Whether you're looking for a residential roofing contractor for a simple repair or you want to replace or update an existing roof, finding the company with the right experience is usually not that difficult. Here are a few things to remember so you can ensure that you're getting the right residential roofing contractor for the job.
We all know that Southern California can occasionally have some damaging weather that can cause serious problems for homeowners- take for example, all the problems that Santa Ana Winds can cause. Simple wind damage is only the beginning, add to that the risk of wildfires and it is no wonder that many homeowners are starting to talk to residential roofing contractors about their potential risk of serious property loss. A residential roofing contractor has quite a bit of knowledge about what homeowners can do to protect their home's from the elements as well as how to make their roofs more fire resistant.
I remember back in October, 2008 when some friends of mine had to be evacuated from the San Fernando Valley Wildfire. They came and stayed with us, praying that their home would not be lost. After it was over, we went back to help them assess the damage. As we got closer, I started to think that there was no chance they were still there, but it was. Unfortunately, none of their neighbor's homes had made it through the blaze. Theirs was one of only a dozen homes in the sub-division that had a metal roof; when first restoring their home, the metal roof was their least favorite feature– but after that day they were glad that the residential roofing contractor that had replaced their old shake roof had not given them the option.
So here are some things to look for in a residential roofing contractor: All contractors, including a residential roofers, are required to be licensed and insured by the State of California. If you happen to find one that will not give evidence to prove they are, send them down the road. Also, a residential roofing contractor will usually give homeowners an estimate and go through all of the options available. If you come across any that show up and try to push you into a contract right away, they probably do not have your best interests in mind.
When you do decide that it's time to replace your roof, get at least three estimates and make sure that each roofing contractor gives you at least three references with their estimate. Take some time and investigate each one of them; check other jobs they have done. When you've picked the one that you think will do the best job for you, then it's time to sit down with them and sign a contract.
When a roofing contractor has a homeowner sign a contract, they may ask for a deposit. The State of California recommends that homeowners not give a contractor more than ten percent of the total cost as a deposit and not to pay for work that has not been done.
If homeowners follow these simple tips, they can be sure that not only is their home safe – but so is their pocketbook.
