Getting a Roofer That Can Get the Job Done

If you're looking for a good roofer, you may have to move beyond simply choosing from the phone book. There are a number of things that go into choosing a good contractor for any construction job, and taking shortcuts will only increase the chances that you'll wind up with someone you regret later. If you want a job done right, you'll have to do a bit of research. Experience comes into play, as does pricing, how quickly they can get the job done, the materials they work with, and more. If you spend your time wisely, and follow these tips, you'll be more likely to embark on a successful project.

Getting Estimates

If you're like most people, you want the job done for as little money as you can get away with spending. This means getting estimates from a number of companies. A roofer armed with the knowledge of what is wrong with your roof can usually give you a good idea of how much the job is going to cost. But this is where things can get muddled for the average homeowner. You'll notice that some companies are going to be sky high in their projections, while others are quoting a price so low you wonder if a mistake has been made. This is why you can't pick someone based on price alone. You need to use the bids in conjunction with experience and reputation to determine who is honest and who might be taking you for a ride.

Experience

Experience is important when it comes to selecting a roofer. While this usually means picking a chief foreman who has put in many years in the business, there is more to it than that. Do they work with a crew they have trained and put their trust in, or do they pick up day laborers on the way to the job site. The latter method may contribute to decreased costs, but you'll want to avoid this if you can. It would be unfair to say a crew is only as experienced as its least experienced member, but having general laborers on your roof could lead to problems. Try to find someone who not only has put in his own time, but has a crew that has as well.

History

Of course, just having such-and-such years of experience really isn't enough. You want to see the quality of the work they've done. This is why it pays to ask a roofer for their references. Ask to see some examples of their construction. If possible, talk to the homeowners and see what they thought of the work. This will give you the unique opportunity to get inside the project and determine for yourself if the contractor is right for your job.