It’s inevitable — eventually, your home will need a roof replacement. While repairs can help to extend the life of a roof, eventually time and the elements will lead to the need for a full replacement.
Homeowners will often put this project off, due to the cost investment, time, or lack of knowing who to hire to do the job right. But the right contractor, a trustworthy contractor, will make the money and time worth it in the long run. They will help give you a roof that will increase the lifespan of your home.
So, the solution to these problems becomes finding the right contractor. But how do you go about that? Allowing anyone into your home is personal, so here are eight things to look for when choosing a top-notch and trusted roofing contractor, which can help you be certain you chose the right professional for your home.
1. Check for Licensing and Insurance
Any contractor you let work on your home needs to have the proper licensing in its state and should carry insurance. They should have insurance that covers your home in the event of an accident and covers their employees should any incidents occur.
As the homeowner, all accidents that occur on your property that are not properly covered by the contractor’s insurance can become your responsibility.
Instead of worrying, gain peace of mind by ensuring that your contractor’s insurance covers your home and all involved in the process. Proper licensing also helps to confirm that a contractor will perform a solid roof replacement. Feel free to ask for a contractor’s license number so you can verify they truly are licensed.
2. Look at Past Reviews
No matter how much a contractor touts their abilities, the most reliable source for their services is previous clients. Ask the contractors you consider to provide references. Search their site and third-party sights like Yelp for reviews. Third-party sites will offer all references, the good and bad.
Look for keywords in reviews like:
- Trustworthy
- Timely
- Honest
- Respectful
- Great communicator
These words will indicate you are working with a contractor who will provide the services they advertise and will listen to your needs.
3. Run from Pushy
We know that a pushy salesman is obnoxious and likely a turnoff already, but when a contractor is pushy, run for the hills! You should never feel pressured in the moment to sign a contract or agree to a service.
A trustworthy contractor will have no problem with questions or you seeking out options for a professional to hire. They will have confidence in their work and desire that you feel confident when you hire them. Rather than be pushy, a trustworthy contractor will assess your roofing needs and provide you with recommendations.
4. Enlist Quality Over Price
Cheap prices, more often than not, equate to cheap work. Too good to be true prices should be something to be wary of. And if you base your roofing replacement decision solely on cost, you will end up with a less-than-ideal replacement. When it comes to an investment as important as your roof, ensure that you search for quality over price.
5. Review Materials a Roofer Installs
Every roofing contractor will have preferred materials they install. And the quality of materials they choose can be an indication of the quality of work they will provide as well as the overall quality of the installation.
Review the specific materials a roofer specializes in, and do your research to make sure it’s a product you want on your home.
On top of just the material, you should ensure that the roofer offers:
- Materials with a product warranty
- Warranties on workmanship
- Tips for how to maintain your roof
- Roofing addition options (such as gutters)
6. Certifications and Affiliations
Look for company affiliations. Are they involved in roofing associations? Are they accredited with the Better Business Bureau? These affiliations help to provide credibility and can give you insight into the work of a company.
The same goes for certifications. Having a company certified by a manufacturer means they are specifically qualified to handle that product properly. They don’t just install the product; they have the seal of approval from the manufacturer itself.
7. Do Not Pay in Advance
Payment schedules can differ from contractor to contractor, which can make it difficult to know when to pay what amount. However, a contractor should never ask for full payment upfront. With any construction project, payments are made after major milestones in the project, and the final payment is made after project completion.
8. Interview Three or More Prospects
Finding the perfect roofing contractor for your home takes time and effort. You should never hire the first contractor you interview without interviewing other options to know the various prices, products, timelines, and quality of work you will get.
The more roofing contractors you interview, the better. But eventually, you’ll have to hire a contractor. We recommend interviewing at least three different contractors before making your selection. This helps provide a scope of what you will get in a roof replacement and what it will cost.
We Desire to Be the Contractor for Your Roofing Replacement
Our goal is to help you achieve a home you can be proud of and feel peace of mind about. We understand that roofing problems can be stressful, but our team is certified and licensed to properly install your roof replacement.
Our professional roof installation team at Refined Exteriors is trustworthy, on time for their appointments, and great communicators to make sure your roofing replacement meets your specific needs. We are ready to help. Schedule a free consultation with our roofing contractors to learn more about how we can give you a roof that will protect your Denver area home for years to come.