How Will I Be Protected
Roofing has risks, both to the crew as well as to you and your home. You need to find out up front who is going to be liable if a worker falls off a ladder or the roof.
Make sure the company is licensed and insured with both liability and workers comp before you let anyone up on your roof.
Also, pay attention to the warranty. A roof warranty is vital to the longevity of your roof, but it could also have a more immediate impact on your home should a leak pop up shortly after its replaced. In actuality, a roofing job should contain two warranties: one for the materials and one for the workmanship.
As for material warranties, make sure they not only include the shingles, but the labor and installation costs should any part of the roofing system fail before the warranty runs out. Also, be wary of Lifetime Warranties, since this can be defined in a number of different ways, including as short as 5-years. Look for exclusions and any other conditions that can cause the warranty to be voided.
Look For Material Options
The best material for your roof depends on a wide variety of factors. Not everyone can use the same kind of material to the same effect, so proper roofing companies will offer some variance for you to choose from. For example, if youre looking for a roofing solution that maximizes your buildings energy efficiency, a good roofing company should be able to provide the appropriate materials.
Be wary of companies that only work with a single material. Its likely that this material is of poor quality and that they stick to it simply because of its affordability. Even worse is when you find a company that doesnt even offer a variety of colors with their material. Function is always essential when it comes to roofing, but your property value depends on the buildings aesthetic as well.
Key Questions To Ask Before You Hire A Roofing Contractor A Detailed Checklist
When youre hiring a roofing contractor, there are some key questions that you should always ask.
You can use this checklist before you hire a roofing contractor or even a general contractor.
Hiring someone for such a big job can be nerve-wracking, so heres what you should ask potential contractors and yourself before you sign on the dotted line for them to do the work as well as what you should do before picking a winner from the array of estimates youve gathered.
You should also ask similar questions to your friends, family, and neighbors about roofing contractors that they have worked with in the past.
If your contractor cant provide positive answers to these questions, then you might want to consider looking elsewhere.
Never be concerned about being too high maintenance or asking too many questions when youre hiring a roofing company in your area.
After all, its literally the roof over your head!
Read Also: How To Match Exterior Paint With Roof
Contracts & Paying For The Job
Be sure to ask them if youre going to be charged for a quote before they come into your home. Nobody likes unexpected bills. After theyve checked out your roof, get your quote in writing and signed by the roofer. Include all of the oral promises that theyve made. If they try to hike up the price on you, you can always show them this as evidence to bring them back into reality.
Read your contract in full and take all the time that you need before you sign it. Get a second pair of eyes to confirm any questions that you might have. Ask all the questions that you have for your roofer as well. Ask about variations of price, and what the variation would mean for you. This is the most important time for you to get informed. After you sign that contract, you are legally bound.
Be very skeptical of anyone who asks you to pay for the entire job up front. Thats not the norm within the roofing industry. The BBB states that a deposit of one-third of the full price is the standard. Dont pay for the full job until its up to your standard, and your questions are answered. You deserve quality, and you should be absolutely sure that youre satisfied before you pay.
They Answer Your Questions
You likely have questions regarding the roofing process. A good roofing contractor will strive to ensure that your questions are answered and that you are confident in the entire process. If a roofing contractor that you are considering is reluctant to answer your questions, you may want to consider a different contractor. This will help to ensure that you are comfortable throughout the entire roofing process and are able to communicate with your contractor. A good roofing contractor will be happy to answer the questions you have regarding the process.
Read Also: How To Fix Roof Shingles
Conduct A Background Check
When you have decided on a company to undertake the work on your roof, ensure that you do your own background check before signing any contract with them. At the very least, you should be looking for the physical address of the company, their license, certification and insurance to verify that they are a legal company. If you are unable to find it easily, ask the roofer to provide you with the details and ensure you double check that they are legitimate. You should also be provided with a copy of the contract that you can refer back to at any time throughout the process.
It is also crucial that payment should be discussed before work is carried out. Be incredibly wary if a roofer asks for the whole cost upfront, especially so if it is in cash as this is almost impossible to get back should you be unhappy with the finished result. Being aware of steps like these can ensure that you get great quality work done to your roof for a reasonable price.
The Use Of A Roofing Contractor
Professional roofing companies back up their roofers with the latest equipment and training required to fulfill the job in a timely and professional manner, compared to independent roofing contractors. Renowned roofing companies connect with distributors and manufacturers to ensure authentic products are used . For this reason, they provide lifetime warranties, higher-end products,post-installation services, and more. In addition, their lines of communication always stay open, so you get excellent customer care when you need it. Its also good practice to get everything in writing the estimated cost, the scope of work, and the estimated timeline for the job help set clear expectations for both parties involved.
Read Also: What Is The Best Flat Roof Sealant
How To Find The Best Roofing Company
HomeLights Q2 2020 survey reveals 79% of the nations real estate market was a sellers market. Exciting, right? Of course, it is! When it comes to selling your home or buying a home, you shouldnt settle for anything less than the best. Your roof plays a vital role in the integrity of the overall building, so its necessary that you make sure it gets the care and dedication it deserves. To ensure that its properly taken care of, the first step is finding a roofing company you can trust. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to vet the competition and find the roofers that work best for you. Heres how to find the best roofing company, residential or commercial.
The Most Reliable Roofing Contractorsin The Tri
A & J Reliable, Inc. is one of the leading roofing contractors in the tri-state area. Weve proudly served New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut for over 35 years and take pride in each of our roofing services. Our knowledge, expertise, and dedication to quality craftsmanship continue our tradition of installing only the most reliable roofing systems in the entire industry. For more information about our services or to receive a free quote on your next project, please contact us today.
Don’t Miss: How To Install Roof Shingles
Is Your Property Managed By A Homeowner Association
If it is not then you might have more freedom in regard to choosing roofing contractors, as well as general contractors for any other repairs or construction that you might want to do, as well as selecting the colors and materials for your new roof.
Last but certainly not least, the lowest price might not actually be the best price in the long term.
Lower cost contractors might be lacking in insurance or experience or both and you should be wary of storm chasers coming around after a major weather event.
While a storm chaser sort of contractor might be legitimately skilled and could still be a good choice, they are often opportunistic and aiming to take advantage of people who need roof repairs or even complete roof replacements as soon as possible.
Choosing The Right Roofing Contractor
Always get bids from a few roofing contractors before choosing the one thats right for you. You may choose the reasonable, middle-of-the-road bid or the contractor with the lowest price and best availability. With the right budget, you might opt for the roofer with the highest estimate and 20 years of experience installing the type of roof you want.
No matter which bid you choose, make sure your roofer has the right qualifications.
If you already know what type of roofing you want, you may have fewer contractors to choose from in your area. Most roofers can install and repair asphalt shingles but fewer have experience with materials like cedar shake, clay tiles or natural slate. Unique styles like solar shingles or green roofs require specialists who may be hard to find in rural areas.
Door-to-door bids, when a roofer visits neighborhoods hard hit by storms and high winds, can be predatory. If local roofers reach out to you about repairing or replacing your roof, check their license, insurance and references before accepting their bid.
Compare Quotes From Top-rated Roof Repair & Replacement Pros
Free, No-commitment Estimates
Also Check: Can Solar Panels Damage My Roof
Check To See Who Is Performing The Installation
Will the roofing company be sending third-party contractors to your home? Many companies outsource their jobs to third-party contractors. When they do this, the manufacturer will probably void the warranty that comes with the roofing materials. Furthermore, you have no way of knowing if the independent contractor is qualified or licensed.
Beware of companies that try to use these types of bait and switch tactics. With Second To None, you know the group of workers who will be on your roof. All the work we do is by our in-house crew. Youll even see the owner, Mike, on your roof! Your roof will not be installed by strangers.
Will The Roofing Contractor Tear Off Your Old Roof
Some roofing companies will install new shingles over an old roof. However, this is almost always a bad idea. First, it adds additional weight to a roof that is probably already aging and due for new decking. Second, it doesnt address any underlying problems, such as damage concealed by old shingles.
In this way, slapping new shingles over an existing roof is a lot like putting a Band-Aid on an infected wound. You cover up the damage, but you do nothing to treat the real source of the injury. It can be an effective and cheap short-term solution, but it will cost you a lot more in the long run.
Recommended Reading: Where Is The Closest Red Roof Inn
What Is The Best Roofing Company In Columbia Md And Beyond
At Nu Look Home Design, weve been installing roofs and providing home remodeling services for homeowners in the Mid-Atlantic region for over 18 years. During this time, weve built a foundation of trust with homeowners in Virginia, Maryland, and New Jersey. Chances are, weve installed a roof for someone in your neighborhood!
Get in touch with us today if youd like to schedule a consultation or ask further questions about who we are and why were the best.
How Much Should I Pay
While nobody wants to spend more than they need to when it comes to replacing a roof, that doesnt mean that the lowest bidder always represents the best deal for the consumer. Just as there is no one-size-fits-all roof, the same can be said for roofing contracts. The last thing you want to do is hire a roofing company only to find out after the job is started that flashing, insulation, and replacement of rotten wood that lays beneath your old shingles are going to cost you extra.
You also want to make sure that the roofer uses quality fasteners instead of the cheapest that money can buy. This last fact alone could mean the difference between a roof that lasts for decades, as opposed to one that needs to be replaced in ten years. You should also find out who is going to pull the needed permits, you or them.
Of more concern to a homeowner should be how much they need to pay in advance for the project. Most roofers will require up to half of the quoted cost to be paid in advance. A customer should never be required to pay the balance until the job is finished. This also provides the roofer with an incentive to complete the job.
Also Check: How To Insulate A Garage Roof
Don’t Hire A Contractor On A Handshake
An estimate is a roofer’s best guess . Estimates are not firm. A bid is a fixed price that your contractor will charge to do the work. It should be solidified in writing . Getting the bid in writing protects you, sets expectations, and holds your contractor to the price they quoted.
The contract should have many details in it, such as:
Payment. Some contractors charge a percentage upfront to pay for the materials, others expect the full amount due when the work is over.
Timeline. Know when the work will start and end. Your contractor may give you an exact date, or a date range.
Warranty. Find out the manufacturer’s warranty, and what warranty the roofing contractor offers. If this isn’t in the contract, get it in writing somewhere.
Venting and flashing. Venting and flashing is the most frequent cause of roof deterioration. Find out how the roofer plans to deal with your venting and flashing. This will most likely be outlined in the contract.
Chimney repair. The best time to fix the chimney is before you install a new roof. Ask the roofer if the chimney needs work. If your roofer will be fixing your chimney, this too should be in the contract.
Ask the roofer how many layers of roof are already on your home. Are they removing all the layers and checking for rot? Will they clean up when they’re done? You should be able to find this information in the contract as well.
Will I Get Photos Of The Finished Job
If you cant see the roof, how will you know the job has been finished professionally? Ask the contractor whether youll be able to see photos so you can visually sign off the work. Some even have drones and will be able to do a flyby view of the issue. Ideal if you want a closer look at any problem areas.
Find a roofer near you
Read Also: How To Install Solar Panels On Your Roof
Tip #: Dont Choose A Roofer Based On Materials Alone
Workmanship and Roofing Ninja Skills
Even if a contractor uses the highest-quality materials, they wont be able to provide you with a high-quality roof if they have low-quality workmanship. The best contractors should know the right materials and techniques that produce high-quality work. In fact, a large amount of the work that the best contractors do is just replacing poorly installed roofs from ill-experienced contractors.
Three Tree Roofing Experience and Training
Our team of professionals are fully certified, insured and bonded roof specialists who are trained in roofing installation and manufacturer trained. We guarantee that every job will be installed with the highest quality materials and workmanship by specialists trained in installing your type of roof. In addition to our residential division of trained roofers, we also have a dedicated commercial flat roofing team to ensure that you have the very best craftsmen for your type of roofing project.
Say What You Do and Do What You Say
When it comes to Roofing, its important to choose a local company that has a successful, established business with a strong reputation. Not only does this help ensure the quality of the work, but it also helps with the warranty. Some unscrupulous roofing contractors will say they offer a warranty, but if theres actually an issue a year or two later with the quality of their work, theyre nowhere to be found. Theyve moved their business to outrun unhappy customers.
Certified Roofer
How To Choose A Reliable Roofing Company In Dallas
One of the biggest challenges youll face as a homeowner is hiring the right contractors to maintain, repair or upgrade your space. These five tips will help ensure that you hire the best roofing company when its time for repair or replacement:
Don’t Miss: How Do You Get Rid Of Pigeons On Roof
