What to Look for in a Roofing Contractor

Tips for Choosing a Roofing Contractor

While some home upgrades are elective, roof repairs and replacements are not. It is vital for your comfort and your home’s resale value and structural integrity to hire a professional for your roof repair needs.

It’s important to know what to look for in a roofing contractor. You want to protect yourself from storm damage fraud if your roof was damaged during a storm. No matter the reason your roof needs repair or replacement, a good contractor will do a high-quality and professional job. However, it can be hard to know how to choose the right professional for the job. That’s why we’ve put together these tips for hiring a roofing contractor.

1. Create a List of Possible Contractors

Make a list of the top five to 10 contractors in your area. Check with family, friends, neighbors or coworkers and see if there are any contractors they recommend. It is best not to choose any contractors that give you a quote without inspecting your home, as judging how much a roofing project will cost is difficult to do without seeing the damage.

Continue narrowing down the list by reading reviews and checking the business’s rating with the Better Business Bureau. You can search the Consumer Beware List for any alerts, charges or complaints. Reviews give you a good idea of what to expect your experience with the company to be. A professional with mostly positive reviews usually indicates that most clients have a positive experience with that company.

2. Check for Insurance, Licenses and Experience

Ask the contractors on your list what training, certifications, and industry affiliations they have. Look for a contractor with years of experience as well as worker’s compensation and liability insurance. Liability insurance can protect your home if a contractor damages it during the job, and worker’s compensation can provide coverage if a worker is injured.

You can verify the roofing company’s licenses and information by asking for their tax identification number, business address, email address, business website and phone number. Some areas don’t require roofing contractors to have licenses. However, it is still best to pick a contractor with a license.

A license shows that the roofing company is serious about its work and is up-to-date on codes and other requirements to complete the job correctly.

3. Conduct Research

You can conduct research to get a better idea of what kind of repairs your roof needs. For instance, you can get quotes from different companies and compare them. Then, you can research the scope of work they mention in the quote breakdown to learn more about it and the work required. By understanding the level of roofing services required, you can monitor the work and ensure it looks correct.

When researching, check with your local building department to learn what permits you need. Reroofing typically requires a building permit, and it is usually the homeowner’s responsibility to ensure the contractor pulls the permits for the job. You want to avoid any contractors that suggest not pulling permits.

4. Ask for a Written Contract

Ask for a written contract before hiring a professional for the project. The contract can protect you because it details every aspect of the job. This includes outlining roofing materials used — information like the brand, type and color — payment schedules and a list of subcontractors.

Other information to include in the contract is a start and end date, details about inspecting and removing the old roof, gardening and landscape protection and cleanup responsibilities. The post-job cleanup should be in the contract. You can add material removal for your convenience.

5. Ask About a Warranty

Any reputable contractor will offer a warranty for your roof, though specific terms vary. Knowing how long the warranty lasts and what it covers is vital. Ensure you ask questions about the warranty and get the information in writing. The contractor should detail any warranties in the contract.

You also want to know if the contractor is an authorized installer of the materials they are using. If they aren’t, the roofing materials manufacturer may not honor its warranties.

6. Consider How the Cost Compares to Your Budget

You should receive estimates from the companies you are interested in hiring.

Regarding something as important as your roof, you want to prioritize quality over cost. Roof repairs and replacements are an investment. It’s fine to have a budget, but financing options might be available if the project costs more. Your roof will pay for itself by lasting many years and protecting your home from nature.

Contractors shouldn’t insist on cash payments for your roof repairs. Many different payment methods are available, so cash isn’t the only option.

7. Meet the Contractor in Person

Once you narrow down the contractors on your list, set up appointments for them to come inspect the job. You’ll want to discuss the extent of the work needed, the roofing materials they would use and the amount of time and number of workers required. You can ask what the process is if you are unsatisfied with the work and how they handle unplanned issues. It’s common to find other issues like moisture damage to wood decking once they remove the old roof.

While you meet with them, you can ask them to provide references for a better idea of what the contractor’s past jobs look like. The contractor usually provides a written quote within a week or so after the inspection.

Contact Cornett Roofing Systems for a Free Estimate

There are many things to consider when choosing the right contractor, so you should take your time choosing the best fit for your budget and project. You want to ensure you conduct research, ask for referrals and read reviews for each company you consider. Working with an experienced company is essential to receiving quality work.

Cornett Roofing Systems has over 30 years of experience as the Midwest’s expert in installing slate, metal, copper and natural tile roofing systems. We are active members of the Slate Roofing Contractors Association, the Tile Industry Alliance, the National Roofing Contractors Association and the Metal Roofing Alliance professional groups. The services we offer include free estimates, storm damage repair services, general repairs, restorations, inspections and installations.

Our roofs are the last you’ll ever buy, with premium quality materials and expert craftsmanship. Contact us to schedule a free estimate. You won’t be disappointed.