Since needing a roof repair or a complete roof replacement should only happen once or maybe twice in a lifetime, it’s very important that homeowners ask the right questions before hiring a roofing contractor. Here are the top five things homeowners should consider before hiring a local roofing contractor:
1. Is the roofing company licensed and insured?
First and foremost, before you consider hiring a roofing contractor you should check to be sure the company is up-to-date with its license and insurance and also passes a background check. You will want to ensure you’re hiring a true roofing professional with an upstanding record and the supporting documentation. Having this roofing contractor working in your home makes it of utmost importance that they can be trusted as professionals.
2. What kind of experience and references can the roofing contractor provide?
Since a roof repair or roof replacement is considered a major home improvement project, homeowners should consider a roofing company’s on-the-job experience as well as customer references. You will want to hire a roofing company who has previously completed projects such as yours, and who has a reputation for being trustworthy, dependable, timely and professional. Speaking with former customers can give great insight into what you can expect with the roofing contractor you’re considering.
3. Is the roofing contractor a good communicator?
How has your communication experience been with the roofing company you’re considering? Have they returned your calls promptly, answered your questions, provided necessary follow-up? If you’re already experiencing a lack of communication prior to awarding your roofing job to the contractor, this should raise red flags. Since a roof repair or roof replacement is such a large (and important!) project, communication is key to a successful outcome. You want to hire a roofing contractor who is available and willing to answer your inquiries, help problem solve, and overall stay in touch throughout the entire process.
4. Will the roofing contractor charge for travel time?
Sometimes! It depends on each roofer what their policy is. Some roofing contractors will charge a full labor rate for travel time. This is something that should be established with the homeowner prior to the project start date. Many times roofers charge for travel time if they’re called to a home for an emergency repair. Some roofing companies have a pre-determined travel rate noted on invoices as “time and materials” – and some will add this line item without discussing it with homeowners. Be sure to ask the roofing contractor what their policy is, as each roofing company determines their own policy for travel time.
5. Does the roofing contractor offer the service you need at the right cost?
A roof repair or roof replacement can be a costly investment, and you want to be certain that you’re hiring a company who can both provide the services you need at the price you can afford. Some roofing companies only offer specific types of materials, may have a longer timeline than you can get on board with, or be priced out of your budget. These factors are each important when choosing the right roofer for your roofing project.
When hiring a roofing contractor for your new roof or roof repair project, there are many things to take into consideration. However, if you can check these 5 considerations off your list, you may have found the right company to handle your roofing project.
