How to Choose a Roofing Contractor
Minor
leaks with the season's first
rain.
Major damage caused by an unseasonable
storm. Whatever your roofing
needs, large or small, you need
a professional roofing contractor
you can trust. A contractor
who provide you with sound advice
on products, reasonable explanations
of procedures, and, most important
- solid results.
It's
difficult to determine the capabilities
and reliability of a roofing
contractor. That's why
this page was created--a simple,
step-by-step guide designed to
help you find the contractor
who's right for you.
Step
1: Where to Begin
A
roofing system is a complex combination
of elements, the success of which
depends on the quality of shingles,
installation and overall construction. There
are many ways to start your search
for the roofing contractor who
meets your individual needs. Referrals
are obviously the best source
for names of credible companies. Ask
friends and family members who
they have used in the past. Contact
your local Chamber of Commerce
about roofing contractors who
are active in the community. The
Better Business Bureau, state
and local licensing authorities,
local trade associations and
your local yellow page directory
are also excellent sources of
information.
Step
2: Meeting and Evaluating
Potential Contractors
After
you have compiled a list of possible
roofing contractors, take time
to evaluate each one carefully.
A professional contractor will
be happy to provide any information
you might require.
Many
homeowners have been mystified
by the seeming lack of interest
and response from the contractors
they call. To get a roofer
to respond to your call, tell
him your are shopping around,
but are only interviewing three
contractors, not ten.
A
contractor is shopping for good
jobs that will make a firm profit
and bring future referrals. Many
contractors have had experiences
with unreasonable or dishonest
homeowners. Therefore,
they look for warning signs of
customer problems during the
initial job interview.
Set
up a meeting to discuss your
needs and their qualifications,
and be sure to pay close attention
to the attitude of the company
representative. Good contractors
take pride in their work and
will be enthusiastic about the
possibility of helping you with
your roofing problems. If
you feel confident that the contractor
is truly interested in your project,
ask for the company's vital statistics
- specific business information
which will help you make your final
decision.
- Business
Name and Address - A
good, professional contractor
will provide the company's
permanent business address
and telephone number. These
are essential when checking
on the company's previous business
dealings.
- Experience -
The training and experience of
a contractor, as well as the
age of his or her company, will
help you determine their ability
to successfully complete your
roofing project.
- Insurance
Coverage - A contractor
should carry worker's compensation
and general liability insurance.
Request the name and address
of the insurance carrier, along
with a copy of the company's
insurance certificate. Beware
of low bids which are a result
of incomplete insurance coverage
and worker's compensation.
- Professional
References - Your contractor's
past can help determine your
future. Ask for credit
references, banking information
and a list of completed projects
including the manes and telephone
numbers of previous clients.
- Company
Philosophy -
Discuss application techniques
and workmanship guarantees. Does
the contractor stand behind
his work?
Step
3: Utilizing the Contractor's
Product Knowledge
Your
contractor should have up-to-date
knowledge on quality products
for your project. He or
she is the best source of information,
but you should play an active
role in the product selection
process. Ask questions
about different shingles such
as brand names, life span, thickness,
design, available colors and
warranties. Selecting the
best products is as important
to your job as selecting the
right contractor.
Step
4: Consider Enhancements
Whether
you're repairing a portion of
your roof or replacing it entirely,
now is the time to consider related
projects.
Perhaps you need new roof vents,
or gutters and downspouts. Even
more aesthetic additions, such
as enhanced high profile hip and
ridge shingles, or skylights, should
be reviewed. When done in
conjunction with a roofing project,
all of these enhancements are more
convenient and less expensive.
Step
5: Understanding and Negotiating
the Contract
Prior
to drafting a contract, most
roofing contractors will provide
you with either an estimate or
proposal.
An estimate typically provides
a single price, a generically described
product, a color and no options. A
proposal offers more detail with
a choice of products by brand name,
prices, services, and designs.
A proposal will normally offer
three options - good, better and
best- and include product samples
and literature. A contractor
who takes the time to prepare a
good proposal will most likely
do a more thorough roofing job. All
items to be accomplished should
be written as part of your contract. Get
it in writing...beware of verbal
promises.
When
a contract is presented, it should
spell out the proposed work,
prices and completion date. Read
the contract carefully. Misunderstandings
are the most common cause of
contract disputes. Pay
special attention to be certain
the following points are covered
in the contract.
- Building
Permits - What's necessary? Consider
local ordinances, costs, posting
requirements.
- Start
and Completion Dates -
including a plan of action
in case of weather delays.
- Products/Materials -
what will be used, brands, colors,
etc.
- Project
Inspections - number
of inspections, completion
timetable.
- Site
Procedures - work hours,
clean-up procedures on the
roof and around your home,
safety precautions, etc.
- Warranties -
including both workmanship and
product.
- Terms -
detailed as method of payment
to include a lien waiver upon
final payment.
- Liens -
You should be aware that under
the laws of most states, a contractor
who does work on your home, or
a supplier of materials for such
work, has a right to place a
lien on your property. Make
sure all essential elements of
your agreement are written down
and understood by both parties.
- Right-to-Rescind -
providing the right to cancel
the contract without penalty
within a set period of time (usually
three days).
Step
6: Sit Back and Relax
A
little well-planned research
up front will undoubtedly save
you a lot of time and trouble
later on.
Once you feel confident that you
have the best contractor, the best
products, the best value - simply
relax and let your contractor do
his job. Do, however, monitor
the progress of your project to
be certain your contractor lives
up to his superior reputation.
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