Whether you have found dark-colored leak stains on your ceiling or noticed that your shingles are disappearing as quick as a wink, finding a reliable and skilled roofing company is incredibly important. While there is likely an array of roofing contractors in your area, unfortunately, not all businesses can deliver the industry-leading products, outstanding workmanship, and professional attitude that you should expect.
Precision #1 Contractors Inc. shares 11 essential tips for hiring a roofing contractor who is capable of getting the roofing work done right the first time around.
1. Choose a contractor who specializes in your needs.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to roofing. When searching for a contractor to handle your roofing needs, make sure they are skilled and trained to handle the specific type of roofing you have. For example, whether you own a private house, condo, or multi-family residence, the roofer must be able to recommend the best solution to fit the particular needs of your home and your allotted budget.
2. Choose a contractor who offers a free estimate.
An experienced roofing contractor should be able to offer a professional assessment of your roof at no cost. If they want to charge you, move on to the next. It is also the responsibility of the roofer to put the estimate in writing. A comprehensive written estimate includes all the pertinent details, including the cost of roof removal, the cost of materials, the cost of materials, and any additional costs that may come up. A written estimate acts as guidance for both parties as well as leverage should the total amount of the service end up unreasonably higher than the one stated in the estimate. It also verifies what is included in the total cost and what is not, which can help avoid complications down the line.
3. Compare different roofing companies.
Unless you have already established a strong business relationship with a roofing and stucco contractor, you will probably hit a search engine in your web browser to look for qualified roofers in the neighborhood to oversee your project. Keep in mind, however, that it is not always the smartest move to simply hire the first company that comes up on your search. Instead, do thorough research into several companies so you can properly compare the products and services that they offer.
4. Check references.
A reliable and trustworthy business should be able to provide you with at least five references, perhaps even a full-on list of clients from the past three to six months for you to contact. When you ask a contractor for references, it commences the trust-building process. After getting the list, ask past customers about their experiences with the specific contractor, and if the contractor damaged any light fixtures, gutters, patio furniture, and landscaping. It is also worth inquiring about the post-installation cleanup process.
5. Look for pictures.
When checking out the official website of a prospective roofing company, scroll to the section that contains the visual documentation of their recent assignments. Clear photos with detailed descriptions often prove that you are dealing with a legitimate business and not a scheming roofer who is only in it for a quick buck, says stucco remediation experts.
6. Ask if the contractor will remove your old roof.
If your entire roofing system needs to be replaced due to extensive weather-related damage, for example, be sure to ask the roofing contractor if they will remove your old roof. A reputable company will tear down your old, shabby roof as part of the overall cost of the replacement. If the cost of roof removal is not included in the written estimate, do not hesitate to ask for the estimate to be updated to accurately reflect the cost of the entire project.
7. Ask how the contractor intends to protect your gutters and landscaping.
A shiny new roof is great, but it will not matter much if the installation leaves your gutters and the rest of your exterior decimated. A reputable roofing contractor usually uses ladder stabilizers or standoffs—accessories with wide, tube-shaped arms and non-skid rubber pads—to increase the stability of the ladders and allow the roofers to reach the work from a safe, comfortable position. If the ladder rests against the fascia, it will interfere with the placement of the gutter.
You should also ask how the roofing crew intends to safeguard your bushes and flowerbeds to make sure your precious plants are not damaged during the construction. Normally, the contractor will hang a tarp from the gutters down to a “dump” tarp on the ground to cover the landscaping that surrounds the base of your home. Your vinyl, stucco, fiber cement, or metal siding will also benefit from this protection.
8. Ask if the contractor will bring their own refuse container.
Refuse materials such as shingles, flashing, felt paper, and decking should not be left lying on the ground once they have been removed from the roof. A responsible company will send a container or dumpster to the worksite to collect discarded items and clean up as they go. As a customer, you should not be required to provide your own refuse bin, and you should not be responsible for cleanup once the work is completed.
9. Check for insurance.
Do not hire a roofing company that does not carry appropriate insurance policies for their own workers and for the general public. Worker’s compensation is a form of insurance that replaces wages from lost work time and covers medical expenses of employees injured in the course of employment, while general liability insurance covers you for claims involving property damage. These insurance policies release you from any liability should an unfortunate accident occur at the worksite.
10. Look for warranties.
A new roof is a valuable investment that you should protect. Be sure to ask the roofing contractors you are considering whether or not they offer warranties. Most replacement roofs are covered, at least partially, by manufacturers’ warranties, which guarantee the materials against defects over the course of their lifespan. A roofing company with integrity will stand by its work and should have no qualms about providing a reasonable warranty. It is also worth requesting to get the warranty in writing so that in the event that something goes amiss, you can easily use the document as the reference.
11. Ask about the working schedule.
Finally, you should ask the contractor you are considering about their working times. If you are replacing a residential roof, you will want to know how early the installation team is planning to start in the morning. Not only can a very early start potentially interrupt your well-deserved sleep, but it may also come into conflict with the local bylaws or your neighbors in general. Check with the municipality and any homeowner’s association you belong to ensure that your roofing crew is not violating any community standards.
Let Us Help Achieve Your Dream Exterior
Breathe new life into your home with a high-quality roof repair or replacement service with Precision #1 Contractors Inc. You can also count on our skilled team of professionals for other exterior improvements, including James Hardie installation, stucco remediation, window and skylights replacement, and more. Call us today at (215) 309-8937 or fill out our convenient online form to request a free, no-obligation estimate. We work with homeowners in Morrisville in Pennsylvania and the surrounding areas.