Roof repair and replacement are some of the biggest remodelling projects a homeowner will do in their life. It is also likely to happen once in a lifetime, in case you find the right roofer, that is. Because of its complexity and cost, roofing is something we can hardly pull a DIY on, or call just any guy we know to perform the job for us.
It takes a lot of digging and research to find the right contractor, and there are many aspects to consider, before you employ one. Apart from seeking advice and feedback from other homeowners in your friend and family circle, a company which offers roofing in Dayton, Ohio have some points for you to consider when you weigh in the pros and cons of hiring a certain contractor.
Ask Them For References
It’s certainly reassuring to see five-star reviews, certifications and proof of accreditation. Everything should look legitimate, no question about that. But how do you get the absolute certainty that your roofer is the real deal?
By speaking to former customers one-on-one. Make sure you ask them about all the details you are concerned about, as well as their overall experience with the said contractor. You can even ask for advice on the choice of materials, as well as whether the ex-customer managed to get a deal and how they did. If your potential roofer can confidently provide a list of bulletproof references with solid customer feedback, you can entrust them with your project.
Insurance Matters
Insurance matters, and the company you are considering better have full coverage, and not just the contractor version. Many companies try to pass their contractor insurance on to customers, claiming it provides full coverage, but this simply isn’t true.
Check the roofer’s insurance provider package with due diligence and make sure you demand access to that information before signing the contract. Why? Because if their roofing crew is not insured and an accident happens, you might get sued. Take extra care in this respect in order to avoid a potential roofing nightmare. This will tell you about company ethics and whether they take care to cover their workforce liability and compensation.
Hire A Company That Will Remove Your Old Roof
When you are doing interviews, let your potential contractor know that you expect them to remove the old roof before they install any new shingles. If they try to convince you that everything is fine underneath, have somebody else take a look too. Make a checklist and follow it, in order not to omit anything. After all, you don’t want to be putting new materials over damaged ones that need replacing.
A proper inspection involves removing the shingles and inspecting the wood underneath. This is the only way to get an accurate estimate of the work required and provide a valid quote. When a roofer comes to your house, make sure you take them to the roof in order to get a truthful picture of its condition and need of repair. Steer clear of contractors who propose to e-mail you an offer.
Require A Written Estimate
Don’t expect any contractor to commit to an oral arrangement. If you want any legitimate work done, you need to stipulate it in writing. After you conduct the interview, do outline in writing everything you have discussed and agreed on. Get a contract, or even just the estimate, written down and signed.
The estimate should include every aspect of the job – labour, materials (you can find a handy list at https://www.angieslist.com/articles/materials-and-tools-use-roof-repair.htm), extra expenses, any additions, as well as an outline of the work that is expected to take place. Try to foresee and provide for any unknowns that might come up by going over the process step by step.
Look At Their Website
Last but not least, look at the company website. How professional does it look? Have they put up photos of any of their completed projects? Do you see any warranty details? Do they have full and accurate contact information? How about customer reviews on the page itself?
The list goes on. Use your gut feeling as you browse the website to sense whether the roofer’s approach to their work and clients is professional enough. Is there missing or obscure information that you find important? Are they reachable and approachable? How ready are they to answer your questions in a straightforward manner? You get the idea. Write down all your questions and give them a call.
