Roofing contractors are generally positive, but the 2021 ebb and flow of reroofing projects challenged many. Price increases and renegotiating sold contracts for shingles and other materials drained their energy and led to a backlog of work.
When selecting a roofing contractor, always ensure they are willing to review the contract line items with you. It is a red flag if they are not.
Reputation:
Quality roofing contractors will have an excellent reputation. While asking for recommendations from friends and neighbors may seem like a no-brainer, you should also check online reviews. Sites offer unbiased customer reviews and letter ratings to evaluate roofing contractors.
An online reputation is crucial for roofing companies to attract more customers. Moreover, it can help them distinguish themselves from the competition. However, it can take just minutes for an unhappy customer to post a bad review online, so roofing contractors must put effort into maintaining a positive online image. An excellent way to do this is by encouraging customers to write positive reviews.
Experience of Roofing Contractors:
Roofing is difficult work that requires physical strength, good balance, and the ability to stand for long periods. It also requires a strong knowledge of various roofing styles and tasks. When considering potential contractors, it’s essential to ask for references from past customers and review their portfolio of previous projects to gauge their experience level.
During the process, look for a contractor that communicates well with you and keeps you updated on progress. They should be willing to answer any questions and concerns you have and never try to conceal costs. Significant projects may take months, and material and labor prices could increase. A reputable contractor will inform you of these changes and give you leeway in the contract to reflect them.
License:
A roofing contractor’s license is vital because it proves they are qualified to work on your roof. Licensing requirements vary from state to state, but most require a significant amount of education, experience, and insurance coverage to become licensed.
During the bid process, determine if roofing contractors are licensed in your area and if their licenses are up to date. In addition, ask for a list of manufacturers the roofing contractor is certified to install.
To avoid fines and penalties, you must check with your local business licensing office and ensure you comply with the specific requirements.
Insurance:
Roofing contractors should have the appropriate insurance coverage to protect themselves and homeowners. For example, they need errors and omissions insurance to cover them when they provide advice that results in financial loss, such as recommending a roof repair or replacement option that doesn’t work.
They also need commercial auto insurance to cover vehicles they use for business. Personal auto policies won’t cover damage incurred while transporting shingles or other materials.
Roofers should also have workers’ compensation for medical bills and disability benefits when employees are injured at the job site. Additionally, they should have a tool and equipment policy (also known as a floater) covering tools and equipment stored in their vehicles or at their home or work storage spaces.
Warranty:
It would help to choose a roofing contractor offering manufacturer warranties and their artistry warranty. Basic manufacturer warranties only cover the materials, but you can upgrade to extended warranties that cover both material and installation mistakes.
You must read the fine print of your roofing contractor’s warranty and understand what it covers. Many manufacturers will not honor the warranties if a different roofing contractor is used to perform repairs on the roof.
Also, ensure that your contract includes a schedule for regular inspections to identify minor problems before they become significant. Typically, manufacturers require that homeowners register their roof warranty to establish a record of the work performed and the materials used.
