Is your roof shedding shingles? Has it sprung a leak? Is it old enough to have you concerned about its viability? Your roof plays a vital role in protecting your home and family, so when you’re worried about its ability to fulfill its responsibilities, there’s no time to waste. You need a reliable expert who can provide the right solution the first time. Clearly, knowing how to find a good roofer is essential. Here’s how to do it.
Know What to Look For
There are things that you shop for so frequently that you hardly need to think about why you’re making certain choices. A roof tends to be a rarer purchase. Therefore, it makes sense to take time before you begin shopping to consider exactly what you’re looking for in a roofing professional. Angi suggests that a good roofer has the following qualities:
- Is properly licensed and insured
- Has a high number of years in business
- Possesses a solid reputation for good service
- Can show a solid portfolio of their past work
- Is willing to provide references when they’re requested
- Can offer evidence of great service with good reviews
- Offers competitive pricing
- Stands behind their work with warranty agreements
Get Referrals
Whenever you’re hiring any type of contractor, it’s smart to collect referrals from trusted sources. Ask friends, family members, coworkers, and other resources for the names of roofing contractors they’ve used or heard good things about.
Research Your Choices
With a list of what to look for and potential candidates, it’s time to research your choices. To get started, head online. Visit company websites and review websites. The Better Business Bureau can also be helpful. If you cannot find the information there, reach out to the companies by phone. Many people use this step to narrow their choice to three or four companies that they’re interested in exploring further.
Request Estimates
When it comes to how to find a good roofer, talking to roofers is inevitable. It’s also invaluable. As Bob Vila points out, meeting with a representative from the roofing company when they come out to provide you with an estimate is an opportunity. It gives you a chance to gauge their knowledge, weigh their commitment to quality, and discover their communication style.
It also allows you to ask important questions. For example, you may want to know more about the types of roofing systems that they install. You could have questions about manufacturer and installer warranties. You could ask about the timing for a roof installation, inclement weather policies, cleanup plans, and disposal fees. You might be interested in the possibility of maintenance plans, repair work, or gutter options. Or, you might want to discuss financing plans, payment options, or billing expectations.
Weigh Options
After collecting all your estimates, read them thoroughly. If they differ, consider why. Are some missing services or options that others offer? Is it a matter of product or service quality? If you don’t understand why the differences exist, you may need to dig a little deeper into customer reviews.
Consider Value
Cost will be a factor for virtually every customer, but it shouldn’t be the deciding factor. While it can be tempting to opt for the lowest bid, experts suggest prioritizing value. Which roofing system will offer the best service for your budget?
Secure a Contract
No list of tips for how to find a good roofer is complete without a reminder to secure a written contract. No work should begin before a signed contract is in place. This protects the interests of both the homeowner and the roofing contractor, so it’s a major red flag if a roofer is willing to skirt this.
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As a local company with more than 20 years of experience, Taylor-Made Roofing is committed to delivering top-line roofing to homes and businesses throughout southwest Missouri. We’re fully licensed and insured and prepared to assist you with all your roofing needs. Whether it’s a new roof, roofing repairs, inspections, maintenance, or gutters, we’ve got you covered. To learn more about our services or request an estimate, contact Taylor-Made Roofing today.