ask your roofing contractor concerning the guarantees involved with your project. Warranties generally cover labor in addition to materials and workmanship, and you might receive a separate guarantee directly from the maker of the shingles and other substances that go into your new roof. This is why it’s essential to work with a roofing firm that does a high-quality setup, as flaws in installation can void a materials warranty provided by the manufacturer. Your roofing contractor should provide you with written copies of all warranties that apply in your own roof.
9. What Kind of Materials Will You Use?
Understandably, you might not be familiar with the many alternatives in regard to roofing materials. Nevertheless, your roof contractor needs to have a deep knowledge of the options available and what types of shingles and other materials are best suited to your house, place, and needs.
It’s also advisable to search for manufacturer designations. Is your roofing contractor a favorite supplier for the significant suppliers of shingles and roofing materials in the industry? Roofing materials producers just work with roofing companies which are known for delivering the highest quality roofing setups. Not only are the tasks we do a cover by our guarantee, but they’re also backed by the Owens Corning™ maker’s guarantee for as long as you own your house.
10. What Happens If I am unashamed?
Should you work with an experienced roofing contractor, chances are your new roof installation may go off without a hitch. However, not every task turns out perfectly the very first time. How does the roofing contractor handle it if the homeowner is unhappy with some aspect of the job? At Present Appearance Home Design, it is always our plan to ensure it is every occupation, every moment. This is why our customers pay nothing, not a down payment on materials until the task is complete and they’re completely happy with their roof.
