Everyone wants to try to save money, especially on home improvement projects. Getting a new roof is no exception. Rarely does someone come to your home and notice your beautiful roof. It’s a bit like getting fillings and crowns on your teeth. You spend a lot of money, but the results are more functional than flashy. The same is true with a new roof.
A roof serves to protect your home from weather damage and other outside elements.
Some of the new roofing materials may cause visitors to take notice, but the majority of roofing materials are more functional than decorative.
When your cousin or your friend says he can install a roof cheaper, does paying more for a professional roofing contractor matter? Here are some thoughts to consider.
#1 Professional Roofing Contractors Have Experience and Training
Most states require that a roofer be licensed.1 In Michigan, for example, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs is responsible for licensing roofers. To verify if your roofing contractor holds a valid license in Michigan click on this link 2.
An experienced contractor will know if they need to apply for permits from the local Building Department and will be aware of all of the rules and regulations that are required for installing or repairing a roof to conform to the local and state building codes.
#2 Quality Materials and Workmanship
A professional roofer will be knowledgeable on the brand and type of roofing material that is best for your home. Many professional roofers become certified on the type of roofing material they install. GAF, for example, has an entire area dedicated to training, including the GAF Roofing Academy for those learning the trade to certification for those in the trade.
These certifications come with training supplied by the manufacturer of the product. While a professional roofer may not install the cheapest roofing materials available on the market they will know the best roofing materials for appearance, longevity and ease of installation.
#3 Insurance and Safety
Roofing is a dangerous profession and is actually rated as the fifth most dangerous job in America according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor.3 This is in part attributed to workers not adhering to OSHA roofing guidelines and regulations. That is why any professional roofing contractor that you hire should be able to show you proof that they are licensed and insured.
Business liability insurance covers property damage and bodily injuries caused by others such as if the homeowner should get hit by debris falling off the roof. All roofing contractors should also have workers compensation insurance which would cover employee medical expenses, disability benefits and lost wages if an employee is injured on a job site. If the employer doesn’t have workers compensation insurance, an injured employee may go after the homeowner for costs associated with their injury.
Another type of insurance that professional roofers often have is professional liability insurance coverage (also called general liability coverage)5. If the roofer makes a mistake while installing a new roof or repairing your existing roof their professional liability insurance will cover the cost to remediate the mistake.
#4 Peace of Mind
A professional roofer will provide you with a cost estimate, set a project start date and will finish on time. It is never pleasant to have workers in and around your home, so getting the job done efficiently and quickly becomes important to a homeowner’s peace of mind.
Because they are experienced, roofing professionals also guarantee their work and provide roofing materials that carry manufacturers’ warranties. Before hiring a roofing professional, you can also check their references and reviews from previous clients. This can give you peace of mind that the contractor you are hiring is reputable.
Roofing Installation and Home Improvement
Having a new roof installed or an existing roof fixed can be costly. With so much of your hard-earned money on the line it is really safer to get it done by an experienced roofing professional like Excel Home Improvement in Romulus.
Our home improvement services are preferred throughout the area due to our quality work, materials, and efficiency. We have been replacing roofs, installing new siding and gutters as well as repairing soffits and trim for years. Reach out and let us know what the exterior of your home needs so we can get started on making your home ready for another Michigan winter!
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1 Which State Require Contractors to Have a Roofing License? by Katy Willis, 12/15/2021
Link: https://www.angi.com/articles/states-require-roofing-license.htm
2 Michigan LARA License Look-Up
Link: https://aca-prod.accela.com/LARA/GeneralProperty/PropertyLookUp.aspx?isLicensee=Y&TabName=APO
3 19+ Fascinating Roofing Accident Statistics You Need to Know by Jeff Wilson, 5/25/2023
Link: https://www.journeymanhq.com/9636/roofing-accidents-statistics
4 Roofing Insurance: Cost and Types Contractors Need by Jason Metz, 10/11/2022
Link: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business-insurance/roofing-insurance/
5 Why You Should Ask Your Roofer for a Certificate of Insurance, 1/20/2018
Link: https://blog.ecbm.com/roofer-construction-certificate-of-insurance#