Roofing is one project that every homeowner will have to face at some point. It can be a daunting project and overwhelming to choose the proper materials, installation professional, and maintenance plan. There are three main considerations for choosing the right contractor for the job.
Take in these three considerations when choosing a contractor:
#1 – Experience and Professional Level
When you think of roofing, you may not see it as a complicated job. It’s just removing and replacing shingles right? That is far from the correct assumption. An experienced contractor will complete a roofing job efficiently and professionally. They will not cut corners or forget some important steps. Whereas, people newer to the roofing industry may miss certain aspects and they will not have a professional finish.
A professional contractor will be well experienced in the safety aspect of the job and have all the correct equipment to complete any job. Not only will they be trained, they have the ability to train those around them, and make sure the job runs smoothly and everything is completed in a timely and effective manner.
Furthermore, a professional contractor will have a well laid out contract that includes warranty, maintenance plans, and all the fine details needed in order to get the customer fixed up correctly. This protects the contractor as well as the homeowner. When the homeowner chooses cash transactions and unprofessional contractors, that is when warranties get messy and both parties are at risk.
Finding these contractors is easy. Simply look for those who have been in business for a decent amount of time. Ask for references, reviews from customers, and get to know the people. This will really boost your confidence in knowing you will get the best contractor. Always gauge the professionalism of the company by the quoting process, communication, and how they treat the customer and the job.
#2 – Quality and Choice of Materials
In most cases, each roofing company has a specific line of materials that they carry. Oftentimes they will have access to other brands if you prefer, but the particular line they carry is likely a trusted brand, easily in stock, and at a better price point.
Knowing which material and brand that the homeowner needs is important in choosing a contractor as well. If the certain contractor does not have access to the material, it is likely they also do not install that material. Keep this in mind when choosing a contractor.
When it comes to roofing materials, remember that they are expensive and can be dangerous to install. The average lifespan of a roof is 20 years. This means the better quality materials will last longer allowing your investment to last longer. Spend a little more now in order to save money in the future. With less issues from weather, sun, heat/cold loss, you can really end up saving money in the long run. Put your money to work with good quality materials and a roofing contractor that carries them.
#3 – Project Coverage & Price
Price and warranty/repairs are factors that are to be looked at with any home improvement project. The same is true with a roof and the roofing contractor that is chosen for the job. Many contractors offer different price ranges. It is easy to see a small price tag and think that is the best option, when it is quite untrue. Look into the fine print, the quality of materials, and the service that goes along with the price tag.
When searching for a contractor there are many pricing factors that make up the market. Quality materials are going to cost more, but will last longer, thus saving money in the long run. The craftsmanship of a company is something to look at as well because if the materials are installed wrong, then they will need to be re-done or will be prone to damage. Companies have different standards, so find a contractor with good standards.
Project coverage often includes a workmanship guarantee that will guarantee that if anything happens to your roof and it is from faulty install, the contractor will cover any damages and repairs. This also generally includes a warranty on materials and workmanship. You may pay a bit more for the warranty/coverage, but you will rest easy from any mistakes made by that contractor. If anything, the workmanship guarantee motivates the installer to be more knowledgeable on the roof and install and what to look for.
Final Thoughts
Take into consideration these three points in choosing a contractor. Gauge the contractor on professionalism and experience level first. Once you have done that, consider the quality of materials that best fit your home or business needs. Finally, look into pricing and project coverage. This will really help narrow down the competition and get the best contractor for the job.
