Evaluating Roofing Contractors

Before you invest that much money, it is important to make sure that you are getting a high-quality product in return. To that end, you should take the time to carefully evaluate contractors before determining which one you want to hire. Here are some of the key factors that you should consider:

1. Is the company licensed?

As with any professional service, it is important to make sure that your roofing contractor is properly licensed. You wouldn’t trust someone off the street to provide you with healthcare without finding out whether or not they have a medical license. You should use the same level of caution when choosing someone to work on your roof.
Most states have strict licensing requirements for roofers. In order to obtain a license, they usually have to prove that they have a specific amount of training and on-the-job experience. Depending on the state, they may also have to take a written test before being awarded a license. You can find out more about the licensing requirements for roofing contractors in your area by searching your state’s website or by contacting the Department of Licensing.

2. Does the company carry insurance?

There are two primary types of insurance that any roofing company should have. The first is general liability insurance. This type of insurance will help cover any costs incurred as a result of an accident or injury. This includes medical expenses for anyone who is injured on the property as well as any money that is required to repair property damage that occurs during the project.

They should also have worker’s compensation insurance. This type of insurance provides financial compensation for workers if they are injured on the job. With a profession as dangerous as roofing, it is absolutely vital that you choose a company that has this type of insurance in place. Otherwise, you could be held liable for any accidents that occur on your property.

3. How long has the company been around?

Experience counts when it comes to roofing. As a general rule of thumb, it makes far more sense to choose a company that has been in business for a long time rather than going with a startup. Companies that have more experience are less likely to make mistakes since they already have a well-established routine in place. This is one area where it pays to hire an older company rather than going with a brand new business.

4. How much will the project cost?

Each company sets their own prices. As a result, you can find quite a bit of variation in the prices that you are quoted for the project. However, you should avoid the temptation to go with the company that offers you the lowest quote. Before jumping in and agreeing to hire them, find out exactly what is covered in the price. For instance, a company that gives you a slightly higher quote may perform extra work such as tearing off your old roof or cleaning up the site after the project is done whereas a company that gives you a lower quote may not. Try to compare quotes accurately, making sure that they cover the exact same amount of work.

Always ask what is included in the price. Getting an itemized list of everything that you are paying for can help eliminate any unexpected surprises. You should also have a written contract in place that clearly states the total price of the project up front. That way, you don’t have to worry about unexpected expenses getting tacked onto the total without your express permission

Ultimately, the process of finding the best roofing contractors in your area is basically just a matter of doing thorough research. You should never hire a company without making sure that they are legitimate. Always ask them to see their license and double check that they have insurance.
Find out how long the company has been in business and get more than one quote for the project. Before accepting a quote, get a written list of everything that is included in the price so that you and the contractor are on the same page.