Making sure that you have experienced, knowledgeable, and professional people working on your home is always a top priority. When you have an aging roof or a leak, you’ll want to find the best top residential roofing companies near you.
But how do you know if a roofer is reliable? And how should you choose a roofing contractor from all the available options? We can tell you what to look for in a residential roofing company, and how to make sure you’re making the right decision.
How to Choose a Roofer
Check Reviews
Just googling “residential roofing contractors near me” is where most people start, and its a good first step, because you’ll be able to see what previous customers have said about them on Google reviews. Look for businesses that have a lot of reviews (at least several dozen) and that have a strong rating.
Be sure to read through the text of the reviews. Do they describe specific people, places, or services? Are they unique? Sometimes a few typos and odd phrasings are a good thing—because that probably means it was written by a real customer.
The BBB is also a great resource to help you find and review trustworthy businesses in your area. It’s not uncommon for companies to overcharge for a low-quality job, and if they have unhappy customers, you can probably find what they have to say. Other good places to look for reviews are Facebook, Angie’s List, and other sites that can help you find credible residential roofing companies near you.
Look at their Website
A professional website with plenty of information about a company’s residential roofing services is a good way to see if they know what they’re talking about. Look for pages that describe their services in detail and robust blog posts that show the company has experts on staff.
Ask Around
Asking your friends and family is a great way to find a recommended roofer that somebody can vouch for. Just about every homeowner has had to deal with roofing repairs and replacements at some point, and they can tell you whether the work has held up in the years since. They can also point you toward local roofing companies that are more familiar with the county roofing codes and regulations, which can help make the process much smoother.
Check their Experience
Once you’ve added a few residential roofing contractors to your list, don’t be afraid to ask a few questions before signing a contract.
One of the most important questions is to ask how long they’ve been in business, and how much experience their employees have. You wouldn’t take your car to a mechanic who has been on the job for a week, right?
You should think the same way when it comes to your house. It never hurts to ask about their experience and if they have any customer testimonials they’re willing to share with you.
Look for a Satisfaction Guarantee
No matter how many questions you ask or who you choose to do the repair, there is a chance that you will be unsatisfied with their work. Asking the company about their satisfaction guarantee will ensure that they won’t run away with your money while you’re stuck fixing a poor roofing job.
Most residential roofing companies will only require the full payment after they’ve confirmed you’re satisfied with the job. Be wary of any company that asks you to pay for the entire job upfront. Typically, you will be asked to provide a deposit of one-third of your final price.
Check Out their Warranties
Asking about warranties will help you determine your long-term plan if anything were to go wrong with your new roof. A manufacturer’s warranty only covers the roofing materials themselves. While they last for around 20 to 50 years, they only cover if there is a defect in the materials themselves.
Separately, there is a workmanship warranty that can be offered to customers. This type of warranty covers the contractor’s work or the labor associated with the roof replacement. Always ask about the type of warranties your residential roofing company will provide, and have them supply any corresponding documentation for your records.
Make Sure they Have Insurance
A credible roofing company will always have proof of their liability insurance and proper licensing for you to look at before allowing them to work on your roofing project. It’s a dangerous job, and you don’t want someone getting hurt on your property—hence, the importance of verifying that their insurance is up-to-date and credible.
Get an Estimate
Most residential roofing contractors will provide you with an estimate in writing, and if they refuse, it’s a red flag. Look over the written agreement and make sure that any verbal promises have been transcribed and recorded before signing. Always have someone else look over this agreement with you, and make a copy for your records.
How to Hire a Roofer
Check their Prices
The lowest price should not be your deciding factor. Consider the top residential roofing companies you’ve spoken with and choose the one you feel the most confident in. If you have any additional questions for your contractor, never hesitate to ask—they want to make sure you have a great experience!
Get it in Writing
Every single aspect of your roofing agreement should be in writing. This includes details of the repair, pricing, and any promises made. A credible roofing company will provide you with someone who can walk you through the contract and answer any questions you may have before signing the agreement. Before you pay the final installment, make sure you are satisfied with the job and that they’ve fulfilled every promise they’ve made.
Talk to their Team
Asking the roofing company questions about their process is very important. These are some of our go-to’s.
- Can you provide a detailed contract?
- Do you subcontract any part of the job?
- Will you inspect the roof before repairing or replacing it?
- Will you remove weak or old wood before installing your new roof?
- Will you address any existing damage before beginning their repair?
- Is the cost of roofing materials included in the price?
- What steps do you take for weather protection during the project?
- How do you ensure the safety of your workers and my property?
- What is your process for handling unexpected repairs or issues?
- Who will be on-site managing the project, and how can I communicate with them?
- What is your payment schedule?
Get a Free Roof Inspection
The residential roofing contractors at Jobson Roofing have been serving the Greater Grand Rapids area for decades. We’d love to answer all of your questions and provide you with a free inspection and estimate.