A Homeowner’s Guide to Selecting the Right Roofing Contractor

Key Takeaways 

• Always choose the contractors that have proven expertise in residential or commercial roofing, with the knowledge of materials that will suit your climate and budget.
• Never forget to check the licenses, insurance, and manufacturer certifications through trusted platforms while hiring. 
• Compare multiple quotations, and avoid contractors who ask for full payment at the start.
• Never start with the work without making a contract. 
• Make sure that the contractor follows OSHA guidelines, uses proper protective gear, and has liability and workers’ comp insurance.

Do you know that roofing scams cost homeowners over $400 million in losses every year? (source: NICB) Well, yes, your one mistake of hiring the wrong contractor can cause you costly financial harm.

But the main question is, what can be done? How to ensure that the person who is working for you is right or not? Don’t worry because, as the famous builder Frank Lloyd Wright said, “A doctor can bury his mistakes, but an architect can only advise his client to plant vines,” which means that no amount of vines can cover up a bad roofing; it will be visible no matter what.

If you are planning to build new roofs or just patching leakages, this guide will help you with everything you need to know before signing any contract, be it warranties, pricing, or safety. 

And in case you’re already seeing trouble spots, check out The Most Common Roofing Problems and Fixes to understand what might be going wrong.

So let’s get started. 

Researching Contractor Credentials

The first and most important thing before signing a deal is to make sure that your roofing contractor is qualified for their work. Yes, I know it may sound obvious to you, but not all contractors are created equal. 

To do this, start by verifying their license, insurance, or certifications, as a professional contractor will always have these documents to meet the legal requirements of the state. 

You can see more contractors’ credentials through state licensing boards, the Better Business Bureau, or trusted online platforms like Angi or HomeAdvisor. 

Also, check for the manufacturer’s certification, as many top roofing companies offer training to contractors who meet their standards to ensure quality and reliability in their work.

Evaluating Experience and Expertise

The U.S. roofing industry is valued at over $56 billion, and its demand is expected to grow even more by 4% annually due to its aging infrastructure and extreme weather. (Source: IBISWorld, 2024)

Experience matters in businesses, and especially when it’s a field like roofing. Why? Because, obviously, everyone would like to get their work done by people who have seen challenges, have practical experience, and know how to handle the unexpected things. 

So to be sure of their work experience, ask questions like how long they have been working. What types of roofs have they worked on? Or what do they specialize in—residential, commercial, or both? To know more about their knowledge, ask questions related to roofing materials.

These questions are important because only a good contractor can help you understand the pros and cons of each option while telling you about how each of them aligns with your budget, home design, and climate.  

For a better understanding of why experience plays a critical role in roof quality and longevity, read When It Comes to Roofing, Experience Is Everything.

Fun FactPotala Palace in Lhasa, which was built over 1,300 years ago, has an extensive amount of gold plating on its roof. And it was renovated in 2018 to repair the area that was damaged by the elements.
aken from the interne

Understanding Contract Terms and Warranties

If you think a contract is just a formality, you are wrong because this is made for your own protection. It is prepared before the work starts and has everything in writing, be it project timelines, total cost, labor specifics, or material details. 

Warranties are another important aspect of why these agreements are made. A good contractor will offer you manufacturer warranties (covering materials) and workmanship warranties (covering labor and installation). 

So, make sure it is clarified in your contract that what is covered, how long it lasts, and what invalidates it. To make it easier for you, here are the three major questions to ask.

1. What is included in the warranty and what is not?
2. Who is responsible for the warranty claims?
3. Can you transfer the warranty to somebody else in case of selling the house?

Comparing Pricing and Payment Plans

Low prices can look tempting, but they may include poor-quality materials, rushed jobs, and hidden costs. And a work like this will take even more investment in future repairs if done. 

So, to avoid this, compare the prices first and then decide which one suits you. Get at least three estimates from different builders, understand the market rate in your area, and then compare their prices. 

Once you choose the contractor, ask for a detailed quotation that breaks down the labor cost, materials used, inspection fee, and cleanup charges. And about payments, never pay the whole amount at the start; in fact, avoid the contractors that ask for full payment before starting the work. 

A commonly used structure for payment is 30% at signing, 30% midway, and whatever is left is given at the completion of work. 

Checking Safety Measures and Communication

Roofing is a dangerous task, and the contractors who prioritize safety are the professional ones. So whenever you are hiring a builder, don’t forget to ask about their safety protocols, the equipment they use for personal protection, and whether they follow OSHA guidelines or not. Moreover, the workers’ compensation and liability insurance are something you can’t negotiate.

At the end, keep noticing if they are responding to your questions promptly and being transparent and clear with their processes. Because an architect who is dodging your questions and not maintaining eye contact can never be trustworthy. In fact, only a good contractor will believe in keeping you informed and explaining technical details in easy language for you to understand. 

References

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