Choosing the right roofing contractor has a direct impact on the process and outcome of your roofing project. A reputable and reliable contractor will display a high level of professionalism and employ skilled, highly trained roofers who have the expertise to tackle various kinds of roofing projects. As a result, you can expect a longer-lasting installation and a smooth, hassle-free process.
To ensure that you make the right choice, here is what to look for in a roofer.
Choose a Reliable Roofing Contractor that Meets Your Needs
Finding the right roofing contractor is crucial for a successful and stress-free roofing project. Contact us today to discuss your roofing needs and experience the difference of working with a trusted and skilled team.
Researching Potential Contractors
When you’re looking for a roofing contractor, you’ll want to start with a wide pool to increase the chances of finding a roofer that suits your exact needs. One of the best ways to start the process is by doing an online search for the roofing contractors in your area so you can see all your options at once.
You can also get in contact with a professional roofing contractors association and ask for recommendations for reputable roofers.
Once you’ve selected your potential contractors, narrow your search by looking into each one. Look for the type of roofing services they specialize in and determine if that scope falls in line with your needs. Check out their website, read the reviews and ask around about them to gain a better understanding of their processes and the quality of their work.
Checking Contractor Credentials
Consider checking the credentials of a potential roofing contractor to ensure that they are skilled and reliable. When a roofing company is certified, it means that they have proved their knowledge and expertise in the field by passing numerous tests. A certified roofer will know all the latest roofing practices and provide services that meet established standards.
Another thing you can inquire about is whether the roofing contractor is insured. Roofers carry insurance to protect their workers and equipment as well as your property. They usually have two essential types of insurance — liability insurance, which covers any damage done to your property or injuries to you, and workers’ compensation, which covers medical services for injured workers and lost wages.
You can check a roofer’s credentials by asking them to provide proof of certification and insurance.
Checking References and Reviews
Asking for references from a roofing contractor is an excellent way of gaining insight into their quality of work and building trust. Start by asking for at least three references from the past three to six months. A reliable roofing contractor will be more than happy to provide this information since they have complete confidence in their services.
When you get in contact with the references, consider asking them questions such as the following:
- What was it like working with the contractor?
- Was the team transparent throughout the process?
- Were there any issues? If so, how were they handled?
- Were you satisfied with the results?
- Would you hire the contractor again?
Answers to these questions will give you the information you need to form a better picture of the roofing contractor’s performance.
Checking the roofing company’s online reviews can also give you a better understanding of the experience other clients had when working with them. When you read previous clients’ testimonials, you will get to see everything, including the contractor’s strengths and shortcomings.
Meeting With Potential Contractors
Meeting with potential contractors in person is great for discussing your needs and getting a feel for how they work. You will also get an opportunity to ask all the questions you may have and discuss any concerns regarding your project. Their responses and overall input will give you a clear picture of their communication skills and industry knowledge.
Good communication should be one of the things you look for in a roofer because it is important to be able to convey ideas and instructions while getting honest updates from their side. If the contractor has extensive experience in the field, you will be able to discern that from what they say during the meeting.
Getting a Written Contract
When looking for a roofing company, you should choose a roofer that provides a written contract with their scope of work and other important factors. A written agreement is a clear sign that the roofer is legitimate and will give you peace of mind before you hire them. You will also have a solid point of reference if any issues occur. Here are a few essential terms that should be included in the contract:
- Timelines: A good contractor will be honest about their availability. They will also be able to give you an estimate of the duration of the project, with small exceptions made for adverse weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances.
- Business details: A roofing company should include basic information in the written contract, such as the company’s credentials, required permits and physical address.
- Scope of work: In the written contract, the roofer should specify what they will be doing when working on your roof and the materials they will use.
- Provisions for unexpected events: While working on your roof, a contractor may experience unforeseen circumstances. When this happens, they may require extra materials to complete the project, which means added costs. It is essential for the contractor to include an estimate for unexpected circumstances.
- Payment terms: Payment terms will vary from one contractor to another. The contract should clearly detail the payment terms of that specific roofing company, letting you know when certain payments should be made and how.
Understanding Payment Terms
It is important to be clear on the payment terms and conditions involved when choosing a roofing contractor. Without a good understanding of your agreement, you may find yourself having to pay additional costs down the line. Depending on the contract, payment terms will likely include a reasonable deposit, with subsequent payments whenever the roofer meets certain milestones. The payment terms on a contract usually detail the amount, payment schedule and method.
Review the contract related to the project thoroughly before signing it. Look through the terms carefully and ask questions whenever you encounter anything that is unclear. Understanding the structure of the payments will protect you from financial risk and unexpected costs.
Choose Equity Builders Roofing for All Your Roofing Needs
When it comes to choosing a roofing company, you want to ensure that you find a reliable roofer that will deliver excellent results. Once you’ve identified all your options, you can work through the steps above to choose the contractor that will work best for you. No matter the scope of the project, it is important to check credentials, meet with the contractors and thoroughly review the contract they provide before making a final decision.
Taking all of these things into account will help you find a roofing contractor you can trust. At Equity Builders Roofing, we have decades of experience providing expert commercial and residential roofing services working on various types of roofs in Bloomington, Indiana, and beyond. As a fully certified and insured roofing company with an outstanding reputation in the local community, we use safe practices and quality materials when completing your roofing project.
Contact us online to schedule a free roof consultation.