How to Choose the Right Roofing Contractor
Roofing needs aren’t elective remodeling choices. Usually, when you replace your roof, it’s an essential job. It needs to be done – because the roof over your head isn’t just an expression. Your roof protects your entire home or business and your family: your investments.
However, the big bill that comes with replacing a roof is not something everyone looks forward to. It’s also a large project. Just think about it. It covers the entire square foot area of your house!
We never suggest that anyone should try to repair or replace a roof themselves. Most people don’t even want to try. As a result, for most home and business owners, a professional roofing company is a must.
But how should you go about choosing? Is there an insider tip for choosing the right roofing contractor?
Tips on Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor
There are several tips that should lead you in the right direction.
Choose a Local Contractor
To avoid a storm chaser scam, choosing a local roofing company is a must. A local company will know the homes in the area, how and when they were built, and what the weather is like in your area from year to year.
Get a Referral
To go along with choosing a local roofing contractor, getting a referral is the absolute gold standard for finding a good contractor. You can go about this one of two ways.
- Ask your neighbors and friends to find out if they have a company they can recommend. People tend to remember the negative experiences they have better than the positive, so if you find a company someone recommends, it’s worth looking into.
- You can do some online research, interview a few companies, and then ask for local referrals. Make sure you follow up and call the referrals to hear what they have to say about the company. A testimony makes for a clear picture of what it will be like to work with this company.
Do Your Research
It pays to be the kind of person who researches their purchases when it comes to contractors. There are several ways to look into a company.
First, you can verify basic information by calling. Ask specifically about which, and how much insurance coverage the company has and make sure they are licensed.
Then, contact the Better Business Bureau to find out more information about each company from an outside source. Other outside review sites, such as Angie’s List, could help confirm your findings.
Obtain Multiple Estimates
There’s no reason why you shouldn’t set up more than one estimate meeting for the work on your house. Of course, it would be counter-productive to schedule 10, but probably helpful to compare notes between two or three.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. You want an accurate picture of the time and manpower needed to accomplish the job. In addition, you want to know what kind of materials will be used.
It helps to go into it with a bit of knowledge of your own as well. Any contract you make resulting from this meeting should be detailed and in writing. Reputable contractors will know and expect this.
You may also like to read 8 Questions to Ask a Roofing Contractor.
Takeaway
A good roofing contractor should be local, have referrals, and a presence online to show they are well-known and liked in the area. They should be able to meet face to face for a detailed conversation about the job and to put it in writing beforehand.
If you live in Southeast Michigan, please give us a call. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
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