An average of 2.3 million homes in the US need roof replacements every year. A new roof can increase home value, and it’s one of the best investments you can make.
Your roof protects your house from the elements, preventing leaks and water damage. A beautiful roof also boosts curb appeal, making your property more desirable.
However, whether you need repairs or a replacement, you want to hire a roofing contractor that you can trust. After all, this is a big job, and you want workmanship you can rely on. So, here are a few key tips to keep in mind when selecting a roofing company for the job.
Choose a Company With Years of Experience
There are several benefits to selecting roofing professionals that have been around for a while. You know that they have contractors on the job that have done plenty of similar jobs before, meaning they have the experience to tackle your roof. The more experience they have, the faster and more efficiently they can complete the project too.
If they’ve been in business for ten, twenty, or almost 100 years like us, you know they’re an experienced roofer that has built up a good number of reviews. Since a roofing project is a big investment, you’ll want to do plenty of research beforehand. Reading testimonials and reviews can give you a much better idea of how the company operates and whether customers feel satisfied.
Look for reviews that mention similar jobs, how the contractors handled any unexpected problems, the pricing, the customer service, and anything they did to go above and beyond.
Almost nine out of ten consumers say that reviews play a major part in discovering a local business. These days, having an online presence isn’t optional; it’s a requirement for success.
Less than reputable contractors that haven’t been around for very long and don’t have an online presence might cause damage to your roof, disappear before the work finishes, or take the money and run before performing any work at all.
Unfortunately, there are many unscrupulous contractors out there that scam homeowners. A tell-tale red flag is a contractor that hasn’t been around for very long and doesn’t have an online presence or reviews.
Look for a Variety of Services and Options
You want to select a roofing contractor that offers all the services you need. Do they specialize in residential roofing, commercial roofing, or both? Do they offer a variety of materials, such as asphalt shingles, cedar, metal, slate, etc.? Do they provide other services like general carpentry to avoid working with multiple contractors on a bigger project?
Before you select a roofing contractor, you want to make sure that their company provides all the options and flexibility that you need.
If you need an inspection, roof repairs, or a full replacement, you’ll want to ask about those options and their experience fixing similar issues.
You also want to consider your budget. Whether you need roof maintenance or a new roof installed, it’s a costly investment. Do your research to determine what you should expect to pay for the work you need to be done and the type of roof you have.
Never go with a company that offers prices that are too good to be true, as it could be a scam, or they might use cheap materials. Instead, consider a financing plan. Financing a roof allows you to get a replacement now and pay it off in installments.
Many professionals offer some type of roofing financing option. You should also discuss your options and work with them to find the right roofing materials within your budget. For instance, asphalt is the most common option for residential properties and also the most affordable.
Check Their Licensing and Insurance
Roofing is definitely a dangerous job, which is why professionals take so many precautions. They use the right safety equipment, follow certain procedures, and have the right tools.
Most importantly, a reputable roofing company has all the necessary permits, licenses, and insurance.
Taking the time to research licensing and insurance laws for your area will give you a better idea of what to look for or ask about. Most companies display this information somewhere on their website. However, you can also ask them.
If a roofing contractor gets hurt on your property, you want to ensure the company has proper insurance for its employees. You certainly don’t want to end up in legal trouble or footing a medical bill.
Ask about safety procedures and how their workers protect themselves. While on the subject, ask the company who will complete the work. Some companies may use subcontractors that may not have the right experience or haven’t worked with them previously to know if they will install it properly.
Look at Their Past Work
Reputation is key when it comes to running a business, and past work is often displayed with pride. In many cases, you can see a gallery of past work on their website, highlighting different projects.
Take a look at some of these installations to see if any are similar to your home. This will give you a better idea of how the job might look when completed and also put your mind at ease seeing the quality work they do.
If you can’t find any pictures on their website, try contacting the company. If they have pictures available, most will be happy to show you some of their past work and discuss what the project entailed.
Find a Roofing Contractor You Can Trust
Finding a qualified and trustworthy roofing contractor is key to ensuring you receive a quality job. However, it doesn’t have to be a stressful process as long as you follow these tips.
Here at O’Donnell Roofing, we have almost 100 years of experience in the industry. We offer high-quality roofing materials and services for residential and commercial customers. Plus, we can also help with your siding, gutters, and solar needs. Don’t wait to get a roof repair or replacement. Reach out to us to get a free estimate today on the service you need.
