A homeowner must have a reliable roofing contractor. No matter how basic or complex, any roofing project benefits greatly from the assistance of a dependable roofer that you can count on to get the job done right the first time.

Shopping for a new roof can be scary because it’s not a cheap purchase. To guarantee that you’re making the right decision, you should do a few things before hiring a roofing contractor.

Here are some useful advice on how to hire a roofing contractor. 

Tips for Choosing the Best Contractor

Check Licensing and Insurance

We never advise homeowners to do their own roofing because it is such a perilous job. Tools, materials, and safety gear are essential for the job. Extensive work experience is a must as well. 

When hiring a roofing contractor, ensure they have all the necessary licenses and permissions. A high-quality roofing installer will have all the proper insurance in place to protect its employees in the event that someone is injured during your roof’s installation. You should never work with a company that doesn’t have sufficient insurance for its workers.

Ask How Long They’ve Been In The Industry

When it comes to the trustworthiness of organizations and sectors, experience is everything, and this is especially true when it comes to service-based firms. Trusting an inexperienced roofing company with something as important as your roof is not a good idea. Check to see if the prospective roofing contractor has sufficient experience.

You should also check out their reputation in addition to their experience. What do their previous customers have to say about them? How many clients are dissatisfied with their service? These are just some things to look for when conducting a background check on a company’s history and reputation.

Request Price Estimates

Every part of your roofing installation should be thoroughly documented, but it is crucial that you comprehend the financing terms. Requesting pricing estimates is a good idea when looking for the top commercial and residential roofing contractors. 

It’s best to avoid going with the cheapest option because that could mean the contractor won’t deliver on their promises. Instead, find out how much a new roof will cost to install and repair to ensure you’re getting the most value for your money.

To get an accurate estimate on the cost of a new roof, speak with a roofing contractor and find out which shingle brand they prefer to use. Then see how this brand stacks up against the competition. 

Meet Them in Person

Having a face-to-face meeting with a prospective roofer gives you the opportunity to address any issues you may have. Your questions can also be answered, and you’ll learn more about how their system works. You may feel more at ease receiving updates and reports on the development of your project if you’ve met your contractor in person.

Research the Materials Used

The number of contractors in your area will be narrowed down  if you already know what type of roofing you want. Asphalt shingles can usually be installed and repaired by most roofers. However, cedar shakes, clay tiles, and natural slates are also good options, albeit uncommon nowadays. 

Agree on a Timeline

Be it three days or three weeks, it’s critical that your project has a clear timeline so that everyone involved knows what to expect. Setting expectations can go a long way toward keeping a project on track.

Talk about the milestones, expected completion dates, and any preparatory work that has to be done before installation, such as cleaning or purchasing materials. Find out if you’ll need to be home throughout the project and when you may plan a final run-through to ensure everything is to your satisfaction.

Pay Attention to the Contract Terms

Roofing companies are more likely to complete large jobs more quickly, have their work covered by manufacturer warranties, offer discounts or free consultations and work with more materials.

When you initially visit a prospective roofing business, look for one that is eager to learn about your specific roofing requirements. The contractor should also go over the contract terms with you so that you know what to expect in terms of services and costs.

Make sure the contract is clear and exact. If there are any subcontractors involved, they should be listed in the contract. Avoid contractors who take shortcuts, as this could have a negative impact on your project in the long term.

Ask What Happens If You’re Unsatisfied With the Work

No matter how meticulously you plan a task, something can still go wrong. How will the company handle a mistake if it occurs? When it comes to this, you should be informed of it beforehand. So what are you going to do when the phone rings and no one is there to answer it? 

Ask about Unplanned Repairs

Unexpected repairs and crises are more likely to happen than not when upgrading a home. As soon as you begin dismantling walls and ripping out cabinets, you’ll notice other problems that need to be fixed. If the team finds decaying or damaged decking, it’s imperative that it be repaired right away. Alternatively, water damage may have occurred and needs to be handled before it damages the structure itself. If you have questions about unexpected repairs, ask your roofing contractor. No matter what happens, you’ll be ready for it.

Ask Several Questions

Consider asking as many questions as possible before hiring a contractor. Everything from how the organization operates to what occurs after the roof installation/replacement services should be clear to you.

Your expectations and the contractor’s expectations of you are both good topics for discussion. For example, if you aren’t satisfied with the work, you might inquire about what will happen. A roof inspection is an option, but it’s unclear if one would be performed as part of the work. Additionally, you’ll want to find out if they provide cleaning services. There are so many things to inquire about. It’s only a matter of framing your questions to yield the most useful information for your decision-making.

Contact Paragon Remodeling to Learn More on How to Hire a Roofing Contractor

If you’re in the market for a new roof, hiring the right contractor is important. Not all contractors are created equal, and choosing the wrong one can lead to delays, cost overruns, and even poor workmanship. Paragon Remodeling has years of experience in the roofing industry, so we know how to select the best roofing contractor for your job and ensure that your project goes smoothly from start to finish. Contact us today to learn more about how to hire a roofing contractor and get started on your dream home renovation project!