When it comes to replacing your roof, finding the right roofing contractor is critical. Your roof is a vital component of your home, and you want to ensure that it is in good hands. Choosing the wrong contractor could result in poor workmanship, low-quality materials, and a lot of headaches down the road. In this blog post, we will discuss the essential factors you should consider when shopping for a roofing contractor.
- Reputation
One of the most critical factors to consider when choosing a roofing contractor is their reputation. Look for a contractor with a strong reputation in your community. Ask for referrals from friends and family, and read online reviews. This will help you ensure that you are choosing a reputable and trustworthy contractor. In the roofing industry, there are literally thousands of contractors to choose from. One way to filter out all of the more risky contractors is to look for 3 digits worth of 5-star reviews on Google. This drastically narrows down the pool of options to choose from to only a handful. Now all you need to do, is shop around for value. Since you’ll be paying your deductible no matter who you go with, you’ll want to really look at who brings the most value.
- Experience
Experience is another critical factor to consider when choosing a roofing contractor. Not so much in relation to time in business, but more so to current volume. If a roofer has been in business for 50 years but only installs 1 or 2 roofs a month, that should be a major red flag. You want to go with the guys who are installing lots of roofs in todays market. These guys are going to be very savy in modern issues that may be encountered. An experienced contractor will have the necessary knowledge and expertise to tackle any roofing project.
- Certifications, Licensing, and Insurance
Ensure that the roofing contractor you choose has certifications, any necessary licensing, and adequate insurance. This will protect you from any liability if accidents or damages occur during the roofing project. Check with your state’s licensing board to confirm that the contractor’s license is valid and up to date. Certifications that are held with manufacturers usually come with manufacturer perks, such as extended warranties. Make sure that the manufacturer your contractor is certified with is a high quality one. A good way to determine whether the manufacturer is high quality or not is to look and see where you can buy their products. If you can purchase their shingles at any big box home improvement store, they are probably garbage.
- Warranty
Choose a roofing contractor that offers a warranty on their workmanship and materials. This will ensure that any issues or problems with the roofing project will be addressed and resolved. Be sure to ask about the warranty’s terms and conditions and what it covers. Only the highest quality contractor will offer lifetime warranties. Most contractors only offer 2-5 year warranties on labor and materials. At Davis Roofing Solutions, we offer lifetime warranties on both the labor AND the materials, with an extended lifetime warranty on our materials because we are Certified Emerald Pro Contractors with Malarkey Roofing Products.
- Communication
Communication is crucial when it comes to choosing a roofing contractor. Choose a contractor that has excellent communication skills. They should be able to answer any questions you may have, be able to adequately explain the insurance process, be quick to answer/return phone calls, and keep you informed throughout the entire roofing project.
- Price
While price is an important factor, it should not be the only consideration when choosing a roofing contractor. Choose a contractor that offers competitive pricing but also provides high-quality workmanship and materials. Beware of contractors who offer significantly lower prices than their competitors, as this may indicate low-quality work or materials.
Definitely stay away from anyone who offers to “eat your deductible”. Contractors paying for deductibles, are putting themselves and their clients in great danger of being fined for insuracne fraud. In the state of Texas, it is illegal for any contractor to pay for a deductible or financially incentivize filing an insurance claim. Please visit this link to see the statute yourself. Here is another link to Texas Department of Insurance talking about it.
- Quality Materials
Ensure that the roofing contractor you choose uses high-quality roofing materials. Quality materials will ensure that your new roof will last for years and provide the necessary protection for your home. Be sure to ask the contractor about the types of materials they use and why they recommend them. Again, if you can find the shingles at any big box retail store, they are probably trash.
- Local Knowledge
Choose a roofing contractor with local knowledge and experience. They should understand the weather patterns and common roofing issues in your area. This will ensure that they can recommend the best roofing materials and techniques for your home. This also ensures that if you ever need to file a labor warranty claim, that you can rely on your contractor to show up. Out of state contractors that do not have a local office in your area, should generally be avoided.
- References
Ask for references from previous clients. A reputable roofing contractor should be able to provide you with a list of satisfied customers who are willing to vouch for their workmanship and professionalism. Be sure to follow up with these references and ask about their experience working with the contractor.
In conclusion, when shopping for a roofing contractor, it is essential to consider their reputation, experience, licensing, insurance, warranty, communication skills, price, quality of materials, local knowledge, and references. Take your time and do your research to ensure that you choose the right contractor for your roofing project. With the right contractor, you can rest assured that your new roof will provide years of protection and peace of mind.
