An aging or leaky roof can cause you to lose more than sleep. If you don’t fix the leak or take care of an old sagging roof, you may end up with a dangerous situation and a costly repair. Don’t let Looking for a reliable roofing company add to the stress.
Here at DMV Roofing Pros, we understand how critical it is to find a good roofing repair and / or installation company. The winters can get harsh, with many incidents of fallen trees every year on Great Falls Pike. That’s just two lanes wide of roads, so, it’s not unheard of to have a tree damage a roof in the area.
Maybe your roof’s lifespan is up, maybe it just needs a small repair – whatever the case may be, you’ve begun the search for the right roofer. Let’s discusses things to consider when looking for a roofing contractor. Take a minute and read our short guide before you decide which contractor you want to hire for money-saving tips and more.
Go Local
When you start your search for a roofing contractor, select from local contractors. Local contractors typically have a vested interest in their community.
If you hire an established roofing contractor, you know they’ve spent many years building their reputation. People in the community trust them. You can also feel more confident in a local contractor’s knowledge of and compliance with local building codes.
Finally, should you have a roofing emergency, a local company is more likely to offer quick service.
Ask for Referrals
Happy (and unhappy) customers usually don’t mind giving a referral. Aside from the testimonials found on the roofing company website, ask if they have a few customers you can contact.
Also, ask around your circle of family, friends, and co-workers. There’s nothing as reliable as word-of-mouth when it comes to referrals.
Beyond word-of-mouth referrals, most roofing contractors have an online portfolio of past roofing projects. Of course, if you know someone personally who hired the contractor, you can see their work in person.
License and Insurance Matters
Don’t feel uncomfortable asking for proof of insurance. Roofing contractors should carry insurance for every employee. Any sub-contractors they use must also carry insurance.
Ask to view a copy of their insurance certificate. Don’t worry about offending anyone. A good contractor should provide a copy without hesitation.
Choose a Contractor Who Gives You Choices
If you drive through a neighborhood, observe the roofs. Unless you’re driving through a neighborhood where an HOA restricts roofing materials (and colors) you’ll find a range of designs. Most homeowners select roofing materials based on two things—personal preference and resale value of the home.
When you look for a roofing contractor to replace your current roof, ask about choices. Do they offer more than a few shingle options?
Not only can you buy shingles in an extensive range of designs and colors, but you can also buy varying grades of shingles. Do your research and learn about which colors go with the color or your home’s exterior.
Go even further and research the newer energy efficient shingles. If you’re interested in alternatives like tiles, wood shakes, or metal, research those as well. Now, you’re ready for a conversation with prospective contractors.
Price Is Not Everything
You want the best price, and if you’re shopping roofing companies, it’s tempting to go with the lowest bid. Selecting a roofing company based on the lowest price isn’t always the best solution.
Dirt cheap prices often mean cheap service. It’s usually true that you get what you pay for and in this case, you may end up with a less than satisfactory roofing job.
It’s hard to hear but sometimes the highest bid is the best. An experienced, qualified roofing contractor knows how much a job will cost and they bid their jobs accordingly. This means less risk of underquoting a job and eating the costs.
When you pay what the job is worth, you get an excellent quality roof, installed by a well-paid crew.
Most roofing contractors offer a free estimate. Once they come out for the estimate, they’ll write up a quote for your review. Be aware this is an estimate and subject to change if any unusual or unplanned repairs come up after the installation starts.
Ask Specific Questions
Before you invite the contractor out to give you an estimate, pre-screen them over the phone.
This is where you gather the basics about a roofing company such as their legal business name and license and insurance verification. You should also ask how long they’ve been in business in the initial screening call.
Once you have your estimate, a good roofing company will be happy to go over the numbers with you. Roofing companies price jobs based on a range of factors including:
- Age and Condition of Shingles
- Condition of Wood Decking
- Pitch of Roof
Estimates are also based on any known issues with the existing roof.
Ask for details on the price of materials, labor, and whether the estimate includes the tear-off of the old roof.
Take Care of Your Claim
If you’re filing a homeowner’s insurance claim, you may run into a roofing company that offers to handle the paperwork for you. It’s best if you handle the claim yourself.
In most states, a roofing contractor can’t act on behalf of a homeowner. This means they can’t file your claim paperwork, nor can they negotiate an insurance claim.
As far as your deductible goes, you’re responsible for paying it. Make sure the contractor reflects the deductible in the quote. That means the contractor doesn’t inflate the cost of the project to cover any part of the deductible.
Understand Your Warranty
The last point to consider when selecting the roofing company you want to hire for your project is the warranty on materials and the guarantee on their work. There’s a difference!
First, you’ll get a manufacturer’s warranty. This covers any defects in the roofing materials, which causes early deterioration. Your contractor may also offer a workmanship warranty, which usually means they cover the cost of material and labor should you have issues due to improper installation.
Full system warranties cover roofing materials (shingles) and roofing accessories such as flashing.
Many installers offer a roofing labor warranty. This warranty covers labor, but not materials. It also doesn’t cover installation errors.
With so many different types of warranties available, make sure you understand what’s included in the cost. Also, talk with the roofing company and ask for specifics about the type of guaranty they offer for their workmanship.
Ready to Work with DMV Roofing Pros?
We hope today’s post helped you sort out what you should look for in a roof repair company. Once you perform your due diligence, you’ll feel more confident when selecting your contractor.
If you’re ready to get started on your project, we’d love to talk with you about your roof repair or replacement. Contact us today for a free estimate.