So, why hire a qualified roofing contractor?
Hiring a qualified roofer gives you the peace of mind and confidence that you will have a safe home. Roofing work requires a lot of effort and attention; therefore, you need to be sure that you have hired the best contractor for the job. You need to work with a professional to ensure that you are getting value for your money. Since your house is one of the most important investments that you will ever have, it is important that you get a contractor who values your investment and takes pride in their work.
Professional roofing can go a long way in making your home energy efficient;. Remember, not all homes are alike, and neither are roofing systems. Thus, you need to get an experienced roofer who will help you make the right choice for your home based on the local climate.Professional roofing can improve the value of your home. Most buyers are attracted by new roofs.
Finding the right roofing contractor
Chances are there are as many roofers in your area as there are doctors. This makes the whole exercise of finding the right roofer very challenging. Here are a few tips that can help you find the right roofer for your home.
1. The roofer?s license
The first step towards ensuring that you have a safe and thoroughly fixed roof is to ensure that the roofer you are about to hire is operating in your area legitimately. There are various ways of verifying this including a permanent address, a warranty program and an evidence of state and local licenses. A trustworthy roofer should be ready to provide you with this information. In addition, he should be willing to provide you with a written proposal because they have nothing to hide.
2. Check your area?s Better Business Bureau listing
The BBB has a very strict membership criteria. Thus, you can be sure that any listed roofer will give you exceptional service. The last thing you want to do is pay a roofer only to have them fail to finish the job, or do bad work, leaving you without money at hand and gaping holes through your roof. Avoid contractors with negative feedbacks at the BBB no matter how cheap their services are. Also, ask your friends, real estate agents in your area and family for referrals to credible roofers in your area. Once you have compiled a list of contractors, do comparison shopping in order to settle on one. Consider doing some interviews before getting into a contract. Look at it like a dating relationship; you do not just marry the first person that shows up! So, if you are planning to live in your house for several years to come, then its roofing should be a lifelong commitment as well.
3. Ask about the insurance
Never let any roofer into your property if he and his team are not insured. Ask for their insurance number beforehand. It will be a terrible mistake, and a liability on your part, letting someone get to the top of your roof without any form of insurance coverage.
4. Ask for a written estimate of the work
Most contractors will be glad to do this. Have the roofer visit your home for a physical examination rather than offering a quotation via phone or mail. This will help you avoid surprises when the contractor comes to your property and demands more pay than originally quoted.
5. Ask about available options
An expert roofer should be able to suggest recommendations for your roof apart from doing the labor part of the job. You should discuss the pros and cons of various roofing systems in order to find the best system based on the climate of your area and budget.
Your roof protects your home, family and belongings. Casual roofing service can be costly in the long run. As such, you need to take your time searching for the right contractor for roofing and gutters work.