Having your roof repaired or replaced is one of the most important investments you’ll make as a homeowner. After all, your roof is your home’s first line of defense from the elements and also adds to the overall aesthetic value of the house.
There are many roofing companies out there but not all of them are alike. You’ll want to use discretion in your search to ensure you get the best experienced and qualified residential roofers. But how do you choose? Here are a few ways you can know you’re getting a great roofer:
1. Properly Licensed and Insured
Roofing is a dangerous job and so many things can go wrong during a project. You want to work with a contractor who holds the correct local licenses and permits for the job.
Insurance is also critical as you might end up being liable if your property is damaged or a technician is hurt. Make sure the contractor is fully insured, with both general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
2. They are Local
It’s beneficial to hire a roofer who operates locally and has a history working in your area. First, they’ll be acquainted with local building codes, as well as weather conditions and climate of the area. With this, the contractor will be able to give recommendations and provide the best solutions for your roofing needs.
Many roofers will provide a workmanship warranty to protect you if there are issues with their work in the future. While a workmanship warranty is great, it won’t be any good if you discover a problem but the company suddenly goes out of business or you simply can’t track them down. With a local roofer it’s likely they’ll still be in your area and won’t bail on you if there’s an issue with their work.
3. They Have Good Reviews and Can Offer References
Reviews and references from homeowners who worked with the contractor are one of the easiest ways to learn about a company. You can also read testimonials, browse the contractor’s website to see examples of their work, and get in touch with previous customers to verify just how capable the contractor is.
If the roofing company has done other roofs in your neighborhood and people you trust recommend them, they likely have good customer service and carry out high-quality work.
4. They Should Have Good Communication
Lack of communication causes many projects to fail. No one likes to work with a roofer who takes days to return a call or doesn’t follow up unless you force them to.
The best contractor is the one who will promptly return your calls, texts, and emails, keep you updated about the project, and answer any questions you have. They are easy to communicate with and strive to devote their time and attention to your roofing needs.
5. Their Roof Inspection is Thorough
The best roofing contractor should do a thorough inspection of your roof and its components without making any guesses. An interior inspection checks for proper ventilation, insulation, as well as mold and moisture. Exterior inspections involve going up on your roof to check for proper flashing, leaks, and the overall condition of your roof.
A good contractor is very thorough in what they look at and gives a detailed report of their findings.
6. They Don’t Ask for Payment Upfront
You only get your paycheck after you’ve punched the clock – why would a roofing contractor get paid before the work even begins? If a roofer asks for full upfront payment, they may not be trustworthy. Roof replacement or repair is a big investment and you shouldn’t have to worry if your contractor is doing a poor job. While making a deposit upfront is reasonable, withholding full payment until the work is done is one of the best ways to ensure you’re completely satisfied with the job.
7. They Give You a Detailed Written Estimate
Never sign a contract with just a verbal estimate. A reliable roofing contractor will provide the details of the job and pricing in writing.
What’s more, you should be able to read it, understand the payment terms, the complete scope of work, and the expected time frame. If the contractor isn’t willing or able to provide a detailed estimate, this should be cause for concern.
8. Their Cost is Fair
Price is certainly important, but it should never be the single determining factor when deciding between two roofing companies. While it can be tempting to go with the lowest bid, making the wrong choice can cause lots of problems.
The cheaper contractor may not be licensed, have lower-quality materials, or just do a bad job. You don’t want to end up paying more to fix their shoddy work or replace your roof in just a few years.
You should choose a roofing company based on their reputation and the quality of work they do. They may cost a bit more than another contractor, but a few extra dollars can mean the world in service, expertise, and quality.
Adam Vaillancourt, Your Local Roofing Expert
Adam Vaillancourt is available for all your roofing needs in Southern New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts area. We’re a licensed, fully insured, and locally owned company with ties to the community. Our craftsmen take pride in their high level of training, roofing certifications, and top-notch service.
Whether you need a full roof replacement or roof repair, we’re happy to answer your questions about the materials we use, our process, and past jobs we’ve completed in the area.
Our products and services are of the highest quality. With the best warranties in the business, you can rest assured we’ll give you a beautiful, well-built roof to stand the test of time. If you’d like to get an estimate or to know if Adam Vaillancourt Roofing is the best contractor for your project, contact us today!
