Choosing A Roofing Contractor – Everything You Need To Know

You’ve just realized that your roof needs to be replaced – you know this is a big job, and you want to ensure you hire the right roofing contractor. But with so many companies, how do you decide which is right for you? It’s more than just picking someone who has a good reputation and seems to know what they’re doing. You want to ensure that you are getting the best service possible, which means taking the time to research all your options. This guide will help you do just that by providing detailed information on what to look for in a roofing contractor and how to compare prices and choose the right one. 

So, whether you are in the market for a new roof or need repairs, read on!

Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor For Your Home

When it comes time to replace your roof, you want to be sure you’re working with a reputable, qualified contractor. After all, your roof is one of the most important parts of your home, and you want to be sure it’s in good hands. Here are five things you should look for when choosing a roofing contractor.

  • Good Reputation

The first thing you should do when vetting potential contractors is to check their reputation. Talk to friends, family, and neighbors who have had work done recently and see if they have any recommendations. Once you have a few names, check customer reviews online. Be sure to pay attention to positive and negative reviews to get a well-rounded view of the contractor’s work. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if there are any unresolved complaints against the contractor. 

A quick Google search will reveal tons of reviews from past customers for local and national companies (ensure you’re reading reviews from credible sources). But if you want an unbiased opinion, reach out to your friends, family members, or neighbors and ask them if they’ve ever used either type of contractor before, and if so, who would they recommend? 

  • Proper Licensing and Insurance 

All reputable contractors will be properly licensed and insured. Contact your state’s licensing board or department of consumer affairs to confirm that your contractor is licensed. You should also ask for proof of insurance—specifically general liability and workers’ compensation insurance—and confirm that it is up to date. Don’t hesitate to call the insurance company directly to verify that the coverage is active and that there are no lapses in coverage. 

  • A Detailed Estimate 

When you receive an estimate from a potential contractor, ensure it is detailed and itemized. The estimate should list all materials they will use, labor costs, permits, etc. It’s also helpful if the estimate includes a timeline for completing the work. A detailed estimate will help ensure everything runs smoothly once work gets underway. 

  • Warranties and Guarantees 

Reputable contractors stand behind their work and offer some form of warranty or guarantee on their labor and materials. Be sure to ask about what kind of warranties or guarantees are offered before making your final decision—you’ll want to know that your investment is protected in case of unforeseen problems. 

  • Pricing 

One of the biggest differences between local and national roofing companies is pricing. Local roofers mostly charge by the square foot, while national roofers usually charge by the job. If you have a small roof, you may pay less per square foot with a local company. However, if you have a large or complex roof, you may get a better price with a national company. You should also understand that local companies may be more likely to offer discounts or specials than national companies. If price is your primary concern, it’s worth reaching out to local and national companies to see who can give you the best deal. 

  • Service Areas 

Another critical difference between these two types of companies is their service areas. Local roofers will only work in a certain geographic area, while national roofers have crews across the country. This means that if you live in an area prone to severe weather conditions, hiring a national company may be your best bet because they’ll be able to send crews to your location more quickly in an emergency. 

On the other hand, hiring a reputable local company is fine if you want someone to install a new roof on your home. Working with a local company has its benefits (more on that below). It depends on your specific needs as to which company would be better for you. 

  • Communication 

Regarding communication, local companies have an advantage over their national counterparts. That’s because when you work with a local company, you deal with people who live and work in your community. This means they’re more invested in providing good customer service because they rely on word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied customers to grow their business. On the other hand, national companies are often so large that they can be impersonal and difficult to get in touch with when you need them. So, if good communication is important to you, consider hiring a local contractor. 

Rounding Up

Now that you know what to look for in a roofing contractor, it’s time to start your search. The best way to find a reputable contractor is to ask friends and family for recommendations. You can also do market research online if you have not gotten any personal recommendations. Once you’ve found a few contractors you’re interested in working with, ask for insurance information. This will protect you in case of any accidents or damage during the roofing process. With a little bit of effort, you should be able to find the perfect roofing contractor for your home.