What to look for in a roofer:
Finding the right roofer can be difficult, especially after a severe weather event. There is a lot to learn about which products to use and what procedures best meet your individual roofing needs, complicated by the involvement of your insurance carrier and sometimes mortgage company. A good roofing contractor should give you professional advice about those products and procedures that may be new to you. Here are some keys to finding the right roofing contractor for your job;
- Get references; BBB recommends homeowners ask all contractors for local references and then take the next step by finding out if those customers were satisfied with the contractor’s work. If possible, homeowners should visit and inspect completed projects.
- Are they properly insured and financially responsible? A good company will have proof of insurance at point of sale. The general liability insurance should be for at least 1 million dollars and make sure it includes a separate policy for workers compensation. A financially responsible company should ask for no deposit when you sign a contract.
- Check Licensing; States, counties and municipalities may require special licensing for contractors. Ask for business license numbers and information on the bonding company which bonds the contractor. Then check with local authorities to see that the company complies with regulations. If a permit is required you should receive a copy before the work is started. If a company does not pull a permit it is a sure sign they are unlicensed or worse.
- Do they have qualified labor? This is one of the most important considerations in choosing a roofer. Beware of companies that use subcontractors. The roofing trade is a skill that is earned through years of experience. Management, sales and labor must be coordinated to assure smooth, quality service and installation. Check to see if their installers and sale teams are trained and factory certified. Many companies are management groups that use subcontractors to do their sales and labor. During a storm, believe it or not, they hire just about anyone. Do you want them experimenting with a new guy at your home? Start by asking your salesman how many roofs he has worked on, then see if he has the expertise to answer questions, then see if he knows even knows one name of a crew member or even the name of the company owner. You may be surprised to find out he doesn't know these answers. That's because he's unqualified and has no ownership or responsibility in his work. Now if he is the representative of the company imagine the disconnect when it comes to the crews. You also need a qualified insurance specialist to assist you with your insurance claim. Find out who is going to do this.
- Are they member of any trade organization or consumer groups? Membership in trade organization and consumer groups shows integrity and pride in the company craft.
- What is their company philosophy? Does the company have a clear mission or purpose? Do they have any values? Ask and see if their values are important to you and do they mean anything to your project.
- What's their labor warranty? Does the contractor stand behind his work in writing? Ask what the labor warranty is the ask to see a copy.
- Look for an established or local company; There are so many dangers in choosing a contractor in a storm situation, mainly because business ethics and solid installation procedures often go out the window. Good local roofing companies often become overwhelmed unable to fulfill obligations and new business. They are often inexperienced in dealing with insurance companies and claims. This is why specialist come from out of town. This is perfectly normal and not a cause for alarm. For example your insurance company must bring many adjusters from out of state. Some of these "storm chasers" are proficient at disguising themselves as local companies. Local companies often are bought or managed by a larger out-of-state company. These kind of manipulating tactics reflect poorly on the integrity of these companies.
