How to Find a Quality Roofing Installer
Stories of Roof installers who run off with a homeowners’ hard earned money have been popping up more frequently in newspapers throughout the country and these roofing scams occur more often than any other type of home repair scam. Although these roofing scams appear more often following a natural disasters like thunderstorms and tornadoes, they are a year-round reality. And with the right precautions they can be easily avoided.
Replacing a roof can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000, highlighting the importance of diligence when contemplating the hiring of roof installers. Think of choosing a roof installer like buying a used car–you wouldn’t purchase a used car from just anyone off the street. Roof installation is a similar financial investment, and should be given the same degree of diligence, if not more.
First, you’ll need to find a roofer. Internet searches and services that match you with pre-screened, licensed roofing contractors are one of the most reliable places to begin. Ask neighbors and friends in your area for recommendations, or read reviews of the roofing installer online. And of course, there’s always the yellow pages, but it can be an unreliable method.
5 QUALITIES OF A SUPERIOR ROOF INSTALLER
Before you hire a roofer, make sure they are a quality roofing company. Here are some qualities to look for that separate superior roof installers from bad ones.
Quality #1: Insurance
Insurance is among the most important aspects to take into consideration when hiring a roofer. If a roofer is uninsured and an injury or accident occurs during the roof installation, it becomes the responsibility of the homeowner– and often a responsibility that can be very expensive .
Always ask a potential roofer to see paperwork showing up to date general liability and worker’s compensation insurance before you chose to hire them. If the roofing company or independent roofing contractor says they don’t have the proper paperwork available and will not be able toshow it to you before you sign the roof installation contract, move on to another roofing company.
Quality #2: Permanence
A permanent place of business is an indicator that a roofing contractor won’t disappear with your money. That isn’t to say roof installers without permanent business locations are all untrustworthy. All successful trustworthy companies have to start somewhere. Nonetheless, a permanent business address, phone number, and tax ID number are good indicators of a trustworthy and secure roofer.
Quality #3: Warranties
Warranties are a good indicator that a roof installer has faith in their work. Roofing materials are covered by the manufacturer, meaning a roof installer’s warranty is a promise of a superior quality roof installation.
The majority of issues that arise due to poor quality roof installations crop up within the first year. Look for a roofer who offers a roof installation warranty of at least 12 months.
Quality #4: Permits
Government fees, including the removal of the old roofing materials and other permits to perform the work, can be expensive. As a homeowner, you probably aren’t aware of all of the permits you need for a roof installation. Check to make sure the roofer you hire will obtain all of the necessary permits and cover the cost of those permits.
Quality #5: References
Well established roofing companies usually ask their clients for permission to share their contact information to use them as references for future clients to use as a standard marketing tool.
Roofing experts recommend asking roof installers for 10 references, but not contacting all of them. Pick a few, two or three, from the list of ten to contact. A large number of references, such as ten, shows a body of satisfied customers.
