The Roofing Company you can trust! Call for a free estimate
239-540-2443 • 239-567-7223
The Roofing Company you can trust! Call for a free estimate
239-540-2443 • 239-567-7223
Finding a Roofing Contractor
1. THEY MUST HAVE PROPER INSURANCE
Worker’s compensation and liability insurance are both absolutely mandatory. Ask for proof and contact the insurance carrier to confirm validity.
This allows you to compare bids fairly, as no contractor will be able to lowball you based on their lack of proper insurance payments. No matter which roofing contractor you choose, you can rest assured that every worker is covered by the contractors liability insurance.
2. Stay With a local contractor
Make sure that the company that you choose is local. This means that they are not just operating locally now, but have an established business and reputation in the community.
We have had many calls from customers that have problems within the standard five-year warranty period. The company that they chose to install their roof closed, moved or vanished. It is very easy to provide a piece of paper, but the warranty is only as good as the longevity and reputation of the roofing company.
3. Beware of the Lowest Price
Never choose a company based on price. Cheap bids drive down the market and anyone with overhead and proper insurance has to establish pricing to cover such costs.
Those that do work on the side or are just working out of a pick-up truck can always do the work cheaper. But in the long run, you get what you pay for. Customers that are sold on price as their sole criteria ultimately end up spending more money to fix problems, and many of these problems would have been covered under a workmanship guarantee by a reputable established roofing company.
4. Steer Clear of storm chasers
Steer clear of the knock-on-the-door, “We were in your neighborhood” roofers. This is just canvassing and selling. Pick a roofer from a referral or a sign in your area that has a satisfied client on the other end.
If you are approached by this technique, call your agent and ask for a recommendation. The majority of these roofers will tell you that you have storm damage and have you sign a letter of intent. Don’t be pressured by forceful tactics. You never have to sign an intent letter. Wait to see the contracts and take your time in reviewing.
5. Demand job details in writing
Both belong to you and you should be in control. We suggest that you don’t give funds until the work is complete. Make sure that you are satisfied with the result and that the terms of payment were discussed prior to the job and adhered to by both parties.
Make sure that you ask how long a job will take. You need to have a clear idea of what size crew that they have and a completion day.
6. Don’t suffer bad communication silently.
Did they return your calls? Did they send the documentation that you asked them to send? Did they follow through? If you answered “no” to these questions, then make sure you communicate your concerns to the company representative.
If they still can’t make good, walk away. Communication is key to every business. If you aren’t getting what you need on the front end when they are trying to get your business, what will happen once you have committed the work to them?
