Whether it’s your first time hiring a roofing contractor for repairs or installing a new roof, you may feel a little overwhelmed and not sure where to start. Hiring a roofing contractor can be especially daunting when you’ve been warned about scam companies and poor workmanship.
But if you know what to look for, the process of figuring out what to expect from your roofing contractor becomes a lot easier. We can give you the advice you need on how to choose a roofing contractor for your business. Let’s take a look at seven basic qualities that you can look for when hiring a roofing contractor.
1. How Long They’ve Been in Business
A lot of fly-by-night companies seemingly pop up out of nowhere, plaguing community pages on social media with advertisements for deals that are too good to be true — or they’ll simply knock on your door after a hail storm.
That’s why you’ll always want to find out how long the roofing contractor has been in business. Take a few minutes to look them up online to see how long their business has been operating. Making sure the business has years of experience will give you the confidence that you’re hiring a roofing contractor that knows what they’re doing.
2. Their Qualifications
Believe it or not, installing a new roof takes more than just manual labor! It’s a skill that requires knowledge of the products and the installation. When hiring a roofing contractor, you’ll want to look at their qualifications.
Good things to check up on include whether they acquired the correct type of insurance for their business (you don’t want to be stuck with a homeowner’s claim because they fell off your roof!), whether they hold any certifications from the shingle manufacturer, and of course, whether they hold the proper licensure in your area. For example, West Michigan roofing contractors are required to carry insurance and a business license, and roofers in Grand Rapids must apply for a roofing permit.
3. How They Quote for Their Work
If this is your first time hiring a roofing contractor, you may not know what to expect from the process. Seeing how that roofing contractor quotes out the job will tell you a lot about what it will be like working with them. Does the contractor get up on the roof and actually inspect it, or do they just look up at it from the ground?
Make sure that you hire a roofer who will offer you a complete roof inspection for free. Never work with a contractor who doesn’t perform a thorough inspection and treat you and your home with respect.
4. What Materials They Use
Unfortunately, not all roofing shingles are created equally, which is why you should inquire about what type of materials your roofing contractor uses. When hiring a roofing contractor, they should use high-quality products with strong warranties.
We like GAF products because of their reputation and our own experience using them on people’s homes. When you’re thinking about how to choose a roofing contractor, think about the quality of the product you’re paying for, especially with a new roof. After all, it’s an investment that should last.
5. Any Time-Sensitive Issues
If you have a leak in your roof that could damage your home, you’ll want to have repairs completed as quickly as possible. While you may not be able to schedule a full replacement right away, the roofing contractor you hire should implement a temporary solution until repairs can be completed. When looking for reputable roofing contractors near you, be sure to look for emergency repair services.
6. Estimated Turnaround Time
When hiring a roofing contractor, make sure to find out how long they expect the job to take — and make sure it’s in writing in the quote. You don’t want to be stuck in a position where you have a contractor who has left the job incomplete for weeks on end. Even a full roof replacement shouldn’t take more than a few days.
7. What Your Neighbors Have to Say
So you’ve done your research online to find out how to hire a roofing contractor. But before you make the hire be sure to ask your friends and neighbors for their advice as well. Reviews and referrals are an excellent way to go about hiring a roofing contractor because you’ll have first-hand experience from someone you trust.
Work with a Reputable Roofing Contractor Near You in West Michigan
If you’ve hit the internet and tried to find a reputable roofing contractor near you, look no further! Jobson Roofing stands out among West Michigan roofing contractors for our honest recommendations and great service. Contact us for a free roof inspection for a roofing repair or replacement!