Roofs protect the things that matter most to any homeowner. The repair or replacement of a roof is a huge undertaking and the roofing industry is filled with companies looking to take advantage of homeowners in a variety of ways. This article is designed to help distinguish between a good roofer and a roofer who can bring problems to you and your family.
There are a number of details that a homeowner fails to notice when he is looking for a roofer. The difference between a contractor you can trust and one that will be a huge source of stress for you is found in the details that are so often overlooked by homeowners looking for a roofing contractor.
Documentation tells the real story
A contractor who is licensed and insured in your state is a good starting point. However, don’t just take their word for it. Check their license online at your state’s contractor database by entering in their license number. Also, make sure their insurance certificates list you as an additional insured for the duration of the project. If they are hesitant to provide documentation to
When researching different contractors make sure you verify their license and insurance before they start coming to your home. Most states have a contractor database on the state licensing board’s website where you can search for a roofer’s license by name and license number. Also make sure you verify the insurance company’s confirmation of the current insurance certificates with the correct named additional insureds for the duration of the project. Never accept a copy of a contractor’s license or insurance certificates. Verify directly with the state licensing board or insurance company. If the contractor hesitates or makes up excuses for not providing documentation, then immediately stop all communication and seek out another roofer.
Also, you need to check if the roofer has current workers’ compensation insurance. Many homeowners are under the impression that as long as the roofer is subcontracted out then they are not responsible if he gets hurt on the job. But that is not the case in most states. If a roofer gets hurt on your property then you can be held liable. Make sure the roofer has current workers’ compensation insurance to protect yourself from this type of financial loss. Ask for a current copy of the certificate of insurance and verify it by calling the insurance carrier. A photocopy of the certificate is easily altered and would not provide any assurance that the roofer is properly insured.
Local presence counts
The definition of a Storm Chaser is a roofer who travels from town to town following major weather events such as hurricanes, hail storms, and heavy rain events. He or she will set up temporary shop in hotels, P.O. box addresses, and other transient locations and will often utilize high-pressure sales tactics in order to secure the highest possible payment from the customer as they will rarely be returning to complete the work.
Look for roofing companies with a permanent local address – not a P.O. box or hotel room. If you live in Virginia Beach and need a reputable roofer, be sure to check for a local Virginia Beach address. Many long-time roofing company Virginia Beach professionals have a local supplier, and are even familiar with local building inspectors, which can save a homeowner a lot of time and problems if there are any issues with the roof in the future.
Red flags in pricing and sales tactics
Be wary of door-to-door solicitation. They are typically a fly-by-night roofer that is trying to get as much work done as quickly as possible to get out of town before all of the work is completed. Established roofers are usually very busy and are typically referred by previous customers.
Don’t hire any roofer who is willing to pay your insurance deductible for you. In most states this is considered to be insurance fraud and is against the law. The roofer is asking to commit a crime on your behalf. This is something to really think about in terms of how they would conduct business for the rest of the project.
Another red flag to watch for is how quickly a contractor can provide you with an estimate after inspecting your home. Any reputable roofer will take a close look at the underlayment, flashing, ventilation, etc. to provide an accurate estimate for repairs to your roof. A low bid is usually a ploy by the contractor to get the contract and then provide you with a long list of change orders to perform additional work to complete the contract properly. Be wary of contractors who can provide an estimate in minutes and always take a close look at the details in the estimate. Look for estimates that list the specific work to be done, the materials to be used, and the amount of time that will be charged for labor and for materials. Also, be sure to get everything in writing before you sign a contract with a contractor.
If a contractor won’t accept payment in a variety of ways, then they are limiting your options to only include those which do not protect you as a consumer. Legitimate businesses provide you with detailed invoices that itemize each portion of the bill.
Quality indicators go beyond the sales pitch
Ask for the names and contact information of recent customers and then contact them to find out how well the contractor did on their project. Ask to see pictures of completed work in your neighborhood.
Another characteristic to look for in roofers is that they have been trained by the manufacturers of the roofing materials. These manufacturers such as GAF, CertainTeed, and Owens Corning offer certification to contractors after they have completed training on the proper installation of their products. In order to receive certification, the roofer must agree to abide by the manufacturer’s standards for quality of work and installation.
A contractor who draws up a detailed proposal for your roof replacement will be conducting business in a professional manner. This will include a detailed list of the materials that will be used for your roof replacement, the amount of labor required to complete the job, the amount of time that it will take to complete the job, details of how the job will be cleaned up after completion, and the terms of the warranty on your new roof. A contractor who draws up an estimate that includes only vague round numbers rounded to the nearest hundred, should be avoided at all costs.
Communication patterns matter
Look for a contractor that can thoroughly and clearly describe a contract for repair of damage to your home. They should be able to explain what work will be done, and answer any of your questions regarding the repairs. If the contractor seems to be evading your questions or is trying to rush you into signing a contract quickly, then they are likely trying to take advantage of you. This is not the type of person that you want working on your home.
How a contractor markets himself for a project is a good indicator of how he will complete the project. He should be able to tell you step by step all of the work that will be completed with your project. The contractor should be able to tell you about all of the different materials that are on the market today, and help you to pick the best materials for your home. He should also be able to answer all of your questions, and never make you feel rushed into signing a contract to have work done on your home. Many skilled roofers are very proud of the work that they do and will complete your project to the highest standards possible. They will also make sure that you are completely satisfied with the work that was completed on your home before they ask for payment for the work that they did.
Trust your instincts
Most importantly, trust your gut. Just because someone has a license or a great website doesn’t mean you should hire them. Don’t fall prey to pressure sales tactics, either.
They are trying to push you into signing a contract right away. Skilled professionals in the roofing industry take great pride in their work. They understand that a roof replacement is a large investment and they want to ensure that the homeowner has sufficient time to review the contractor’s written proposal, check the contractor’s references and make an informed decision.
There are many skilled roofing professionals who take great pride in their work. To protect your home from further damage and to protect your investment, look for these key indicators of a trustworthy contractor.
