Protecting your home starts with ensuring the roof is sturdy and well-maintained. Whether you want roof repairs, replacement, or new installation, finding a quality roofing service is critical to the success of your roofing project.
Because anyone can claim to be an expert, homeowners may hire the wrong person. And a wrong move can jeopardize the structural integrity of your building. Thankfully, we at Vikings Contractors will arm you with the right information so you can get outstanding results.
Tips for Finding a Reputable Roofing Contractor
You should hire a quality roofing contractor before any damage happens. The tips below are tested and proven for finding reputable contractors.
1. Go Local
When looking for quality roofing companies, the first place to check is within your locality. You want to ensure that the roofing contractor has a physical office, not just a mailing address, so you’ll know where to find them as soon as you encounter roof damage.
Additionally, a local roofer is less likely to scam you because they want to protect their reputation in the community. They’re also familiar with the local building codes and everything you need to comply with the law. And when it comes to getting quality roofing materials, they know the right suppliers that offer a reasonable price.
To find local roofing contractors, you should request recommendations from family members, friends, colleagues, neighbors, and online groups.
2. Request and Verify Customer Testimonials
When you’ve identified some quality roofing companies within your area, you should request a list of their customer’s names and addresses. Contact these homeowners to be sure the company has handled a roofing project for them.
You may want to drive down to their homes to see the type of work the roofer did. Some questions to ask the homeowner include:
- Was the project a roof replacement or a roof installation?
- Were you happy with the output?
- Was the job completed within the stipulated schedule?
- Are you willing to hire the contractor again?
3. Read Online Reviews
When trying to choose a quality roofing contractor, you shouldn’t rely only on word of mouth. Some people may not want to say negative things about a business when you come face-to-face with them. But the internet has made things easier. You can check out third-party review sites to find out what customers are saying about the company.
Although some reviews are true, you can easily spot fake reviews, especially when they’re written in a rush and riddled with errors.
4. Check License, Bond, and Insurance
A reputable roofing contractor should be licensed and bonded. It proves that they’re registered with the state board, and you can report them if they do shabby work. Also, you can rest assured that a bonding company will step in if the quality roofing company absconds or goes out of business while handling your project.
When it comes to roof insurance, every contractor should have both general liability protection and workers’ compensation. If a roofer gets injured while working on your roof, you won’t be responsible for the medical bills. Rather, the insurance policy will cover damage to your property and the worker’s injury.
5. Double Check the Business History
Because roofing is a big investment, you want to ensure that the company has a solid reputation. You can ask how long they’ve been in business to avoid falling victim to fly-by-night contractors who disappear and reappear under a new business name.
It’s advisable to hire a quality roofing contractor who has been in business for at least five years. These will have traction, and you can verify the quality of their work.
Some independent contractors may be new in the industry and won’t have the minimum years of experience. However, they should have previous work experience with an established company. This implies that you shouldn’t write them off completely because new companies try to do an excellent job of building their reputation.
6. Request a Warranty
Your roof may look great today but may require repairs tomorrow. So, you should ensure the roofing contractor offers a warranty for the installation process and the lifetime of the roof. Some warranties last between one to ten years or more.
You should also get a warranty on the roofing materials. If the contractor carries a certification from a top shingle manufacturer, it implies that you’ll access an enhanced warranty. You can check the roofer’s website to find out the manufacturers and quality roofing systems they use.
7. Compare Multiple Quotes
Before settling for a roofer, it’s ideal to get quotes from three to five contractors or even more. You can choose roofers with different specialties. It’ll help you know the exact type of roofing supplies they’ll use, whether they’re eco-friendly, asphalt shingles, or different technology.
It’s important to know that the ideal roofer may not be the one offering the lowest price. Therefore, it’d be best to go for one with expertise who’s willing to work with your budget.
Also, they shouldn’t give you quotes off the top of their heads. A professional roofer will visit your home for roof inspections before handing down a quote. And while they’re at it, you should watch the way they communicate, whether they possess in-depth knowledge of the job and are willing to answer your questions.
8. Get a Written Estimate
The final and most critical part of hiring a quality roofing contractor is getting a written estimate. The roofer should include everything they’ll need to start and complete the job so you’ll know the exact cost of the project.
You should look out for specifics like labor, the number of layers the roofer will remove from your old roof, dumping fees, how they plan to protect your property during the project, and so on.
Choose Quality Roofing Services
Hiring an amateur roofer will result in expensive repairs now or in the future. And we’re sure you don’t want to go bankrupt because of a wrong decision.
Our experts at Vikings Contractors provide excellent services to ensure your roof is in optimal condition. Whether you’ve got a tight or generous budget, contact the professionals to get a free roof inspection today.
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