Tips for Finding the Right Roofing Contractor
- Nov 29, 2016
- 3 min read
Once you suspect that there is something wrong with your roof, the biggest challenge is finding a contractor that will give you the best professional advice as well as value for money. This will mean the difference in the longer term between having a durable resolution or something that adds to your initial problem.
A lot of us have stories to share about tradesmen not turning up when they should or charging ridiculous call out fees. All of these issues create a bad impression and can damage the reputation of genuine roofing contractors. We wanted to put together a checklist for you to refer to so that you can reduce the headache involved with trying to find a roofing contractor that's right for your job and therefore, right for you.
1. Read Customer Reviews.
This will give you a fair indication of the type of work that a contractor has carried out before as well as the general level of customer satisfaction that they tend to generate.
2. Check Proper Licensing And Insurance.
You can request a copy of the appropriate documentation to show that your contractor is adequately insured, has a tax clearance certificate for example and has the correct licenses to comply with regulations, such as disposing of waste correctly.
3. Consult Company Websites For A Record Of Roofing Projects.
Any professional building and roofing contractor will document their own work to provide real-life examples for prospective clients. If you don't find exactly what you're looking for on site, don't be afraid to contact them and ask for evidence of expertise or look at any company social media channels such as a 'I'm Yer Man' Facebook Page to verify this.
4. Ask For References.
A legitimate roofing contractor will have a list of previous and existing clients. They might be able to invite you to observe a current project that is taking place, if it's convenient and local. Otherwise, there may an opportunity to contact homeowners that have had this type of work completed and are only too happy to discuss their experience.
Roofing Contractors that take time to carry out appraisals either before and/or during any given project demonstrates professionalism and a high level of customer care. It also offers assurances that the contractor is authentic.
6. Follow Your Instincts.
Ask plenty of questions that will help you to understand the technical capabilities of your potential contractor. If they seem knowledgeable and can discuss comprehensive solutions that will resolve your set of circumstances, this should provide confidence in their work.
7. Contingency.
As with any building works it's difficult to anticipate everything beforehand and it's only once a project is started that unexpected changes to the original plan can show up. It is beneficial from the outset to set aside a small percentage in a quote. This can be used in the event that there are any surprises. This is intended only as minimal reserve to offset some additional costs. It should be noted however that this can't just be added automatically at the final billing stage. Your contractor has to provide hard evidence, for example, photographs, videos and/or receipts to justify spending some or all of the contingency.
8. Determine The Materials Required.
You can carry out some of your own research prior to contacting anyone. This will ensure that you have a good idea about the type of materials that you need and that way you will have a similar basis for comparing costs across the quotations that you receive.
9. Clear Work Process And Timescales.
A quotation that has each stage laid out clearly in terms of start and end dates will give you reassurance that it will be completed within a reasonable and timely manner.
10. Don't Be Tempted (Or Pressured) To Immediately Accept The Cheapest Quote.
Having any kind of roofing repair or replacement project completed will always have an associated cost. The ultimate objective is to make sure that you receive a high level of quality throughout the process and the finished project. A job that is carried out poorly will inevitably lead to additional cost and heartache in the future. Obviously take a look at your own budget and determine what each contractor is prepared to deliver. When you have considered all factors, you are in a much better position to make an informed decision. By taking the time to do this, you will have a better chance of finding the right roofing contractor for your project.
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