You have a nice home, you’ve been working so hard to keep it nice when you notice a roof leak. Don’t delay! When you notice that your roof is starting to fail, it is important to get it fixed as quickly as possible. However, you want a reputable roofing contractor to do the work. Not getting it done right will just result in further problems.
Talk to Friends and Neighbors
You likely know someone in your area that has had their roof repaired or replaced recently. Ask them who they used and if they would recommend them. Word of mouth is very powerful and happy customers are always happy to share the businesses that they liked best. Of course, a referral is just a referral and you should always consider more than one contractor. It is a good idea to get a list of three to five together. If you talk to enough people or look up a local Internet forum that has this type of information, you will have no idea getting a list together.
National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)
This is an organization that lists a variety of trusted contractors. You can plug in your address and find the local roofers on the list. You will be able to gain access to a worksheet about those in your area so that you can narrow down your choices. Things like lawsuits against the company if there is any and how long the company has been in business are on this website. The company’s licensing and insurance are also listed. This is critical because without the proper licensing and insurance you could find yourself in hot water.
Insurance Information
This cannot be said enough times: make sure that the companies you are considering have the right insurance. If the right insurance is not there and someone working on your roof gets hurt, you will be liable. To protect your investment in a new roof or repairs and to protect yourself against liability, check their insurance. If the contractor is a bit shy about discussing insurance, move on to someone who is open and honest.
Years of Experience
New companies can be really good, but it is a good idea to choose a business with experience and a reputable track record. This way you can be sure that if you need to do something like take advantage of your warranty that you will be able to. In the tough economy, a new company may not last long, despite how good they may be, and this could come back to hurt you should you need help down the road.
8 Points to Consider When Choosing the Right Roofing Company
Define Your Needs. Some builders out there will work on many different types of roofs, commercial or industrial roofs but you most likely want a residential roofing company.
Experience Counts. Every roofing company once did their first roof. Don’t overlook a new firm, especially if their team includes seasoned pros. You do need to look for strong experience overall.
Are Past Customers Satisfied? Many roofers offer customer references and referrals. If not, ask and follow up. Ask previous customers if they would do another roof repair with this company. Read their online reviews.
Is the Roofing Company Licensed and Insured? Not every state or area requires roofers to be licensed, but you only want to hire and work with a company that is fully licensed and insured. Ask about the insurance they carry. Make sure that they and you are covered during the roof repair process.
Warranty and Service. There is a peace of mind that comes with knowing that your new roof will last for a long time. You want to look for a warranty of ten years or longer, and this will ideally be transferable to a new owner should you sell.
Industry Involvement. Not every good roofer chooses to join a Roofing Association, so don’t place too much emphasis on this. That being said, this membership does tend to show that a roofer is committed to the area for the long haul.
Look for Signs of Quality. Look for signs of quality roofing and attention to detail when you visit the model homes. Consider the products that were used by the roofer and whether or not they are brands with well-earned reputations for quality.
The quality of people who work for the roofing company is also something to pay attention to. Do they show sincere interest in you and your needs? Do they listen carefully? Did they provide good answers to your questions? Were they courteous, prompt, and professional in your interactions with them in the model home, sales center, or builder’s office?
The answers to these questions and the 8 steps above will help you select the roofing company for your needs.
