First Things First
If your roof is damaged due to a hailstorm, falling tree, or whatever reason, you will be in a hurry to get the damage fixed quickly. Most homeowners make the mistake of picking the first roof repair company they come across during such emergencies. In fact, the roof is one of the most expensive components of the home as well as the first line of defense from the elements. That’s why you need to be cautious when picking the right roof repair company in the area. After all, don’t you think that a few nights with a temporary fix is better than a few years with a shabby roof? Here are important tips to consider when hiring the best roof repair company in the area.
Personal referrals are the best method of choosing the right contractor for the job. The best reference comes from a homeowner who has actually worked with a reliable contractor in the area. Ask your neighbors, family members or friends whether they can recommend a good roofer. Check the work of the contractor to see how well it’s holding up and the current condition of the roof. There are many benefits of working with a local roofer. They have worked within your community and are familiar with the codes in the area. The contractor should have a good rapport with reliable roofing suppliers in the area.
Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating of the potential roofing company you plan to hire. If the roofer is not listed on BBB, they shouldn’t be trusted. If the contractor has a rating with the BBB, check if they have any unresolved complaints with their clients. Never hire a company that has too many unresolved complaints with their clients in the area. On the other hand, you will find an influx of fly-by-night contractors, who are not registered with the BBB, soon after a storm. You may have seen such contractors canvassing for jobs in your neighborhood. Although they are not qualified to repair or replace a roof, they know that homeowners are desperate for a solution. That’s why you need to be cautious before deciding to work with a particular contractor in the area. Be patient and do the necessary homework before selecting the best roofing company in the area.
Yelp, Angie’s List, Google+, and many other online review sites are the next best thing to word of mouth. These sites will give you a good idea about the customer service and quality of work of a particular contractor in the area. Check if the contractor has all the legal documentation to perform their work in your area. A fly-by-night contractor won’t have proper legal documentation. Work with a company that can show you proof of their license and insurance – worker’s compensation and general liability. Insurance is essential since litigation is on the cards if an accident happens on the job.
A contractor who has manufacture accreditation is the best bet for the job. This means the contractor has passed specific requirements and is certified by the factory. This is a great stamp of approval for the work of the contractor. It shows his dedication to the job. Make sure you get a written estimate for the job. A reputed contractor will always give you a written estimation. Also, you need to compare apples to apples when comparing the quotes of different contractors before you pick the right one for the job.
Price is not the sole factor when choosing the best roofing company for the job. It might be tempting to go with the lowest bid. But you need to remember that saving a few dollars could mean the world in quality. Be wary of any contractor who asks for the total payment up front. The accepted norm is to deposit 1/3 of the total cost before commencing the project. Don’t pay the final installment until you are 100% satisfied with the job. Work with a company that offers a manufacturer’s warranty and workmanship. These are important things to consider when searching for the best roofing company on the market. The aforementioned article provides information on what to consider when choosing the best roofing company.