When having your home built or renovated by a contractor, there are different specialists that are brought in for the job including: electricians, plumbers, and roofers. These professionals should be experienced with construction work that focuses on their individual area of expertise. The roof of your home protects you from the elements and is a very important part of the structure of the house. Do your research when choosing a roofer and pick someone who has extensive training and a good track record.
Get to know who exactly is working on your house, and speak to the roofer over the phone or meet with them in person to discuss their plan for the roof. It is a bit safer to go with someone who has worked for someone you know, so you can get a trustworthy reference. You can also ask for business references, such as from material providers who have worked with the roofing contractor in the past. If they have unpaid bills or a lack of credit history with a provider, they are obviously not reliable or have not been in business long enough to be stable.
One of the first things to look for is proper licensing, though that will not always signify a quality roofing contractor. It is an added bonus if the roofer is part of a professional trade organization and can show documentation to prove it. Also ask if the contractor has received any additional training courses to boost their skills. Insurance is a must, and will give you peace of mind in case there are any accidents or injuries on the work site. Ask to see the coverage policy and make sure it covers all employees working on your roof and is current.
A responsible roofing professional will be OSHA certified and have safety plans and procedures available to all employees. He or she should be confident enough in their work to offer a warranty of one year or longer. If they are practicing good business and quality work, they should have no problem signing a contract with a satisfaction guarantee. A good roofing professional should go over the project with you and make sure that the final product will be exactly to your specifications.
Take your time to compare potential roofing contractors in order to find the one with the best balance of affordability and quality of work. If a provider is offering an extremely low price, there is a reason for it and it probably means that they have a lower standard of service and workmanship. Call around to talk to references, make sure the professional is certified and insured, and only hire someone who is confident and proud of their work.
