5 Keys to Hiring a Quality Roofing Contractor
Your roof needs repair or replacement, but you’ve heard all the horror stories of contractors who don’t show up, use sub-par materials, or who just never complete the work. Roof work is among the most expensive and important contracting work you can have done on your home, and you need someone you can trust to get the work done right – the first time.
These 5 keys to hiring a quality roofing contractor will get you on you way to finding an experienced, efficient roofing contractor who will finish your project on time and within your budget:
Make Sure They’re Insured, Licensed, & Certified
This first requirement is an absolute must for anyone you have working on your home. Your roofer, his employees, and any sub-contractors he may hire, will be up on the roof of your home for hours a day. You need to know that your roofing contractor has the proper insurance – worker’s compensation, liability, etc. – to cover any incidents that may happen so your homeowners’ insurance isn’t dinged. Additionally, check for any state or local licensing that may be required in your state. Licensed roofers are cleared by regulatory bodies, so you know they adhere to all the proper industry standards for materials, installation, and safety.
Hire a Local Contractor
Fly-by-night roofing contractors are all over the place, especially after a big storm. These “contractors” travel around, looking for people with damaged roofs they can rope into expensive work that may or may not be covered by insurance. Make sure the contractor you hire is actually a local business, and not just one that operates locally to help avoid this pitfall.
Ask for References
Any contractor worth his salt is going to not only be able to provide the contact information of happy customers, but will happily hand over this information. References from former clients are a great way to get a true sense of the quality of work, the reliability of the contractor, and just the overall way your intended contractor does business. If you’re considering a contractor who doesn’t have or refuses to provide references, be wary. He could either be very newly in business – and maybe not that seasoned – or could have an unsavory service record.
Find a Good Communicator
Part of the job of being a contractor is being able to capably deal with both the clients and the employees. You want to find someone who is going to be able to thoroughly explain to you all the details of your project, and who will keep you updated on its progress. It may be cause for concern if a contractor doesn’t return phone calls, emails, or texts for days at a time, or who has a difficult time providing details of your project when directly asked.
Get a Work Plan
A work plan is a written plan of all the work that’s to be completed on your home – materials lists, timelines for the beginning and end of the project, a list of the phases of your project. This helps you track what materials you’re paying for, when you can expect to have your roof fixed or replaced, and know exactly what the contractor is doing to your home. If a contractor refuses to provide this or says he doesn’t operate off some form of written work plan, be concerned.
Experienced Roofing Contractor in Maryland
For more than 20 years, the skilled team at Select Home Exteriors has provided superior roofing materials and service to clients throughout Frederick County, Maryland, and beyond. If you’re looking for a roofing contractor who will get your roof in tip-top shape while providing excellent customer service, contact us today for a free estimate.