A roof is a critically important part of a home. Not only does it provide the home with protection and structural integrity, but it also plays a significant role in the home’s value. As a result, roofing is one of the biggest and costliest home improvement projects. Finding a high-quality roofing contractor who can be trusted with this important job is essential.
Here are some tips for choosing the right roofing contractor:
Get A Referral
One good method of finding a dependable roofing contractor is asking friends and neighbors for referrals. The best people to ask are those who have had roofing work carried out more recently. Be sure to ask them if they were happy with the work and would work with the contractor again.
For those who do not know anyone personally who has recently had roofing work done, other good sources of potential referrals are lumberyards and hardware stores.
Research Potential Roofing Contractors
After identifying three or more qualified roofers, the next step should be investigating each name on the list. Homeowners should never hire a roofer before checking whether they have proper licensing in the state and confirming it is up to date. Likewise, they must have valid workers’ compensation and liability insurance.
Then, reach out to the Better Business Bureau and the local Chamber of Commerce to find out if there have been any complaints. Contractor review sites online can also provide valuable insight.
Meet With The Candidates
After narrowing down the field, ask the prospective contractors to come and see the roof and discuss the job in person. They should explain the amount of work that needs to be done and the roofing materials they intend to use, along with the amount of time and labor they expect the job to take.
During this in-person interview, observe the contractor and ensure that they are professional and knowledgeable. Ask a lot of questions, and steer clear of those who do not answer patiently. Be sure to ask for a list of references before they leave.
Check Their References
Reach out to the references provided by the contractor to find out whether they had a positive experience. Some good questions to ask include:
- Was the contractor professional?
- Did they stay on budget?
- Were there any delays, and if so, how were they handled?
- Has the roof encountered any problems?
- Did they clean up properly after completing the work?
Agree On A Timeline
Whether it is a quick fix or a longer roof replacement job, it is important to map out a timeline so all parties know what to expect. Delays can happen and may be out of the contractor’s control, but it is useful to have a rough timeline.
Be sure to discuss milestones and estimated completion dates, along with any prep work that will be needed prior to installing the roof, such as ordering materials or cleaning.
Homeowners should also ask if there are any days during the project when they will need to be at home, such as providing access to the attic. In addition, find out when you can schedule a final run-through to ensure the work has been carried out satisfactorily.
Get Everything In Writing
Make sure to get a signed contract that details every aspect of the work before beginning. This contract should cover safety procedures as well as liability and workers compensation insurance. In addition to the payment amounts and schedule, it should detail matters such as cleanup. From estimates to timelines, it is essential to have paperwork that can be referenced if any issues arise.
Include A Strategy For Cleanup
Roofing jobs can be quite messy, so it is important to look for a contractor who includes a clear cleanup strategy. Leftover debris, asphalt, and small roofing nails can be very dangerous for families and pets if they are left strewn around the yard after the work has been completed. A good cleanup strategy will include both a final sweep-through of the roof and property and an explanation of how the work site will be tidied up each day.
Decide Carefully
Although it may be tempting to go with the cheapest bid, it is important to keep in mind that better-quality contractors often charge higher prices. It can be difficult to compare prices as different contractors may use different types of materials.
Roofing is not an area where corners should be cut, so it may be worth spending a little extra to have the peace of mind that comes from hiring professionals. Factors such as working style, experience and availability should be weighed alongside the price.
Reach Out To The Northern Virginia Roofing Contractors
For high-quality residential roof replacement and installation services, get in touch with Adelphia Exteriors. Our experienced Northern Virginia roofing contractors carry out every job safely, efficiently and professionally.