Sooner or later, every homeowner or owner of a commercial building is going to need a roofing replacement done - roofs don’t last forever!
When that time comes, do you know how to find a reliable and skilled roofer in your area to hire?
Any roof installation is costly, so it’s important to do your homework when seeking roofing services you can trust to do great workmanship and act ethically.
Use these tips on how to research roofers and find the right one for the job!
Three Ways to Find Roof Services
The first step in hiring a roofing company is compiling a list of contractors to research so you can find the one who suits your needs:
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Ask for Local Referrals - Word of mouth is one of the best ways to find a roofing contractor who does great work. Ask friends, family, and neighbors who they recommend, then do personal research about those roofers.
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Ask Your Insurance Company - Your homeowners insurance company surely has a list of roof repair contractors they approve and this is a great place to start, especially if you’ll be filing a claim for roof damage.
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Search Local Business Directories - Search for local contractors on business directory websites like Google My Business, Yelp, Yellow Pages online, and even social media websites like Facebook.
Necessary Roofing Company Qualifications
Once you’ve compiled a list of roofing contractor candidates, do some further research to learn more about them and what qualifications they have to do roof replacement and repair as well as how highly recommended they are as professionals:
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Manufacturer Designation - Material manufacturers provide free training to ensure that roofers are familiar with their products and know how to properly install them. Awarded in various contractor levels from factory-certified to elite or comparable designations, these ratings mean that a roofing contractor is recognized by the manufacturer as being capable of installing their products and are recommended over a contractor without this designation.
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Better Business Bureau Scores - BBB scores will give you a good idea about the reputation of a roofer and the type of work they do. Look for roofing companies that have BBB listings with high ratings and avoid those with no BBB listing at all.
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Local and/or State Licensing - If your state or locality requires roof services to maintain certain licenses, ask to see them and be sure they are current.
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Proof of Insurance - Always ask to see proof of current insurance before hiring any contractor to work on your roof or any other part of your house or commercial building.
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Safety Certification - Ask whether the roof contractor’s employees have received safety training and if the company has a safety certification. Not all will but it’s preferable to work with companies that do.
Other Factors to Consider
After checking all of the above information for your candidates, look into these other details to give you a more complete picture of a roofer’s business practices and what to expect from them:
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Estimates and Warranties - If you ask for an estimate, make sure it includes all details about the work to be done including itemized cost breakdowns, additional fees, and a full explanation of everything you will be paying for as well as the types of warranties and what they specifically cover. Make sure you understand the warranty information before you agree to anything.
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No Pressure Sales - Don’t let a roofing contractor pressure you into anything, including which material to use. Don't let them handle your insurance claim, as that’s something that is better handled by you personally.
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Know About Roofing - Know enough about the work you need done on your roof and material choices so you can have informed discussions with roofers and understand what they are talking about.
Ready To Start Your Search?
Though it seems like an awful lot of research to do just to hire a roof repair service, it’s effort that will benefit you in the long run.
You’ll find a local qualified roof company that’s recognized for their expert work and great business reputation so you can hire a good, experienced roofer with confidence!
