Roofing Companies – Large Vs. Small

When it comes to choosing a roofing contractor, doing your homework can save you a great deal of time and money in the long run. Every year, millions of Americans end up spending thousands of dollars more than they should on repairing shoddy, incomplete, or thoroughly bad work done by roofing contractors claiming to provide exceptional and professional services. Many more end up being overcharged, put on hold in the middle of a job, or finding out the hard way that the contractor’s warranty simply did not apply when put to the test. Taking the time to thoroughly research a repair professional is the best way to ensure you end up with not only the highest quality service, but that you are able to sleep easier at night knowing that you have chosen the right person to care for your home.

There are a variety of roofing professionals on the market, even in relatively small towns, often leading you to choose between a smaller, independent operation, and a large outfit that is easier to gather information on. While bigger isn’t always better, it is often easier, and many homeowners find the peace of mind that comes with a large and well-established company to be worth the additional expense. However, smaller companies are often able to provide more individual attention and reliable customer service, even if the amount of manpower they have at their disposal means a job may take longer to complete. There are pros and cons to either choice you make when it comes to finding a contractor, but the important thing is to find a company that espouses the quality, work ethic, and customer service that you are looking for.

The best way to accomplish this is to do your research, rather than simply picking a name out of the phone book and hoping for the best. Although some states do not require a contractor to be licensed, it is a good idea to choose one that is, as well as one that has the proper liability insurance, in case an injury should occur or your home should incur damage during the renovation process. Whether a company is large or small, you are safer in choosing someone who has been in the industry for more than three years, and has a list of positive references whom you can easily contact. Another source of information is the Better Business Bureau, who will let you know if there have been any complaints against the contractor, or if there is current litigation pending against him.

In some cases, a smaller, independent company is a better bet for your project because of the low prices, individual attention, and personal touch you are likely to get from that sort of business. In other cases, a larger company is a better choice, especially if you need a repair done quickly, do not have time to do a lot of research, or are willing to pay more for extended warranties, quick service, and the peace of mind that comes with choosing an established name. In the end, the decision depends upon the homeowner’s personal preferences, the type of repair that needs to be done, and old-fashioned intuition.