Need to hire a roofer near you? Don’t despair. Finding a roofer is easy when you know what qualities to look for and what questions to ask. If you have never needed to find a professional roofing contractor before, you may find it difficult without assistance. That is why we have come up with five tips for choosing a roofer who is trustworthy and experienced.
Let’s have a look.
Do Some Research
One gift of modern-day technology is that ability to ask anyone from anywhere questions and get information about a business in the blink of an eye. So, get in touch with your inner private eye. The first people you should reach out to are your family and friends. Get their recommendations. If that does not yield any results, go online, post to message boards or on a social network. Ask people who live locally.
After you get enough recommendations or find a business nearby that sounds promising, you need to see testimonials. Google is great, because you can see reviews and ratings in the search results and even in Google Maps. Go onto the business website for testimonials. Then try other private rating sites, like Angie’s List, for more information.
Go Local
There is one good reason for finding a local contractor: they have repute within the community. Most local contractors have a group of loyal customers who keep coming back, keeping them open for years and years, despite hardships. If you find a local group with plenty of experience, they will also have a fleshed-out website and testimonials, before and after pictures, and contact information available.
Another reason to choose a trusted local business? They won’t vanish. Many people go with a new business only to find them close or move away, leaving them with a poor-quality roof and no warranty.
Licensing and Insurance is a Must
Always work with a contractor who is licensed, insured, and knowledgeable in local regulations and building codes. If your area does not require roofers to be licensed, they should at least have insurance that proves their legitimacy as a business or independent contractor. Without insurance, should the contractor or their employees get injured on your property, you will be the one forced to pay for the expenses.
Do Not Choose The Cheapest Quote
As tempting as it is, the price is not priority. Sure, you want to stay within budget, but going to the cheapest quote is bound to disappoint. You get what you pay for.
While doing your preliminary research, see the typical costs of the job you need done. A decent contractor will give a similar estimate. This ensures you that the contractor is offering competitive pricing and will do everything to the best of their ability.
Manufacturer Designations
Lastly, look for contractors with manufacturer designations, or credentials from trusted roofing brands. In order to get these designations, the contractors will be highly skilled and experienced. Plus, to maintain the designation, the roofer must be licensed, insured, and keep a high standard of workmanship throughout the years.
As you can see, choosing a roofer for your next roofing project is not difficult. You simply need to know what to ask the roofer about. Touch on their credentials, education, insurance, and pricing before making a choice. Do that, and you will find someone trustworthy and reliable.
