If you’re planning to have your roof replaced or repaired, it is essential that you hire a professional roofing contractor. Choosing the right one will ensure that the work is done correctly and that you won’t have any further roofing problems in the future.
It is best to ask for referrals from friends and family members who have recently had a roofer do a repair or replacement on their homes. This will give you a better idea of how reliable a company is.
1. Reputation
One of the most important things to look for when selecting a roofing contractor is their reputation. A reputable company will have a strong track record of good work, so you can trust that they will do a great job for you.
When it comes to a roofing contractor, the best way to check their reputation is by using online reviews. You can find these on sites like Google, Facebook and Yelp. These websites are often the first ones that people see when searching for a particular company’s name.
These reviews also help improve a business’s Local Map-Pack ranking on Google. In addition, positive reviews on these sites can boost the credibility of a roofing contractor.
Aside from these review platforms, it’s also a good idea to ask your customers for reviews. Using an automated review system that emails you after you complete a job can be a great way to get more reviews and keep your customer base happy.
Reputation is a form of trust, and it is something that takes time to build. Over time, a business with good reputation will have more repeat customers and more referrals.
To determine whether a company is trustworthy, be sure to check their licenses and insurance information. Typically, a roofing contractor will have their information listed on their website and should provide proof of insurance and licensing when they meet with you for an estimate.
2. Experience
Roofing is a highly skilled profession, and you need to be sure you’re working with the right company for the job. This means you need to make sure they have a solid history of successfully completing projects like yours and that they’re not new to the business.
It’s also important to check their credentials, particularly in the areas of licensing and insurance coverage. You can also find out if they’re members of local associations such as those that deal with roofing contractors.
Experienced roofers are well-versed in the latest products and techniques for installing a quality roof. This includes things such as ensuring that the materials they use are of high quality and are able to stand up to the elements.
A great way to gauge a contractor’s experience is by checking their website. You can look for testimonials from previous clients and ask them about their experience working with them.
If you’re not comfortable asking for references, you can try contacting the Better Business Bureau or other review sites and see what other homeowners say about the company. You may be pleasantly surprised by the number of people who are more than happy to provide you with their feedback.
You should also take note of the amount of time it takes for a roofing company to complete a project. This will give you a good idea of how efficient they are and how fast they can get the job done.
3. Insurance
The best roofing contractors carry a range of insurance policies to protect their business. They may have a general liability policy, workers’ compensation, and commercial auto insurance.
Workers’ comp: This insurance covers medical costs and disability payments if an employee is injured on the job. It’s required by law in many states and can help cover the cost of lost wages if the worker is out of work for an extended period of time.
Roofing is dangerous and accidents can occur, so it’s essential that your business has this coverage. If an employee is hurt while performing roof repairs, the worker’s compensation insurance can cover their medical expenses and disability payments.
Property damage: During construction, a roofer’s tools and equipment can fall off an elevated surface and cause damage to a parked car or another structure on the property. This damage could result in a lawsuit from the homeowner or other third party.
Legal costs: If a client files a lawsuit against your business for bodily injury or property damage, your insurance can help cover the costs of defense and legal fees.
Your roofing contractor should provide you with a copy of their insurance certificate upfront, so you can verify it’s valid and up-to-date. Make sure it includes general liability coverage, which can range between $1 million and $5 million. You also need to check if they have workers’ compensation insurance and a lien waver if they hire subcontractors.
4. Warranty
The warranty offered by a roofing contractor is an important aspect of any roof installation. It protects you from any unforeseen issues that may arise, and it also gives you peace of mind that your investment is protected.
A good warranty should cover the cost of labor and installation. It should also extend to the shingles themselves, giving you added protection against material failures.
There are two main types of warranties to choose from: manufacturer warranties and workmanship warranties. The former covers the materials themselves, while the latter is a contract that ensures the quality of work.
It is important to note that most warranties are only valid if they are registered with the manufacturer at the time of installation. This can be a complicated process, so it is best to ask your contractor how to go about doing this.
Another important factor to consider is whether or not the warranty will transfer to a new homeowner. Most manufacturers will only allow the warranty to be transferred once, so make sure that you notify your contractor and the manufacturer of this fact before selling your home.
Lastly, you should also be aware that many warranties will not cover damage caused by storms. This includes debris, hail, and high winds. It is also worth noting that critter damage, such as squirrels and bats, usually does not qualify for coverage under most warranties.
5. Free Estimates
If you have a leak in your roof or are wondering if it’s time to replace it, getting a free estimate can help you decide whether or not the work will be worth it. In addition, a free roof inspection can identify other issues you may not have seen yet that could make your home more expensive in the long run.
A good roofing contractor should provide you with an accurate roof estimate that takes into account the size of your roof, as well as its pitch or slope. It should also include a breakdown of labor, materials, and cost to ensure you know exactly what you’re getting into before starting the project.
Lastly, the best roofing contractors will provide you with payment information in their estimates. They should explain how down payments, monthly payments, and final payments are calculated. Rancho Cucamonga roofing companies always makes sure to go the extra mile so that you understand the entire process.
This information is essential to ensure that you are getting a fair price and a high-quality job. Additionally, it will help you understand how much money your contractor is willing to take off the top so that you can avoid any surprises once the job is done.
Roofing contractors who offer free estimates are often more reputable and have a higher reputation than those who charge for an estimate. This is because charging for an estimate is a tactic used by scammers to steal your money. Many true roofing professionals don’t use this tactic and would never charge for an estimate.
6. Customer Service
Whether you are hiring a roofing contractor for a residential or commercial roof, it is important to choose a company that provides excellent customer service. They should answer the phone promptly, offer advice and referrals, and ensure that you are satisfied with their work.
The best contractors care about their employees and make sure they have the tools, equipment, and training needed to complete the job safely. They will also be willing to adjust their working hours if you need them to, so that they can fit your schedule.
It is also a good idea to ask for references from past clients. This will give you a better understanding of the kind of quality work they do.
A roofing company that has been in business for a long time will have a good reputation in the community and may be able to provide you with a warranty on their work. This will save you money if you do not have to worry about replacing your roof if it becomes faulty.
Before hiring a roofing contractor, it is important to check their business license and contractor license. You should also request proof of insurance for their employees. If they do not have these documents, you should consider other contractors. You can also check if they are members of local associations such as those that deal with contractors in your area.
