It’s about that time. Your roof needs some fixing. And suppose this is the first time you’re having any repair done on your roof.
Don’t worry. You can take steps to ensure you’re hiring the right person for the job. It’ll take some time, which is the most critical part. Patience is required. Otherwise, you risk hiring scammers or low-quality service—in other words, you’ll lose money, A LOT of money if you try to rush it.
So, here are four steps to take to find a roofing contractor you can trust.
1. Take a walk around your neighborhood. How do those roofs look?
Sure, you may look a little quirky looking up while walking. But what other way to know what you want than physically seeing it?
As you walk around the neighborhood, you’ll have the opportunity to notice a few factors:
● What material is most popular?
● What roofs look like they may need repairing too?
● Which roofs look sturdier than others?
While making your rounds, note which roofs you liked. Then, knock on your neighbor’s door. Be polite and honest. Let them know you’re looking for a roofer and that you really liked how theirs looks. For a few examples, you can ask them:
● What contractor did they use?
● Are they local, small businesses, or lone contractors?
● Has this contractor done previous work on their roof?
● If not, are they happy with the roof?
● Would they hire the company again?
It may feel uncomfortable at first, and some people may not be as friendly as others. But give it a shot. Chances are people would be happy to brag about how they did a good job choosing a roofer. OR, it could take a complete 180, and they’ll go on about never calling that roofer again.
Whatever the response, you’ll have intel on which contractor to consider.
So, go take a walk. And don’t be shy. Just be a friendly neighbor asking for some help.
2. Find out what the directories online are saying.
Don’t stop just at the BBB. Check the online directories too. Google reviews, Yelp reviews, and Angie’s List reviews are all possible directories to use to find a roofer in your area. It’s a great option to read the customers’ opinions of the company and its work.
Keep in mind as you read the reviews, don’t rush to the 5-star or 1-star options. Instead, look at all of them. Sometimes the 2, 3, and 4-star reviews give you great insight into their experience with the company, their workers, and the quality of their new roof.
3. Channel your inner CIA and verify your potential roofers.
Remember choosing a roofer is a process. So avoid falling for the bait if you see any ads on finding a roofer quickly. Trusting contractors know this is a significant investment for their customers and will respect the time needed to decide.
So, start calling the roofing contractors on your list of 5-10 in your area. Be sure to check off each item on the checklist as you vet them:
● Do they have proof of license?
● Do they have proof of insurance and workers comp?
● Is there a guarantee on the roof?
● How long does the roof’s warranty last?
● What does the roof’s warranty cover?
● Can they provide an estimate before signing the contract?
● Do they have references or previous work you can review?
These are the first questions you’ll ask. Once you have your answers, you can start crossing off the selections that don’t meet your requirements.
4. Call the remaining roofers with a round two of questions and narrow down your results.
After crossing off companies that don’t meet your requirements, you’ll hit them with one more list of questions that are also crucial for your decision-making.
Ask if they get the necessary permits if needed.
You’ll know what kind of permit is required for the roof if you ask about it. This is extremely important, especially if you live in an HOA community that may have strict regulations on what materials are used.
Because laws around construction vary from state to state and even counties, the roofing companies are the ones that need to be prepared to get any permits required—not you. This makes sure time nor money is wasted on nonpermitted work/materials.
Ask what materials they use.
For something you’ll be investing deeply in, your roof’s quality is of the utmost importance. In other words, ensure your roof isn’t leaking during heavy rainfall moments after its repair. Some factors that can determine what materials are used are:
● the shape of your roof
● weather endurance
● long-term maintenance
● weight
● energy consumption
● pricing
● authenticity in its architecture (this is common if your home and/or neighborhood has a traditional aesthetic).
The contractor will then review the options available based on those variables (possibly more) for you.
Ask if they have employees or if they hire subcontractors.
Sure, subcontractors can help a company save money, but it has flaws.
The likelihood of having a more significant quality roof and service is greater when hiring a company with its own employees.
Roofing companies with their own employees have their own set of benefits. To name a few, they can have
● A set schedule for greater consistency.
● Proper training and licensing for its employees.
● Legal protection for the workers in case of accidents, so it doesn’t fall on you.
The last thing you want is one team working on your roof on Monday and a brand new crew picking it back up on Tuesday.
Ask how they take care of waste: both construction and human.
Yes, it’s necessary to ask.
Any construction site will produce some waste that requires legal and proper discarding per the city’s and/or state’s ordinance.
Jargon aside, you are not responsible for throwing away nails, wood, shingles, and any other waste that may be produced from your roof’s repair. Not only is it unsafe for you, but these materials must be appropriately thrown away—something the company is responsible for.
And speaking of responsibility, the company also needs to take care of its employees. Ask if the workers are provided a source of sanitary and available toilets for relief.
Some states and counties make this a requirement on the company’s behalf—other places, not so much. So, either or, it’s good to know whether or not your bathroom will need to be available for the roofers.
This is your ultimate guide to choosing a roofer.
You know how to start searching for a roofer, where to look, and the questions to ask—even the nitty-gritty ones. And even though it’s a long process, hiring a trustworthy roofer who’ll deliver the results you’re looking for will be worth the effort.
Then, when someone knocks on your door asking who did your roof, all that time and energy you spent vetting for the right company will have earned its bragging rights. So don’t rush it!
Excel Home Improvement in Romulus delivers at every level of your search. With a strong reputation for reliability, excellent craftsmanship, and the use of premium materials, we have established ourselves as a trusted name in the industry. Our comprehensive range of services extends from roof installation and repair to gutter and siding installation as well as repairs. We take pride in being the top choice for exterior home improvement solutions, offering dependable results that homeowners can rely on. Contact us today and experience why countless homeowners in the area prefer our services.