Brought to you by Crescent Construction
Are the shingles over your home or business damaged, discolored or even missing? Are you experiencing leaks in one or multiple rooms?
What may seem like a harmless drip during a rainstorm may just be the beginning of your problems. So, what do you do and how do you know if your roof needs to be replaced or repaired? Do you hire a handyman or a roofer? Choosing a roofing contractor shouldn’t be a crap shoot. Below, you’ll find a guideline to help you choose the right roofing contractor for you.
Start your search online.
With just a few clicks, you should be able to find a variety local roofing contractors to choose from. Once you’ve found a few roofers that interest you, check to make sure they’ve got a functional website that provides up-to-date contact information, a local address, multiple certifications, testimonials and more. Websites like the BBB can provide valuable information like accreditation validation, customer reviews, up-to-date information, unresolved issues and overall customer relations. Also check to see if the contractor is a licensed general contractor. This comes in handy as many other related construction services are needed outside of roofing, e.g. drywall repair, wood replacement, siding, gutters, etc. Social media is also a popular place for contractors to gain exposure. If a social media presence is important to you, feel free to check there as well.
Making contact with any contractor should always be easy, via phone or by email.
You should be able to inquire more information by placing a call to their office during regular business hours. Your initial contact with the contractor should be friendly, professional and helpful. Describe your needs with as much detail as possible in order for them to assign and send out the proper employee to address those needs. The more information you can provide upfront, the better. The roofing contractor should be flexible in setting up an appointment for your convenience.
Upon arrival, make sure the representative is on time, clean and friendly.
If you feel inclined to ask for identification, contractor verification, local licenses and/or certifications, the representative should have no problem presenting these documents. Make sure their licenses and certifications are up-to-date and correspond with local municipalities. Allow the roofer to perform his or her duties in inspecting and measuring your roof. If interior damage is present, allow the contractor to view the damage, be it an interior room or attic space. This is vital in assisting them with their overall inspection.
Once complete, the representative should be able to clearly diagnose the problem and explain whether a repair or roof replacement is warranted.
If storm damage is present, the representative should be able to accurately explain how the insurance process works and provide you with all of the information needed to legitimize your claim. Your quote should be legible and detailed, explaining the scope of work, materials, warranties and price. The representative should also be able to answer any related questions and provide contact information in case you may more have questions regarding his findings or quote.
In order to find the roofing contractor that best fits your needs, calling three to four out to your home is never a bad idea.
Make sure what they’re quoting you is similar and more importantly, addressing your needs and expectations. Don’t make your decision based on price alone. Take product quality, warranty and workmanship into account in making your decision. The roofing contractor who best informs you, communicates well and makes you feel at ease is often the right one for you!