A roof, undeniably, is one of the most integral parts of the home. In addition, the first thing people typically observe when they visit a house is its roof. A poorly maintained roof is a huge turn-off for potential visitors and leaves a negative impression of your property.
Perhaps that’s why the roof, more often than not, requires attention, i.e., repair and maintenance, after getting exposed to extreme weather conditions. And in some cases, you may need to replace it altogether once it surpasses its lifetime.
Nonetheless, it’s relevant to note that replacing and repairing roofs are substantial investments. According to recent data, minor roof repairs typically range from $150 to $400. And if we talk about significant ones, these costs can go up to $7,000.
Given this, it’s more crucial than ever to engage the services of highly skilled commercial roofers. Whether you’re on the market to get the roof repaired or get some issues fixed, you must make the best and well-informed decision. While numerous roofing companies exist, not all are equal. You want to hire a qualified contractor who doesn’t require you to break the bank.Â
We have rounded up some critical factors you should consider when hiring the contractor for your next project:
1. Check Online Reviews
It doesn’t take many resources to begin a roofing company – a ladder, truck, phone, and essential tools are needed at the minimum. However, a contractor with these barebone essentials doesn’t ensure a reliable business. And if you live in Arlington Heights, a village in Illinois, where roofs are susceptible to intense winds, snow, and rain and where it takes approximately $500 to repair a roof, it gives more reasons to research.
Looking up what customers have to say about roofers in Arlington Heights speaks volumes about that contractor. Not only this, but you can also find the best and most trustworthy company for roof restoration or replacement by reading testimonials. Eventually, you’ll find a reliable roofing company in Arlington Heights in no time.
So, read testimonials and check for patterns in the comments. For instance, if you observe a positive characteristic such as excellent customer service about a contractor, it’s safe to assume it’s true about the company. Likewise, if there’s something that seems odd, it probably implies there’s risk lurking behind the façade.
2. Determine Experience
Roofing jobs require a specialized skillset refined through years of experience. So, when looking for the best roofing company, prioritize those with extensive experience. For instance, many, if not all, contractors can repair and embed asphalt shingles. But only a few have the expertise to work with natural slate, cedar shake, and clay tiles.
Therefore, when looking for the best contractor for the roofing job, check their websites to determine their experience level. Go to the project gallery section of the website and check how many projects they have done so far and how many years they have been in the roofing industry. Also, explore the type of roofing projects they have done.
Settling on a contractor that has completed several repair and installation projects is an excellent way to ensure quality work. Not only this, but these contractors can also prevent structural damage to the property during the replacement or repair job.
3. Check License and Insurance Documents
While determining experience is essential, it’s equally important, if not more, to confirm the contractor’s legitimacy. For this reason, check whether the potential roofing contractor has the license and permit to work in the applicable areas. Also, inquire about their tax identification number and verify if they have a physical office location alongside a website.
In addition, ask for proof of insurance. Accidents can happen anytime, even when the roofing contractors practice safety protocols. In such circumstances, having an insured contractor in your corner will help save the medical costs if any worker sustains an injury. But if you opt for an uninsured roofing contractor, you may risk legal action if a worker gets injured on your property.
4. Seek Price Estimates
Once you have researched and checked the experience level of prospective contractors, it’s time to seek price estimates. Check the pricing of each company and determine the scope of work. Inquire about the services and keep an eye out for cost discrepancies. It will help simplify the process of hiring.
Although being a customer, you may want to hire a contractor with the lowest price. However, when it comes to the roof, the first line of defense against various elements, seeking an inexpensive option can put your house at stake. For instance, the use of inappropriate materials or incorrect installation of the roof may cause damage to the interior. Similarly, poor craftsmanship may mean substantial bills down the line.
So, be wary when the price estimates are significantly lesser than the others. And if you feel dubious, follow the old proverb – if sounds too good to be true, it most likely is.
5. Go Through the Written Contract
After you have narrowed down the list and selected a contractor, ensure to draft a contract between you – the homeowner, and the roofing company. However, if a roofing contractor is reluctant or downright denies signing the contract, consider looking for another option. That’s because it’s a massive red flag and can lead to various problems. Any skilled and professional contractor will be more than willing to make a deal.
Moreover, ensure that the written contract contains all the details regarding the project and the scope of the work. For instance, it should encompass the description of materials, information about subcontractors, project timelines, and payment methods. Not only this, but it should also include post-work clean-up details. If these details are not a part of the contract, ensure to get it in writing before you sign the dotted line.
Working with a roofing contractor that offers a comprehensive contract can help comprehend the role of both parties. This way, you can avoid misunderstandings brought on by miscommunication.
Conclusion
The roof of your house is a crucial building component. So, address issues such as cracks, water leaks, and deterioration from weathering as immediately as possible. Professional and skilled roofing contractors can assist in eradicating these issues and protect your property from further damage. However, whether you require a full-fledged roof replacement or a few repairs, choosing the right contractor is imperative. So, meticulously vet potential candidates and gather all the necessary information about them. Ask for proof of insurance and determine whether your intended contractor possesses licenses. With these pointers in mind, you will be well on your way to hiring a reliable roofing contractor.
