800 Inspections

There are many services that a roofing contractor can offer, from roof repairs to cleaning to complete roof installations.  Some contractors also repair attic ventilation, gutters, siding, chimneys, skylights, satellite dishes and other installations that are related to your home’s roofing system.  Whether they are installing roof shingles or cleaning the algae off the top of your roof, it is important to find the contractors who are right for the job. The right experts will be able to diagnose your roofing needs and service your home in an efficient and professional manner. Finding experienced, knowledgeable contractors is the most important step you can take as a homeowner to ensure a long life for your roof and the best protection for you, your family and your home.

When you are hiring someone to perform roof repairs or install a new roof for you, you obviously want to find someone who can provide you with a good product at a fair price, without any sort of hassle or headache.  Unfortunately, everyone will claim they are experts at installing roof systems and doing the repairs and cleaning, but they are not all what they claim to be.  A job undertaken by amateur roofers will cost you time, money and aggravation. This puts the burden on you, the homeowner, to find out if any given contractor is right to perform the necessary work on your roof. 

You want to be sure that your roofer is certified and licensed in your state, and that they can provide proof of insurance and a list of at least three recent references.  When contacting references, be sure to ask how long ago the client received service from the contractor and what kind of service was done. Your contractor should have good, current (within the last year) references to offer. References years old or from far-off places should be regarded with just suspicion.

The company’s liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance are particularly important, so be sure to see proof of these insurance policies. A good contractor will be accustomed to providing this information, and will be interested in giving you the assurance you need to proceed with the project, including a timeline for completion of the project and a sample contractual agreement between client and contractor.  They should also be knowledgeable about everything from attic ventilation to roof cleaning to the latest shingles and other roofing materials, as well knowing about the symptoms and corrective actions to take for black mold and other serious roofing issues.  The contractor you choose should be able to provide you with a business address and phone number as well, so you know they are established. Finally, consider checking with local reviewer websites as well as the Better Business Bureau to get additional perspective on your prospective roofers.

Finding the right roofing contractor is important, whether you’re doing minor roof repairs or replacing the roof altogether.  So be sure to do your research and take the time to find the company that is right for you.

By: Groshan Fabiola

About the Author:

CMAs (Comparative Market Analysis) Or BPOs (Broker Price Opinions)