Check the insurance and license of the roofing contractor.
Inquire about their experience and reputation.
Request for written estimate and contract.
Ask for warranty and aftercare details.
Trouble finding a good roofing contractor? As a homeowner who has worked with a few roofing contractors, I know the struggle that goes into this finding process.
Whether it’s for repair, replacement, or new installation, finding the right roofing contractor that you can trust is very important.
Look, the thing is, finding a suitable roofer in the construction market is like finding a good fish in the fish market; there are many, and you might get overwhelmed.
Which is why it is important for you to understand your needs. Trust me, knowing my requirements had done half of the work for me. In this guide, I shared how you can do the same by understanding a few factors.
License and Insurance
Do you know what was the first thing I asked for from my roofing contractor? You might have guessed it by the headline, yes, it was license and insurance. And you have to do the same.
It is necessary for a roofing contractor to have a license and insurance. A license not only ensures that they are qualified to do their work, but it also gives you satisfaction that your roof isn’t in the wrong hands.
As for the insurance, it ensures your and the construction crew’s safety if anything happens during the work.
DID YOU KNOW Between 2023 and 2024, the number of contractors increased by about 2.2%, and this growth is expected to continue. According to research from Benchmark International, the global roofing industry is on pace to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7%.
Experience and Reputation
This is so basic, you might have heard of this quote, ‘practice makes a man perfect’, and this is why experience is a must when it comes to your roof construction.
A constructor who has several years of experience has indeed dealt with different types of challenges, materials, textures, and weather. And it will definitely reflect when they deal with your roof.
I remember when I was picking a contractor for my roof, I shortlisted one contractor, but before finalizing, one of my friends told me about his unprofessional work and his amateur behavior.
This can happen to you, too. So before finalizing the right one, try to do some research, check reviews, and if possible, have a conversation with that contractor’s previous clients.
A good local roofing company will provide the best quality work and customer satisfaction, which you can see in their customer reviews.
So, here is one thing I can say confidently that with an experienced and reputable roofing contractor, you will get a professional result and care.
Written Estimates and Contracts
One thing I am proud of myself for, in this roofing process, was asking for a written estimate and a signed contract. And this is that one step in the recipe that can’t be skipped, or it will ruin the whole dish.
So you have to ask your contractor for a written estimate that includes all project costs, including materials, labor, and any additional fees. Are you still thinking, what will this process do? This will protect you from unexpected expenses that can ruin your whole budget.
A good contractor will give you a clear, detailed estimate that will match your requirements and budget. I was lucky because I got one like that.
Now, one more important thing, and that is, drum roll please, “contract”. After you both agree on the costs and payments, do not forget to make a detailed contract. Make sure to add the starting and estimated ending date, payment schedule, and materials details.
Making this contract will help both sides stay tension-free from cheating and fraud, as everything is written and signed by both parties.
Warranties and Aftercare
Trust me, you will regret it if you miss this step. It is very important to ask for the warranties that the roofing contractor offers. A good contractor who provides a warranty on both materials and labor has full confidence in his work. This will protect your hard-earned money investment even in the future.
Aftercare is also important. Don’t forget to ask your contractor about the maintenance services, and if they provide an inspection after the project is completed. Keep in mind that an expert will be willing to discuss maintenance service and other things that can increase the lifespan of your roof.
Wrap Up
I am telling you this with my own experience, investing your time researching for the right roofing contractor will be worth it when you see the finished result that you desired in the first place.
Just keep a few things in mind, like checking their license and insurance. If something seems odd, back off. Inquire about their experience and reputation in this field. Ask for a written estimate, and if it seems too good to be true, ask if there are any hidden charges or additional fees, and don’t forget a detailed contract.
Even after taking care of these factors, if you still feel confused, ask plenty of clarifying questions. Trust me, a good contractor will take time and explain these things to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the best roofer?
One of the best ways to find a trusted roofer is to take recommendations from family and friends or your known ones.
How to tell if a contractor is a fraud?
Mostly fraudulent contractors hesitate to show their license, insurance, and even their references.
Is it good to choose a local roofer?
Yes, it is, because they can easily schedule the assessment, and if anything happens, they can provide repair service much faster.
What are the qualities of a good roofing contractor?
A good roofer has good communication skills, experience with different weather, materials, and crew, knowledge of local building code, the ability to tackle challenges, and many other skills.
