What to Look for in a Roofer

Wednesday, June 12th, 2013

Whether your roof needs a major repair or a small patch, hiring an honest, dependable roofing company saves time and money. The Yellow Pages list many roofing companies, but how can you distinguish which is right for you? Wary consumers know there are qualities to look for when hiring a roofer. Performing due diligence coupled with a reference check will help you find one that accommodates both your needs and budget. Does this Spark an idea?

Business Longevity

Hire a well-established roofing company; typically one that has been in business for at least five years. Unprofessional, dishonest contractors don’t stay in business long so double-check references and work quality before you hire a new company.

References and Work

Check the National Roofing Contractors Association for a list of contractors in your area. Ask your friends and neighbors for the name of a roofing company they’ve used and would recommend.

After meeting with the roofer, ask him for names, addresses and phone numbers of several recent and local clients. If possible, request photographs of the work. Contact each person and visit the home or site to view the roofer’s work.

Insurance and Licensing

Ask the roofer for a copy of the company’s liability policy. Roof work is potentially dangerous, which leaves you open for a lawsuit in the event of an injury to an uninsured roofer.

Only hire a company licensed to work in your area. A licensed roofer takes liability for shoddy work. This provides you with recourse should a roofing issue arise.

Cost

Be wary of the contractor who requests more than a 10 percent deposit of the total job cost up front. A reputable roofer will ask for an initial deposit, but the first payment should only cover the costs of starting the job. If you pay for most of the job you risk having it unfinished, especially if your contractor isn’t licensed.

Contract

Review every contract detail and make changes if necessary. Look for a section about work guarantees. You don’t want to revisit the leaky roof 60 days from now and have the contractor recharge you for faulty work.

Obtain a signed receipt upon payment. Home improvement work can be tax deductible and having a signed receipt proves you paid for the work in case a leak or other problem becomes an issue before the guarantee expires.