Most homeowners have revealed that hiring the right roofing contractor for home improvement projects can be challenging. If you also agree on this, here we have covered some tips to help you hire the right roofer to handle your next roofing project.
What Services Does Roofing Contractors Provide?
Roofing contractors carry out any home improvement project related to residential and commercial roofs. These projects are usually expensive because of the risks and hazards involved. Thus, a homeowner needs a professional roofer or roofing company that can get the job done satisfactorily.
Below are some of the services roofing contractors provide:
Installations
A homeowner carrying out a home improvement project can decide to replace an old roof with a new one. A reputable roofer will help you install the new roof impeccably, without any cause for concern. It is also called roof replacement services.
Repair Needs
If your existing roof leaks, you need a roofing contractor to help you with the roof repairs. The service may include minor repairs like fixing leaks or complex ones like removing old shingles and replacing them with new asphalt shingles, holding any detached part with a quality roofing nail, and other round repair needs.
Maintenance
Roofing contractors also perform this service on your roofs. It may include inspections, debris removal (tree litters), mold treatment, etc.
Other Services
Some roofing contractors perform other services related to roofing, like gutter and window inspections. These are some of the home improvement services a roofing contractor can provide. A good roofing contractor ensures you spend less while providing high-quality service.
Roofing Companies Vs. Independent Roofing Contractors
Every homeowner should know that roofing must be a considerable investment, and judging by its cost, hiring professional contractors that can provide satisfactory services is essential. Thus, you should consider the pros and cons of working with roofing companies and independent contractors.
A roofing company would boast of more equipment and manpower for your job. Free project cost information and consultation are some of the other perks of working with a company. However, the company’s roofers may keep changing as the project proceeds, and you may not get a specialized roofer, i.e., one that majors in one particular type of roofing design.
Contractors give you the benefits of specialty, you get accustomed to who’s handling your project, and they sometimes give you advice on the best type of roofing materials suitable for your project. However, independent contractors may lack all the equipment and manpower required to deliver high-quality work.
Tips to Hire the Right Roofing Contractor for Your Roofing Jobs
Hiring professional roofing contractors that can deliver satisfactory results shouldn’t be much of a challenge if you use any of the tips highlighted below:
1. Do your research
This is the first essential step to take before hiring a roofing contractor. Ask trusted allies or neighbors for recommendations and look online for reviews. If you live in south Florida, you may contact Fine Design Builder Roofing Contractor for quality services. Also, you must acquaint yourself with the roofing contractor’s laws and requirements in your municipality. This will help you know the criteria to look out for in the potential contractors you want to hire. If you have a homeowners’ association, it could be the best place to get a recommendation.
2. Compare Prices
While homeowners must prioritize quality over cost, comparing prices isn’t a bad idea either. Keep in mind that you’re going for the best service at the most reduced price.
To achieve this, demand a written estimate or quotes from different potential contractors and compare their rates. Consider the types of materials included in each quote, the workmanship fee, and other essential costs to make the right decision.
Also, ensure you must have conducted appropriate research and background checks on these contractors before considering them for price comparison.
3. Check Licensing, Bonding, & Insurance
Before hiring a roofing contractor, ensure such a person carries the necessary documents and can provide proof to back it up. Licensing is vital to prove that a contractor has some background and certified skills to work professionally and can provide the services you need.
Bonding protects you if the roofing contractor fails to deliver on the contract’s agreement. The company in which such contractor is bonded to, will refund you in case the work done doesn’t meet the expectations.
For the insurance part, many risks can occur while on the job. A company with workers must have a workers’ compensation policy to protect employees that sustain injuries on the job site. Such a company must also have general liability insurance as protection against third-party property damage or injury.
A roofing contractor working independently must also have certain liability insurance policies, like Professional Liability and Equipment Insurance. The inability to provide proof for these requirements should be a red flag.
4. Warranty
Homeowners should also ensure that the roofing contractor will be available to answer any questions or concerns they may have during and after the project. This is vital because the warranty ensures you can still hold the contractor liable if any workmanship defect occurs after the project is complete.
There have been cases whereby homeowners had to rely on their homeowner’s policy to cover property damage that results from a defective roof due to the unavailability of the workman that provided a defective service initially.
5. Experience
A reliable contractor will have in-depth knowledge about his business. Question your contractor about the roofing materials, the best repair approach, the type of maintenance practices you should employ, etc.
If such a contractor tries to evade the questions or doesn’t sound convincing to you, there are high chances he’s just new to the roofing business and won’t be able to deliver a quality job. You can ask the potential contractor to provide at least three references from their previous jobs within the last few months.
Conclusion
Roofing projects are usually an expensive construction endeavor, and homeowners must apply effective hiring tips to get satisfactory job delivery. Putting your roof in the best shape is not a choice. Rather, it’s a necessity, and the failure to carry out the necessary repair, maintenance, or replacement services when needed can lead to greater property damage.
Ask us which type of insurance is best for your property and business. Consult an experienced insurance agent at ContractorsLiability.com. Moreover, we specialize in insurance for the construction industry. We will also give you a free quote in just 5-minutes.