Great Tips For Finding A Reliable Roofing Service In Your Area

A roof replacement is one of the most important and expensive home repairs you can undertake. It costs between $7,000 and $50,000 depending on the materials you choose. 

If you choose the wrong contractor, it can cost you even more. You could end up with a half-finished job or an ugly, leaking outcome and extra costs for roof rehabilitation.

Bearing these high costs in mind, it’s important to consider your options carefully before you hand over your hard-earned cash. The good news is many people had a good idea of contacting the roofing specialists at National Home Improvement so you should too.

Here’s how to sift the good from the bad when it comes to reliable roofing companies in your area. 

Ask About Local Businesses

While there are many reputable national roofing companies, you’ll get a far more personalized experience when you deal with an owner-run local roofing business.

These people have everything to lose when it comes to their reputation and standing in the community. They’re also familiar with your needs when it comes to local weather conditions as well as municipal bylaws.

Ask your friends, family, and neighbors if they’ve worked with any great roofers recently and if they’re willing to recommend them to you. That way, you can also see the quality of their work and get first-hand information about what it’s like to work with them. 

Read Reviews on Reliable Roofing Contractors

If you don’t have any luck with the above, you can also find recommendations online. A reliable roofing contractor will want to get more business, especially from those in their local area. 
 
As a business owner for a roofing company, finding out how to get listed at SLC Top 10 can provide you with great exposure as a reliable local business, if you are based in Utah. Receiving positive reviews and ratings on this website will influence your credibility and trustworthiness as a company and customers will be able to make an informed decision when looking to hire professionals in the industry. Being listed on a website like this can become a useful tool for a variety of businesses and their desire to expand and grow.
 
The same can be searched online in other areas, or even by visiting the company website directly and seeing if there are any reviews or testimonials posted.

You can browse review sites for contractors in your area, or look them up on the Better Business Bureau website. This organization offers customer reviews, as well as ratings, for many registered contractors across the US.

Most reputable and reliable roofing contractor websites will also feature customer reviews.

Check Their Credentials

Working with a licensed business in any industry is the best way to avoid getting ripped off or subjected to unscrupulous operators. Every state has its own requirements when it comes to contractor licenses, so make sure you know what applies in your case. 

Contractors must also have insurance to cover damage to your property and workers’ compensation cover for anyone working on your roof. If they aren’t, you could end up liable for anything that goes wrong on your property.

If you work with an unlicensed contractor, your insurer can refuse to pay you for any damages to your roof, even if it’s related to a weather incident.

Working with a bonded company ensures you’re covered if they don’t complete the job, or perform substandard work. 

Another important aspect involves the physical location of the business. Look for a brick-and-mortar address on their website and a business contact number. 

While a man in a van might work out just fine for small handyman jobs, it’s not a good idea for major home repairs. 

Talk to Them

Once you’ve compiled a list of contractors that look above board, get in touch with them. It’s best to arrange for them to meet you at your home to look at your roof before you ask for an estimate.

Don’t work with contractors who offer an estimate over the phone. Some roofers offer a free roof inspection to gauge whether you need a roof repair or replacement before providing an estimate, so put those businesses at the top of your list.

This phase of your research can reveal important things about a company’s communication style and customer service levels.

It also gives you a chance to figure out if you want to work with them or not.

Ask plenty of questions during your meeting. Some of the most important things to query include:

Who Will Do The Work?

Ideally, you want to work with specialized roofers that have their own fully trained and qualified teams of workers. That way you’re assured of their commitment to the company you’re working with, and you have recourse in the event of a problem. 

Find out how they manage each project. Will a manager remain on-site to supervise proceedings, or do the employees do their own thing?

Does the Contractor Conduct Safety Training?

Likewise, when the contractor uses their own employees, they must comply with strict OHSA regulations. These ensure that they keep their workers trained and capable of performing their jobs safely.

What Materials Do They Use?

Does the contractor explain what type of roofing’s best for your home and why? Ask about the quality of the materials chosen and whether they fit your budget. 

Compare the recommendations offered by each contractor.

Do They Have the Tools for the Job?

Choose the right contractor for the job. A general handyman might not have the right skill set or equipment to manage a roof replacement.

A contractor who specializes in residential roofing might not have all the heavy machinery needed to complete a commercial project. 

Compare Quotes

Ask your selection of local roofers to provide you with a detailed estimate of the cost for your roof repair or replacement. 

Don’t jump at the cheapest offer.

Sometimes a higher price comes with attractive extras that add value to the project. For instance, better quality materials may cost more, but they’ll last longer too. 

More expensive estimates might also include after-sales service, like ongoing maintenance. 

Longer warranties are also worth paying more for, and experienced contractors are worth the added cost.

Experience means the contractor has seen and done more. So, they can more easily anticipate and prevent problems or take unexpected hiccups in their stride.  

Buyer Beware

Whether you’re looking for a reliable roofing contractor or a new pair of shoes, researching your options first ensures you get the best value for your money. 

Are you not quite ready for your next roof replacement? Browse my blog for more useful tips and insights on home improvements to increase the value and comfort of your home.