If you're a homeowner, you undoubtedly must have asked yourself: if you really need a roofing contractors, or can you trust just a roofing company? You may be dealing with an old or leaking roof, and on top of that you need to sort through all the roofing contractors in your local area to locate one who can get the job done right, while still being affordable. Sometimes the best thing to do is go with a general contractor; for example if your roof has single detached shingles, instead of calling the roofer who installed the roof shingles, you could call the general contractor who did the rest of the work. This will save you the trouble and hassle of contacting every roofing company in the area.
There are some aspects of roofing contractors, you need to check out before hiring one to do your work. Check to see if they belong to the
roofing contractors NYC Association. The reason? The association requires members to take an oath that states that they will perform only under the supervision of another member who is a roofing professional with at least three years experience. You can check this out by asking your friends or business associates for names of other members you can contact.
How do I choose a good roofing contractor?
Now check their credentials, which should include a three-year apprenticeship in roofing contractors, a state license, proof of insurance and bonding, and a current certificate of completion of their training. Ask them how long they've been in business and ask them to furnish you with references from past jobs that they've done. If you find a roofing contractor that fits all these criteria, chances are you've found yourself a good choice.
Next, it's time to research the roofing contractors you like. Write down everything you know about their past experiences, the projects they've completed, and the overall rating on their website. Then use your knowledge to determine if the website is credible. Have they had any complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau?
Are their credentials based on hard facts and not opinion or hearsay?
Once you've found a handful of roofing contractors you like, check their background and ask them to supply you with some references. Don't be afraid to ask specific questions regarding their training and work history. Don't let the contractor speak for himself-be specific and ask what exactly he was trained to do. Is he certified in
residential roofing or commercial roofing?
Does the roofing company belong to an association or union?
After you've gathered together a few potential roofers, contact them and make sure you're on the same page. Let them know you're interested in working with them to complete a roofing project for you. Don't make them feel pressured into choosing a particular roofer. If you don't have a lot of experience with old roofing contractors, offer to provide them with some feedback. Tell them you're interested in working with their particular expertise on certain roof types.
You may have some ideas on how to improve their abilities, but don't force your ideas on them-they'll respect your professionalism and choose an expert who can provide them with the best results.Lastly, get bids from all of the roofing contractors you've researched. When you review their bids, pay close attention to the materials they use and whether or not their estimate matches the value of your home. Never allow a roofer to work on your roof without actually seeing the finished product.
Make sure there aren't any gaps in the roof. Also, don't accept roofers who are only in business because they can offer cheap labor-it's always best to hire someone who's experienced and capable as well.Conclusion:Once you've hired one or two roofing contractors, ask them for references and accreditations. A licensed contractor should be able to produce a number of references who have worked with them. Make sure you find out where these people went to school and what kind of professional organizations they are associated with. Ask your roofing contractors about licensing and insurance policies. You want to be assured that they will use the safest and most up-to-date roofing materials and will follow all local building codes. Ask for a list of references and don't be afraid to ask them for actual numbers.
