How to know if you have a good roofer and when you are getting a roofing rip off.
If you own a home,
you will eventually have to take on the daunting task of replacing your roof. The average lifetime of a roof is 30 to 40 years and can be one of the more costly maintenance needs of your home. However, if you do your research, you can both save money and get a high quality roof.
When you are looking for someone to put a new roof on your home you want to hire a licensed roofer, not a home contractor. Most of the time, a home contractor hires subcontractors to do much of the work, and a roofer is usually considered a subcontractor, therefore, you never have any say in who actually does the roofing work. However, when you are just having a roof replaced, they you will work with the subcontractor directly, thus making him your contractor.
To make sure that you are getting quality work done for the lowest price possible, there are a few guidelines that you should follow.
• First of all, he should be a professional. He should be a member of one of your local roofing organizations and you should not be afraid to get proof.
• You should also do background checks on your roofing contractor. Get references so that you can interview his previous customers and see examples of his work. By doing this, you can find out if previous customers are happy and get an idea of his business longevity. This will also tell you if the roofing company is reliable.
• He needs to be insured and offer worker's compensation to his crew as roofing jobs are dangerous and accidents do happen. You want to make sure that you are not going to be liable in case of an accident. A good roofer will have good insurance for his crew.
• Always make sure that you are getting what you have been promised. You can usually figure out how a roofer's service will be from the moment that you meet him. Is the office friendly when you call? Do they charge for estimates? Little things like that can make a big difference.
• The price needs to fit into your budget. However, you don't just want to go with the cheapest, unless they can prove to you that they are getting their materials from a reputable company. You need to make sure that you are balancing price with the quality of work that you will receive.
• Are they flexible with their time? Can they change their schedule in case you have a leak and need immediate roofing attention?
By listening to your roofing contractor, you will know if he will offer the service that you are looking for. If there are any reservations in your mind, even after the contract is signed, you may want to reconsider your choice. You usually have three days to change your mind and cancel the deal. Before you part with your money, make sure that you are hiring the reliable, dependable, and licensed roofer that you need.
