What to look for in a good roofing contractor

​One of the greatest obstacle homeowner’s faces when looking to fix or replace their roof is choosing the right person to do the job. After a destructive storm, they need to swiftly get back to regular and complete the necessary roofing repairs. But that doesn’t mean they should just choose the first contractor who knocks on their door. Looking for a contractor who is responsible, honest, and professional may sound difficult – but that’s where you come in. Contractors should share these few important tips with homeowners to show them that your company is trustworthy and can be trusted to protect their home and their wallet.
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What is the right roof for you?
Is your roof initial to look a little depressing? Is it time for a new one? With all the options in residential roofing out there it can be confusing which one to choose. 
What type of fabric should you use? 
What type would work best for your home? 
Consulting with a specialized is always a good plan of action. For those of you who’d like to learn, let’s take a look at some common residential roofing materials. Then we’ll talk about some other concerns that you should be aware of as you decide. Equipment there are many roofing equipments that you can choose from when picking out your roof. This is by no means an thorough list, but it will give you an idea of the more common equipment. 

A new roof is a major investment, so before you hire a roofing contractor, it pays to ask a few questions. Getting estimates from contractors is the easy part, but the contractor who promises to get the job done the fastest and cheapest, isn’t always the best choice. When you’re looking for a reputable roofing company, a few questions, and a little sleuthing, will ensure that you get the best roof for your money.

Check List to Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor

• Contractor References
• Proof of Insurance
• Manufacturer Qualifications
• Contractor’s Warranty
• Scope of Work
• Maintenance Program
• Worker Knowledge
• Examining for Quality
• Roof inspection and estimate

Contractor References:
You know you’re supposed to ask for a contractor’s references, but most contractors offer a list of only those customers they know are satisfied with their work. Instead, ask for a list of the contractor’s last three clients. It’s important to talk to recent clients because their experience is a good indicator of what you can expect. In addition, ask the contractor to provide references from at least two clients with roofing projects that took place three or more years ago. These clients can give you better idea of the long-term quality of their roofs and how the contractor handled call-backs.

How Long Has the Roofing Contractor Been in Business?
Just because a contractor is the new kid on the block doesn’t mean that the company is poor, but in the roofing business, durability is a good indicator of quality and service. A company can’t stay in business for 15 or 25 years, unless it develops a strong and trusted customer base.

Proof of Assurance:
A roofing contractor should carry commercial obligation assurance to protect his clients from unforeseen events that can occur during the project. Many contractors will include a certificate of insurance when they submit their tender. If not, ask to see a copy of the contractor’s strategy and call the phone number on the policy to see if it’s still in force.

Manufacturer Qualifications:
The manufacturers of some roofing materials require special preparation and/or certification before they allow a worker to fix their products. Ask the contractor which roofing products the company is qualified to install. In general, the more roofing products a contractor is qualified to install, the better your odds are of getting the best product for your roof.

Manufacturer’s Specification Sheets:
Ask the contractor if he supplies copies of the manufacturer’s specification sheets. These sheets contain the proper installation methods and detail what types of fasteners, adhesives or other materials are compatible with the roofing product. The specification sheets serve as a valuable reference for inspecting the roof in the future.

Contractor’s Warranty:
Does the roofing contractor offer an additional warranty? If so, find out how long the warranty is in effect and what it covers. Reputable contractors offer workmanship warranties that cover issues arising from installation methods.

Scope of Work:
What is the contractor’s scope of work? Can the company offer you a variety of roofing options? While it might be counterproductive to hire a roofing contractor that performs numerous other services, such as pouring concrete, installing swimming pools or laying carpet, it’s in your best interest to find a roofing contractor that can offer a variety of roof-related options. Does the contractor offer solar solutions? Will you have a value-engineered roofing system?

Will Subcontractors Perform Some of the Work?
Some roofing companies handle the entire project, but other companies depend on subs to perform specific jobs. If the company uses subcontractors, ask for each sub’s contact information, certification, proof of insurance and references. The roofing company should submit subcontractor bids as a part of the larger proposal. If a subcontractor will be used, will the contractor manage the crew on-site?

Maintenance Program:
Find out if the roofing company offers a preventative maintenance program. Regular inspections and upkeep protect the life of your new roof by identifying and fixing potential problems before they require major roof repair.

Worker Knowledge:
How does the roofing company train its workers? Do new hires go through a probationary period while they’re learning? Does the company train its workers in OSHA safety procedures? Are the workers skilled in installing the type of roof you want? Adequate worker training is essential, not only for a high quality roof, but also to reduce the risk of injury to the workers and to anyone else in or near the work zone.

Examining for Quality:
How does the contractor ensure quality workmanship? Building codes determine some types of inspections, and depending on the regulations in your community, a building compliance inspector might come out and check the project at specific stages. It’s important, however, for the roofing 

Is this Contractor a Safety Liability?
Ask the contractor to see a copy of their safety records. They should be able to provide a copy of their EMR rating as well as OSHA logs from recent years. A contractor lacking commitment to safety is a serious liability to your facility and should be avoided.

Roof inspection and estimate:
Sometimes general contractors for roofing are self employed or employed by a construction company. Either way, you should expect them to come out to your project site and start by inspecting your roof to get a full assessment of what work actually needs to be done. From that, a seasoned roofing contractor should walk you through every aspect of the repair or replacement he plans to do. Your contractor should outline the estimated materials, labor, permits and anything else you both may discuss. Your contractor should never ask for full payment up front. A seasoned roofing contractor should be stable enough to obtain the materials he needs without an extremely large deposit on your behalf.

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