A reroofing project is a huge investment; you need someone you can trust and who knows the industry. Eagle Roofing Products’ tile has been known to last as long as the structure it is protecting, but only under the right installation. Protect your investment by using a few of these tips to hire the right roofing contractor.
1. Ask those around you for referrals.
Your first step should be to check with friends, family members, neighbors, and coworkers to find out if anyone has any recommendations on recently used contractors. When asking someone you know, you’ll get an honest answer. The recommendations you receive will give you a good idea of what to expect, as far as, service and quality.
If you don’t know anyone who has recently repaired or replaced a roof, you can also check with the local better business bureau (here you can find any recent complaints made by unhappy customers) or check out reliable sites like Angie’s list for reviews on roofers in your area.
2. Interview and get bids from at least three to four roofing contractors.
It’s important to compare prices and get first impressions of your future roofer. The individual you talk to should be enthusiastic about the project and offer solutions to potential obstacles. Another great part of this call is finding out what your timeline would look like for a new or repaired roof.
Don’t immediately accept low bids, they may be an indicator of poor quality materials. Always be sure to ask the contractor how they were able to arrive at your bid.
3. Check to make sure your new contractor is licensed and insured.
Make certain the roofing company you’re interested in is licensed and insured. In most states, it is illegal for a roofing contractor to work without a license. Protect yourself by asking about insurance, liability and workers compensation.
A roofer without insurance can leave you liable for personal injury, property damage, and other risks.
4. Hire a contractor with a local address and phone number.
How long has your roofing contractor been in business? Be sure to get a list of past projects, you can see how the roof is holding up and see the quality of the work.
Local roofers rely on referrals and satisfied customers. Beware of those giving out P.O. Box addresses, con artists can be avoided by hiring someone with a stable office location.
5. Get your details in writing.
Once you’ve made certain that you hired the right roofing contractor, get your guarantees, completion dates, and job details in writing. If there’s something missing or if there’s a problem with the material, you’ll want to have a written guarantee that the roofing contractor will take care of it.
While it may seem like a lot of work to carefully evaluate your roofing contractor, you owe it to yourself, your household, and your roofing investment, to make sure the roof repairs or the replacement you pay for, results in a leak-free and long-lasting protection for the interior of your home.
