How to Find a Roofer That Provides Quality Services

Most homeowners aren’t experts on roofing repairs or replacements, making it challenging to find the right contractor. Such an essential and costly home project requires someone you can trust, but how do you find them?

Don’t go unthinkingly throwing a dart at a list of contractor names. There are easy steps you can take to find a roofer that’s right for you.

Let’s look at how you can find a roofer that provides quality and trusted service.

Get Referrals

Do you know any family, friends, or neighbors who recently had roofing work done? Getting a referral from a trusted source is a great way to find a quality roofer.

Make a list of everyone you know who has had work done in the last few years. Contact them and ask how they liked the service they received.

Are they happy with the work? How were problems dealt with? Would they hire that contractor again?

If you don’t know anyone who can give you a referral, ask a local lumber yard or hardware store for the name of a good contractor.

Do Your Research

The process of finding a quality roofer should always involve doing your homework. Once you have a shortlist of contractor names, it’s time to start investigating each one.

Verify their business contact information. If they have a website, go online and read their information and testimonials. Also, look for reports on non-biased sites such as Angie’s List to read customer reviews.

Finally, always check their file with the Better Business Bureau. Look for any complaints or pending cases. If a contractor doesn’t have a good BBB score or a file at all, consider that a red flag.

Choose A Roofer That’s Licensed and Insured

When working with a quality roofing contractor, it’s essential to ensure they’re licensed and insured. That way, you’re protected if something happens on the job site.

Roofers should have both worker’s compensation and liability insurance. Ask to see proof of insurance. A roofing contractor should be able to show you the paperwork easily.

Licensing regulations differ for each state, so check to see what your area’s laws are. Most states require contractors to have a license to work, so be wary of those who don’t have one. Ask to see a certificate and verify it online with the state.

Ask the Right Questions

Asking the right questions can help you learn a lot about a roofer, not only from what they answer but also from how they communicate with you.

Ask how long they’ve been in business and what their training is. Find out who will be doing the work and how experienced each worker is. Also, ask about their warranty and work guarantee.

While they answer your questions, notice their body language. Contractors who avoid eye contact or try to dodge the question might be trying to hide something. A trusted contractor will have no problem answering questions and will go out of their way to ensure you feel comfortable.

Meet with More Than One Contractor

Hiring the first roofing contractor you encounter might work, or it might backfire. Always talk to at least three different roofers before deciding which one to go with.

That way, you can compare experience, price, past work, and choice of materials. It’s also great to choose the contractor whose personality aligns with yours and with whom you feel most comfortable.

When you talk to each one, please take note of their communication style. Do they listen and address your concerns? Do they give you more than one way to contact them if needed?

While price is always a factor, don’t jump at the cheapest bid. Compare all factors of each contractor to find the right fit for you.

Talk to past customers.

A great resource for finding out what quality of work to expect from past customers. They’re the ones who have “been there, done that” and have firsthand experience that could be helpful to you.

Ask a potential roofer if they have past customers you could talk to. If they provide quality service, it’s likely not a problem for them to give you several names.

Ask these customers how they liked working with that contractor. Find out what they think of the quality of work and how their roof has performed since work finished. If possible, you can look at pictures of the roof.

It’s not necessarily a deal-breaker if the contractor won’t give you the names of past customers. Yet, it should be enough to give you pause and dig deeper into your research.

Get Everything in Writing

Before any work begins, always get everything in writing. A detailed, signed contract will protect you in case an issue arises later.

The contract should cover all safety procedures and liability. It should also include details like payment amounts, the work schedule, clean-up methods, and roofing materials. A signed contract gives you and the roofer a legally binding document regarding the agreed-upon work.

Read through the contract carefully. If something is left out, get an addendum before you sign.

Avoid Storm Chasers

If a severe storm blows through, taking your roof with it, that roofing contractor who magically shows up on your doorstep isn’t a miracle. It could likely be a scammer trying to take you from your money.

If you get a knock on the door like this, don’t sign a letter of intent. This is an important situation, so do your homework. Vet this contractor like anyone else, and don’t let them pressure you into anything.

Find a Trusted Roofer to Put a New Roof over Your Head

Don’t gamble the roof over your family’s head to just anybody. By knowing how to find the right roofer, you will have peace of mind knowing you hired the right contractor.

Looking for other ways to spruce up your home? Check out the articles on our Renovation blog!