A roof in good condition is key to protecting everything that sits below it. That includes your family, treasured possessions and more. You barely notice it when it’s working properly, but it’s hard to ignore when it’s not.
It’s also best not to ignore roofing problems, as once they start, they don’t go away on their own. They escalate until they become unavoidable, costing more in time, money and energy than they would have at the start.
But when you need work done on your roof, the most important part of your home, how do you decide who to hire? Finding the best Professional Roofers company for the job can make many issues go much more smoothly. Follow this guide to choosing the right roofer for you.
1. Check for Licenses, Certifications and Insurance
There are a lot of people who fix roofs, but not all of them are experienced. Ask potential roofing companies about their training and certifications. You want to be sure they know what they’re doing when working on your roof and that they’ll be able to address any issues.
It’s also important to make sure the business itself is legitimate. Some areas don’t require special licences for roofers, but it’s still a good idea to go with a licenced company, as they’re serious about their work and stay up-to-date on requirements to perform their work safely and competently.
Proper insurance, including worker’s compensation and liability, is essential when hiring a roofer. This ensures workers will be covered if they are injured while working and protects your home if any damage is done in the process. Hiring someone who doesn’t have these things might save money upfront, but it could cost you a lot more later.
2. Avoid Verbal Agreements
As the old saying goes, a verbal contract isn’t worth the paper it’s written on. Getting a written quote and contract helps to protect you as the homeowner, as well as the roofing company or contractor. These documents should detail the payment schedule, materials used, and start and end dates.
You should also discuss and document details regarding how the property will be protected and who is responsible for cleanup. Again, these details help protect both sides, so you should be wary of contractors or companies who don’t want them in writing.
3. Get References
While certifications, education and licences all help to give you an idea that a company is solid, you want to know that their work was good and their customers were left happy. Ask for multiple references and check them all. Ask them how the roofers treated their home if they were satisfied with the work and if they would work with them again or recommend them to a friend.
If a company won’t provide references, it’s not a good sign that they have happy customers. Even if you’ve seen photos of their work, the fact that they can’t or won’t provide information about past clients prevents you from finding out other important details, like whether they were on time or whether any issues that surfaced were handled professionally.
Follow these tips to find a great roofing company or contractor. Your roof keeps you safe from the elements, so it’s worth spending some time and money to find the right people to work on it.