Steps for Hiring a Roofing Contractor

Steps for Hiring a Roofing Contractor

What do you do when hiring a roofing contractor?

Simply put the steps you take as you look to hire a roofing contractor will make or break your  project. Unfortunately, most people are intimidated by the process or just don't know how to protect themselves and their home.  If you are one of those you might take a look at getting a Free Estimate from a roofing contractor service to schedule you with pre-screened contractors in your area. 

Contact multiple contractors -  Having multiple contractors (we suggest three) inspect, estimate the cost and discuss the project with you gives you the chance to compare not only price but the way in which the job will be carried out and why.

Make sure you get written estimates - Having the estimate in writing gives you protection from a contractors "failed memory" later on in the project.  Just as important is to have all aspects of the job spelled out so you know exactly what you are paying for.  Some things to make sure are included:

1. Description of the specific material to be used and the company that produces it
2. Specifics of the material warranty and any labor guarantee
3. Tear off of the old roof if necessary
4. Disposal of the old material if necessary
5. Taking down and putting back your gutters if necessary
   

Get a list of references from previous roofing jobs - A good contractor will have a list of references available that you can contact.  Having such a list in hand is a good feeling but you have to take the next step and talk to several of the reference about the contractor's work.

Check out the Contractor - Check if there are complaints against the contractors you are considering from previous customers.  Keep in mind that a good contractor could have a complaint against them but should not  have a trend of complaints being filed.  (There are more bad customers out there than bad contractors.  Almost every contractor - no matter how good - will eventually work for someone who had unrealistic expectations.)

Evaluate your information on your own time - Avoid contractors that offer a special discount if you will sign a contract on the spot and don't allow yourself to be talked into making a quick decision.    Take all of your information and evaluate the estimates side by side when you can give the decision careful consideration. 

Sweat the small stuff - Once you have chosen a contractor there are a number of details you still need to get taken care of. 

1. Ask for a copy of the contractor's license and insurance certificates.
2. Make sure that the insurance covers all workers who will be on your job.
3. Confirm clear times when workers will be on your property, preferably not to early or late. (Your neighbors will appreciate this)
4. Check that your landscaping, gutters, etc.. will be protected  and how they will be repaired if something goes wrong
5. Get confirmation that the project clean up will be thorough including the pick up of nails and screws that fall onto the ground
   

And the final step - Get a contract signed that clearly covers all of the information in this list.  Having your project expectations in a contract is the best, sometimes only, protection available to you.

Lastly, The bad news about hiring a roofing contractor is it can be a hassle and quite time consuming.  The good news is it's a fairly straight-forward process.    The precautions you take before the job is started will result in a less stressful, more pleasant project.