Before you hire a contractor to roof your home, there are some things you should be aware of. Here are some tips you can utilize to make sure the roofing contractor you hire is the right one for the job.
One of the best things you can do is get recommendations from others before you hire a roofing contractor. Ask family, neighbors, friends, or coworkers if there is anyone they know of that they can vouch for. If you are not able to find recommendations this way, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry can provide you with a list of roofing contractors that are members close to your residence.
Phone interviews are another method you can use to find the best roofing contractor for your home. Be certain to ask if they accept jobs that are the size of yours and if they are willing to provide financial references from either a bank or a supplier. You should also inquire about a list of previous customers and ask how long they have been a contractor and if your project was the only one they would work on at a time. If not, find out how many projects they book to do at once.
After you have narrowed your list down to three to five potential candidates, set up a meeting with them. Ask for an estimate, and do not be afraid to ask any other questions you may have about the roof itself or their business. If they can not answer them right away or do not provide an answer that is satisfactory to you, cross them off your list. If you get any bad vibes, they are not the contractor you should want to hire.
You can also call the Better Business Bureau to see if any of the roofing contractors have been disputed by previous clients.
Once you have a list of potential roofing contractors, contact previous customers of theirs. You can ask if it would be possible to see the work that the contractor completed on their home.
You might also try showing up at a job site where the contractor is working. How does the site look? Is the crew respectable? How clean is the area? Is it safe? Are the employees careful with how they handle things? This says a lot about how professional a roofing crew is. If they are tossing tools and materials around and do not care about the property, chances are high that they will perform like that at your residence.
Once you have decided upon whom you want to roof your home, it is time to get bids. The contractor should find out what your budget is, so if they do not ask, they may not care. This may be an indication that the firm is not right for you. Also, when asking for bids, have the roofing contractor break down what the materials cost, what labor is, and what other expenses are. Materials should count for about 40% of the cost.
And finally, once you have hired the contractor, put all details in writing. This includes payment schedules, start and finish dates, proof of liability insurance, and other important elements of your roofing project.
If you are ready to hire a roofing contractor, consider Done Rite Roofing Inc in Tampa, FL. This family-owned business has been in operation for 25 years and can repair or replace your existing roof.
