For the past couple of months, it has been the rainy season in my neck of the woods. Now, I am not complaining about that, since the alternative form of precipitation would have been snow, and that is just no fun. But still, this much rain will let you know quickly if your roof is not up to the task at hand. Hiring the right roofing contractor can make all the difference in the world between a nice new roof and a nightmare.
For that reason, here are some tips to help you choose the right roofing contractor.
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Tips on Hiring the Right Roofing Contractor
Choose a Local Contractor
Many times roofing contractors will work in an area that has been by storms or other forms of bad weather. While there are reputable companies that engage in this practice, your roofing needs will be better served if you find a local company. For example, if you live in the Tampa area, you’ll want to look for the best roofers Tampa has to offer, or wherever you happen to live.
This is especially important since new roofs will often come with a warranty, and you will be best served if there is a problem with a company in your area. Otherwise, you may never see that company again.
Make Sure the Roofer is Insured
It is important that the roofer you contract for your job has the right insurance and worker’s compensation for their employees. Don’t be afraid to ask for proof of the certificates. While you are at it, call their insurance company and make sure that the policies are still valid.
Doing this not only protects your property in the event of a problem, but it also serves to keep the contractors on an even playing field when it comes to pricing a job. You want a fair price, both for you and the contractor.
Don’t Be Led Astray by the Price
Speaking of a fair price, don’t let the lure of a low estimate let you make a bad decision. While getting someone who can do your work as a side job for them, these types of situations are often done by those without the proper support for problems down the road.
The end result is that you end up paying again out of pocket for roof issues that would have otherwise been covered by a workman’s guarantee from a more established company.
Get Everything in Writing
You will want to get all of the details about your roofing job in writing before the job is started. A written contract is the best tool that both homeowner and contractor can use to properly manage expectations, so you should definitely employ one for your project.
The written contract should specify the expectations of the homeowner, and a proper recourse in the event that such satisfaction is not reasonably delivered at the project’s end.
You will also want to make sure that both the start and end dates are spelled in in exact terms. It’s usually important to take care of a roofing problem in a reasonable timeframe and specifying the completion date before work is started will ensure that the homeowner is not risking his property due to negligent actions concerning the roof.
With a little research and common sense, you should find that hiring a roofing contractor for your project is a simple task. I hope that these tips can help you prepare for the job at hand, and just remember, your home is your biggest investment – it deserves the right roofing contractor.