Your household requires a quality roof to ensure safety and comfort for your home. An excellent roof protects your biggest investment, can enhance the value of your house, and makes your home look beautiful.
The perfect roof can make or break your home. However, a fresh roof can be among the most expensive home projects you will have done. That is why finding the perfect roofing company is paramount.
Hiring the right roofing company means assembling your project will be completed in time, within your budget, and with quality products. Your roofing company should also consult with you on the right materials for your look and climate. No two roofing projects should be the same, and your roofing company should supply a listening ear to the needs you have and concerns.
But with so many roofers out there, how do you find the perfect company for you? The first step to find your perfect roofing company is research.
STEP 1: DO YOUR RESEARCH
While it might be hard to set aside some time for you to sit back and research your roofing options, this important first step will save you time and money in the long run. Have an idea of what you want before you make your first call. Does your roof desire a repair or do you desire a complete replacement?
EDUCATE YOURSELF
For example, if a few shingles are missing, roofers should offer you a reasonable estimate. In case a roofer gives you an outrageous estimate for minor damage, or conversely gives a little estimate for a major replacement project, warning bells should start to ring.
Educating yourself on each aspect of your roof will also cause you to a much more educated consumer and less likely to be deceived down the road. Completing some initial research by yourself helps plan any overzealous company which could try to inflate the sort of service you need.
There are many free online articles from Bobvila.com or Angie’s List that help you create you the best decision based on the condition of your roof.
Keep in mind these resources provide a foundation for your quest. The next phase is to start out finding reputable roofing companies in your area. Doing a search online for roofing companies allows you to check out their company website, read real reviews, and much more. You can also check if they have manufacturer designations which are considered a sign of quality. Contractors must meet strict requirements to acquire these kinds of certifications.
CALL UP FRIENDS AND FAMILY
Opening up the phone book or doing a straightforward online search for roofers can yield an overwhelming amount of results. While you’re searching, require referrals from your buddies, family, neighbors, and coworkers.
Asking your inner circle is a superb way to narrow down options and get an honest view about roofers. For instance, if you remember seeing a neighbor having roof work completed recently, ask them if these folks were they happy with the job and would they work with the same company again.
If no-one in your personal circle has had roof work done recently, you can also get in touch with the local hardware shop for suggestions.
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KEEP IT LOCAL
Always remember to keep your roofing company search local. This implies the corporation has a local office, but is an established business. Some roofing companies keep a satellite office using locations, but are not rooted in the neighborhood. It is too easy for small satellite offices to go or completely disappear following a botched job.
Your local Better Business Bureau or Chamber of Commerce should be able to provide the company’s history and client satisfaction.
Contacting these organizations is particularly helpful if you are approached by “storm chasers” who roll into town immediately after a severe storm. Door to door roof salesmen are one of the primary roofing scams on the market. These companies prey on families that have just suffered serious damage. While there are dependable companies who canvass neighborhoods, your best bet is to contact you home insurance broker before signing any paperwork.
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STEP 2: COMPARE YOUR AVAILABLE OPTIONS
After compiling your notes from your family, friends, and other research, you should have a short set of your top choices. You should reach out to at least three roofing contractors to ask questions and receive bids.
SCHEDULE A FACE-TO-FACE
You should call your top contractors to make a scheduled appointment to visit your house and give you a project scope. Your potential roofers should consult with you what kind of work needs to be done, materials, and a rough estimate of how long the project will need to complete.
Now is the perfect time to see how your contractor treats you. Do they appear enthusiastic and prepared to listen? Or do they seem to be rushed and impatient. Although you may well not be considered a professional roofer, don’t ignore you best judgment when it comes to locating the perfect roofing company. Ensure this is an organization you feel has your best interest in mind.
QUESTIONS TO ASK
Don’t be afraid to ask several questions. Your roof is one of the most crucial areas of your home. Some questions you would like to get solid answers on include:
Do you have a stable headquarters? Some roofing companies don’t have a central location or conduct business out of a personal residence. While this should not necessarily rule out an otherwise good option, be aware it can be much easier to contact an enterprise if indeed they have one stable location.
Is your company insured and licensed? This question may seem such as a no-brainer, but it is important to ask in case of accidents. Ask for copies of their insurance documents.
How long have you been in business in the area? A roofing company that blew up overnight might not exactly be considered a wise choice. Generally, it is better to choose a contractor that has been in business for a while. Keep in mind that some roofing companies can exaggerate their many years of experience so don’t be afraid to ask for proof.
How do you handle complaints? That is an important question to see how they handle upset customers.
How much of your work is completed by actual employees in comparison to subcontractors? Make sure your work is done by trained professionals rather than causal help minus the right experience.
What are my material options? Your potential roofer should offer you different options depending on your area’s climate and the style of your home. Your roof is one of the first areas of your home’s appearance people notice so make sure your roof blends both design and function.
What is a reasonable price estimate? Though your potential roofer might not exactly be able have the ability to give you an exact amount right away, he or she should be able to give you a ballpark. Also ask about financing programs.
What time of the day will do you normally work on roofs? Even the most conscientious roofer must make some noise. You must think about your schedule and also think about your neighbors when discussing a work schedule.
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DON’T LET PRICES BE THE ONLY FACTOR
Once you have met with your top roofing choices, it is time to select your roofing company and begin assembling your project. While total price is an important factor, don’t let it be the only deciding factor. Like many things in life, you get what you pay for. A roof is not a part of your home that you want to take the cheapest route, especially since a superior quality roof last for years. Selecting the cheapest bid can cost you more in the long run.
Your previous research and talking with different roofers should give you a rough estimate on your cost. Extremely cheap bids affect your complete local market and undercut reputable roofers that have to cover costs such as ongoing training and proper insurance.
Low bids often come from people with side business or just operate out with their truck.
If your bids are all relatively close, going with the lowest bid might acceptable. Pay close focus on what each company offers and make sure there aren’t any added costs or fees.
Sure it will be cheaper in the short term to employ the lowest bidder, but is it worth your peace of mind later on?
Once you’ve found the right company with the right price, it is time to sign your contract and get started assembling your project. But before starting building your shed, make sure every detail is in writing.
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STEP 3: GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING
Getting everything in writing helps to eliminate vague languages and steer clear of miscommunication. No work should start with out a detailed written contractor. Every aspect of the work should be covered like the agreed after price, scope, deadlines, and materials used. Other important areas that needs to be included are safety procedures, liability, and clean-up process.
Your roofing contract exists to protect your contractor and your home. Unfortunately, there are homeowners who do not read the whole contents of the contract. No matter how busy you are, always take the time to read every type of the contract.
A detailed contract will most likely contain heavy legal jargon. In case a certain part of the contract does not make sense, ask for clarification. As a client, you can also rewrite aspects of the contract to raised meet your needs.
With an ironclad contract, it’s the roofer’s word against yours. Spare yourself from possible headaches and litigation with every aspect of the project in writing.
This includes all applicable warranties and insurance paperwork. Some contractors do not provide warranties including workmanship. So you may well be left with a roof with the right materials but poor installation. Be sure you roof warrantee includes materials and labor. Keep in mind some warranties only cover your roof if the same company comes out to correct your roof. For example, if you hire an alternative contract to mend harm to your roof, the warranty might become invalid.
DON’T FORGET TO GET YOUR PAPERWORK READY
Your signed contract and roofing company’s insurance and guarantee are not the one paperwork you will need. Your local area might require a building permit before any roofing work is done. Again, this is not a requirement for each city, but it will always be a good idea to check with your local permit office.
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BONUS TIP: STAY INFORMED DURING THE PROJECT
Even if you’re working with the best roofing company, assembling your project may incorporate some unexpected issues. It is important to stay in contact with your roofer so you’re both on the same page.
Another way to stay informed during your project is refer back to your contract for specific details such as payment.
Your contract should outline when payment is due. If your roofing company requires one-third or one-half of the payment upfront, don’t be too alarmed. As long as you sign a binding contract, you ought to be protected. Also many roofers are willing to negotiate on the precise downpayment. Your contract should outline a precise payment schedule.
Never make the final payment before job is complete. Unfortunately, some contractors try to finish almost all of the position but leave the finishing touches uncompleted. Don’t make the final payment if you do not are completely satisfied with the job and clean-up.
Whether you need simple roof repair or an completely new roof, locating the perfect roofing company is not hard when you follow these basic steps:
1) Do your research
2) Compare your options
3) Get everything in writing
As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to complete homework and keep communication open in the roofing process.
