Posted by roofcoadmin August 24, 2016
The biggest challenge for homeowners looking to fix or replace their roof is choosing the right company to do that job. There are a number of things that can cause extensive roof damage, but the most common is storms. After incurring storm damage, it’s important to be able to quickly get your roof back to normal, which means you’re going to need a fast and experienced roofer. That doesn’t mean that you should choose the first roofing company you come across either. You’ll need to take the time to find a professional contractor who is trustworthy, honest, and qualified. Here are the 10 most important things that you should look for when deciding on the roofing contractor you want to repair your home.
Local Referrals
When you choose a contractor from your community, you’re less likely to run into scams and potential issues. A local contractor will be familiar with local rules and code regulations, and will have relationships with area crews and suppliers.
Manufacturer Designations
These are considered a badge of honor for contractors. All contractors must pass certain minimum requirements to become factory-certified, although some manufacturers have more stringent requirements than others. For instance, GAF only allows 2% of roofing contractors per market to be recognized as Master Elite® Contractors. Master Elite® Contractors can only use this top designation in their location, which means that a Master Elite Contractor near you will meet the top qualifications.
Extensive Warranties
Not all contractors offer manufacturer warranties that cover the workmanship of the project. If a roof is repaired or installed incorrectly, additional damage may not show up for months or years, which the insurance won’t cover. If the contractor won’t fix the problem or has gone out of business, you’re left to pay a more reputable contractor to fix the problem. Many Master Elite® Contractors can provide a Golden Pledge Warranty, which is the longest workmanship warranties on the market.
Safety
You should always look for a contractor with the proper training and safety certifications. Safety should be the most important thing to your roofing contractor.
Proper Licensing & Insurance
Your contractor should have insurance for all employees and subcontractors, and should be able to provide you with a copy of their insurance certification. If a roofing employee sustains an injury while working on your roof and your contractor does not have the proper insurance, you can easily be caught in litigation. Proper licensing and insurance is the first step that a professional contractor should take in order to ensure the safety of their employees and their clients. While most states require contractors to be licensed, that doesn’t always stop unlicensed contractors from attempting to catch your business. Always make sure that your roofing contractor can provide you with a copy of their license, which you can validate online.
Paying The Deductible
If the contractor claims that they can handle the repair without having you pay your insurance deductible, begin looking for another contractor. This is a form of insurance fraud, which can have negative consequences on the homeowner. This insurance deductible is the responsibility of the insured (the homeowner), and a professional contractor will be able to reflect this in the quote without inflating your estimate.
Don’t Allow Yourself To Be Pressured
Don’t sign a contract before your insurance company has estimated the damage to your home. While a number of contractors claim they can work with whatever the insurance company settles upon, you need to ensure that it’s the right amount. Your contractor should also thoroughly inspect your home for any damages the insurance adjuster may have missed.
Know Your Material Options
Your contractor should give you a variety of shingle and other material options. The style and color of your shingles can affect the resale value of your home. While some materials add value, others may actually decrease the value of your home. If your insurance company is paying for your new roof, it could be the perfect time to upgrade the style, color, or material of your roof.