The hardest part of replacing a roof for a homeowner is finding the right company to do the job. No disagreements there, right? If a storm has just hit and done major damage or if having the roof replaced is part of the contingency for a house to be sold, making this decision quickly also can become a key driver of the task. However, don’t fall into the pressure to pick the first contractor to return your call. We believe every homeowner deserves to work with a trustworthy, reliable company.
Here are 5 areas we have found to be important to consider while choosing a roofing company:
1 Testimonials: Look to the homeowners who keep the roofing company’s signs in their yard after work is completed, have posted satisfied reviews to the company’s social media pages, and have provided guidance from word-of-mouth endorsements. You can also look to trusted sources such as HomeAdvisor and Angie’s List.
2 Experience: Ask the roofing company how long they have been in business. Any less than 3 years could mean there is still a learning curve for them. A newer company may be completely competent, but should be vetted much more carefully. You can also check through a company’s website, Facebook, and Instagram. If they’re proud of their work, they should be sharing it with the hopes of it being seen.
3 Licensure and insurance: Seeing is believing. Ask to have a copy of both the company’s license and insurance. This license should be a contractor’s license, not a business license (which is just a tax requirement). They should also have insurance (worker’s compensation and liability insurance) for all employees, which covers them in the case that one sustains an injury while working on your home.
4 Warranty: A reliable roofing company should be confident in the work they perform and offer a comprehensive warranty. To cover the entire roofing system, look for the roofer to warrant his workmanship and the manufacturer to warrant the materials.
5 Relationship: There’s something to be said about building a trusting relationship, and that includes not feeling pressured. You should be able to talk to multiple companies without feeling pushed to sign a contract quickly. You should also be welcomed to be involved in choosing the materials used on your home, since material and color can have an impact on resale value. Meet the contractor face-to-face. Feel comfortable with who will be working on your home. Peace of mind is highly valuable.
If you’re ready to take the first step in the process of vetting potential roofing companies, give us a call. We’d truly appreciate your consideration.
