How to Find a Roofer That Is Reliable and Qualified

Are you wondering how to find a roofer that is reputable and honest? Not to worry! We’ll go over what questions to ask roofing contractors and what to check off your list during the search.

Want to learn more? Keep reading to find out.

Ask Friends and Family for Recommendations

When you ask for a referral from someone, you have a higher chance of working with a reputable company. Ask your network to recommend local roofers from your community.

Research the Contractors

With your list of names, look them up online to check out their Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating. See if they have a strong score on the BBB website.

Having certifications isn’t always required, but it’s a good sign when a company has one.

If they have won awards, you know the company cares about its reputation and work. They aim to be the best in the roofing industry.

If your network didn’t have a lot of roofers to recommend, you could find more roofers on the BBB directory.

Have a Meeting

Consider meeting the contractors and speaking with them face to face. You’ll want to talk about the roofing job, what materials they will use, and how long the job will take.

When chatting with the contractor, notice if they are knowledgeable and professional. You want to deal with someone who is an experienced roofer. Ask them about their previous jobs and how long they have been in the business.

Give yourself the freedom to ask a lot of questions during the meeting. Even though they are the expert, you want to feel heard and not removed from the process.

Where Is Their Business?

Some roofing companies pop up after a massive storm. You don’t want to work with them.

Instead, ask for the company’s physical address and telephone number. Contractors who go door to door don’t always have the accreditation or licensing they need.

If a company had a physical location for a couple of years, they have managed to establish their business.

Is There a Warranty?

When you chat with the contractor, ask them if they offer a workmanship warranty. For example, if they install the roof and make mistakes, the damage might not show up for years. Insurance won’t cover these mistakes.

If your contractor won’t fix it or no longer works in the roofing business, you will end up footing the bill yourself.

Consider Work Safety Issues

If the contractor you have in mind doesn’t have a safety program, you might want to reconsider hiring them. Look for a team that has had safety training already.

You can ask them about their training and safety programs. If they can’t explain how they keep their workers safe, look to hire someone else.

Does the Contractor Have Insurance and Proper Licensing?

Your roofing contractor will need insurance for their subcontractors and employees. You will want to see a copy of their insurance certificate.

In some states, contractors must have a roofing license. Yet, unlicensed contractors will still try and complete roofing jobs.

Do you live in a state where roofing contractors need a license? If so, ask to see a copy.

Ask for a Contract

Before any work gets done on your roof, you should ask for a written contract that you both sign.

Ask that it includes details like liability, safety procedures, and workers’ compensation. Payment amounts, clean-up methods, and the schedule should also get listed.

You can also ask for a lien waiver to protect you if the contractor doesn’t pay the vendor.

Are They Good Communicators?

How do they respond to your calls? Do they get back to you if they miss your call, or is there a long delay? When you need paperwork sent over, is it done right away?

If they aren’t great at communicating, you’ll want to consider looking elsewhere. You want to work with someone who’s committed to your project.

Also, you’ll want to make sure there aren’t any hidden fees. Ask if they can give you an approximate quote. The final price won’t be the same but should be close.

You can also ask to find out more about the company’s protocol. Do you pay beforehand or after they do the job? Find out the methods of payment and if there are any processing fees.

What Kind of Materials Do They Offer?

Some companies only offer one material. Avoid these companies and look for one that specializes in more than one type of roof.

If you want something that is an energy-efficient material, let them know when you meet with them.

Work with a company that offers variety. This way, you can select an appealing and sturdy roof. The quality and appearance of your roof will affect the resale value of your home.

Give yourself enough time to search until you find a reputable company. Learn more about how to find local roofing contractors.

Now You Know How to Find a Roofer

We hope you found this guide on finding roofing contractors helpful. Take the time to ask for recommendations, meet face to face, and get a written contract. Keep looking until you find a roofer that you trust.

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