Roofing: Hiring a Good Contractor

When damage occurs, a homeowner must decide whether to do repairs or replace the entire top of the house. The judgment usually has to do with how old it is and how extensive the damage is. A younger construction can usually be repaired much more easily. If the construction is over fifteen years old, it might be time for a full replacement. Either way, the first order of business is to find a good roofing contractor. This is easier said than done, however.

The best way to go about finding a good roofing company is to get a referral from people you know and trust. Don’t necessarily take other contractors’ word for it. Some of them have special deals in place that allow them to get kick backs and money for referring business. Go with your friends and family when looking for recommendations. Even with those recommendations, don’t be afraid to shop around. Get a few quotes on the job you want done and you’ll be less likely to be fleeced. Included in a good quote should be not only the cost of the job, but how long it will take to do.

Reputation and longevity is everything in the roofing business. Unfortunately, the contracting racket is filled with shysters and fly-by-night companies that are just around long enough to make a buck or two before leaving. A shoddy reputation means little to them because they are on to the next town with a new name before anyone can catch on. So stick with companies that have a lot of experience and have been in the area a long time.

Check to make sure whichever roofing company you hire is up to date on all of their licenses and is ready to obtain any special permits they might need to complete the job. In a residential neighborhood this might not apply, but it almost certainly will if you’re building in a commercial district.

Most importantly, make sure everything is written up in a contract before any work begins. It’s better to have everything you want in writing so that if problems arise you can refer back to that contract as needed. The contract should be a signed record of everything to do with the job. That includes an outline of the job, the price agreed upon, and the designated time frame. Make sure you include anything else you consider important in the contract. If the company doesn’t want to go that route, find someone else.