Free Quotes For All Your Roofing Needs In Your Area
The roof is one of the most important parts of your home and ensures your property is protected throughout the year from all weather. Rooftops vary from home to home, so its vital to hire a professional with the relevant expertise.
If you want your whole roof replaced, or simply need part of it repaired, comparing quotes is the best way of getting a great price. Get your free quotes in Your Area today.
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The Cost Of Getting Your Roof Replaced
Do you need to get a completely new roof?
Then youll definitely want to ensure that you have an experienced licensed contractor working on your property.
Before you call a roofing company, use this roof replacement calculator first.
Theyll understand what type or types of materials youll need for your home or building and what works best in your particular climate, and theyll also be able to work with and understand any rules or regulations that you have.
For example, if you live in a community with a homeowners association , youll need to make sure that your new roof meets any rules or requirements that they have.
If you are not sure about what type or color of roofing materials you are allowed to use, you can and should get that in writing from your HOA president or board.
Its important to get these things covered in advance and to ensure that you have things in writing in case of any future disputes.
Whats more, it is likely that your HOA can recommend a licensed roofing contractor in your area who does good work that will be approved and up to their standards and who most likely has the proper insurance but always check for yourself!
If you live in a historic home that is subject to various rules and regulations as far as the type and color of roofing materials that you can use, you also need to find local roofing companies that has experience dealing with similar projects.
How To Find The Right Roofing Contractors
Do you need work done on your roof? If so, do you want to know some great tips for how to choose the best roofing contractors?
When you have problems with your roof, it can majorly disrupt your life. So, its important to get it taken care of as soon as possible.
But, choosing a roofing contractor can feel overwhelming, especially if youve never hired one before. So, how can you separate the good from the bad?
Well, in this article, well share some tips on how to find honest and trustworthy roofing contractors. By following this advice, youll be satisfied with the work and get value for money.
Read on for more information.
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Check The Better Business Bureau
Areyou still trying to decide between two or three roofing companies?Your next step will be the check out the Better Business Bureauswebsite.
Ideally, you want your company to be accredited by the BBB. This means that the company makes an effort to resolve any complaints and has agreed to the BBBs other accreditation standards.
Whenyou find a company on the BBBs website, youll also have accessto see customer reviews and any customers complaints. Again, youshould look for a company who has at least 4 stars, an A-rating, anda minimal number of complaints filed.
How Is Payment Handled
Before you work with a roofer, its wise to know what kind of payment schedule and payment methods they accept. Most roofers will ask you to pay a deposit up-front. Avoid roofers who ask for much larger deposits than their competition.
As you pay your contractor, try to do so in a traceable method and ideally through a credit card. Credit cards are a wise option because you may be able to get your money back if the roofer fails to start or complete the work.
Its a red flag if your roofer will only accept cash. Some roofers will accept credit card payments in person, others will ask you to pay online through their invoicing system. Prior to making payment in full to the roofer, it is prudent to ensure that there are no liens or unexpired lien rights that can be asserted. These rights will vary by jurisdiction.
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How To Choose The Right Contractor
Lets face it, in Toronto and the GTA, there are an infinite number of roofing contractors to choose from. This begs the question, how can you be sure youve chosen the right one? Read on to discover a few of our most highly recommended guidelines designed to help you narrow down your search and hire the right roofing company to serve your needs.
What Valley Installation Will You Use
Roof valleys are another key area of vulnerability to leaks, as this is where the most water gathers when it rains. Typically this is one of the places, next to flashing, where leaks occur due to improper installation, said Kreitzer.
He says the way to handle valleys has changed over the years, and recommended approaches may vary depending on the construction of your home and the region where you live. However, good valley installation will include a combination of ice and water protector, flashing, and roof shingles installed according to the manufacturers specifications.
In any case, Kreitzer recommends you ask your contractor what method they use and how it will work.
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Does Your Roofing Contractor Have Experience With Your Area Or In Your Neighborhood
One of the most important things to consider when youre looking for a roofing company is if they have experience and good reviews in your area and with its climate, along with any other specifications such as working with your homeowners association or even requirements for historic homes if yours applies.
A licensed roofing contractor and one who has been successful in your area will understand the unique climate challenges, the damage that might have been done to your roof, and any other concerns you may have.
How To Choose The Right Roofing Contractor
Whether you’re purchasing or repairing your roof, you’ll need a trusted professional to help you make the best choices for your home.
But if you’ve never been through the process of hiring a roofing contractor before, it can be difficult to know what to look for. From referrals and licenses to manufacturer designations, here’s how to decide which roofing professional to trust with your home.
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Research How Long They Have Been In Business
Contractors that have been operating a long time are probably doing something right.
So, it would help if you tried to hire someone who has many years of experience under their belt. Theyll likely do a great job and leave you with no problems long after theyve finished.
Whereas new roofing companies are often finding their feet and may cause issues.
What Do Their Customers Say
Checking references is one of the best ways you can gain more information about roofing companies and their services. Many businesses will post testimonials from happy customers on their websites, including more information about what sort of work was done and the customer service they received. And here youll also often find detailed images of jobs theyve undertaken and the end result.
Strongguard has over 20 years experience servicing customers in Brisbane and Southeast Queensland. on 3623 4422 for a quote!
- ABN 67 360 545 042
- ACN 074 581 392
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Go For Local Contractors
Narrowing down the search for a good contractor to local options is also a good method to find reputable commercial contractors. One advantage of choosing local contractors is their availability as you can always refer to them if theres a problem.
Remember, it is easier to hold a company that is close to you responsible if theres a problem than another company in a different town. Also, the cost of securing their services would be lower since there is likely to be no transportation costs.
Ask Your Friends And Family
Ofcourse, there are likely dozens of roofing companies to choose fromin your area. One of the best ways to get started is to ask yourfriends and family members for a referral.
Youknow your loved ones will give you an honest review of any companythey used, which can help you feel more secure following theirrecommendation.
Evenif you dont know anyone thats personally had their roof workedon recently, youll still want to ask. They may have close friendsor neighbors that did have their roof repaired and will be able toprovide you with a recommendation.
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Do They Offer Guarantees
When it comes to reputable roofing companies, they should also provide you with written warranties for the work they do and the products they use as well. Here at Strongguard, we offer a ten-year workmanship warranty on each and every job we do.
We also use only quality BlueScope Steel products, including those from the COLORBOND® steel and ZINCALUME® steel ranges. Depending on the product you choose and its application, BlueScope Steel offers a warranty against corrosion to perforation by weathering in the natural elements for a period of up to 36 years from the date of installation.
BlueScope Steel also warrants that the paint system on COLORBOND® steel will not flake or peel due to natural weathering for a period of up to 20 years from the date of installation.
Double Check For Insurance
Your contractor should be fully insured. The importance of insurance cannot be overemphasized. The very worst can happen even with the best intentions. There is no telling what can possibly go wrong. Since unforeseen events and calamities can strike at any time, it is necessary to have thorough insurance to cover you. Full insurance is the contractors way of showing due regard and deference for your wellbeing and welfare. A contractor who does not have full insurance is simply not worth your time or attention.
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How To Avoid Cowboy Roofers
Obviously, spotting a cowboy roofer is not always that easy, but you can look for sometell-tale signs. For example, a plain van with no signwriting can be an indication that the trader operates under several names and is uncontactable.
Even personal appearance can be a giveaway. Professional roofers dress in the right clothes, with proper work trousers and boots. They often wear jackets with the company logo on, rather than jeans and trainers.
Avoid anybody who does not have an online presence and check if there are any online reviews about them. An established roofer will have a website, most likely a social media presence and some reviews.
How To Hire Professional Roofing Contractors
As you can see, there are several things you should look out for when hiring roofing contractors.
Make sure you follow everything we have suggested to land someone who is reputable. And remember, never hire a company without valid insurance.
Finally, check out the rest of our blog for some home and real estate advice.
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Qualifications Of A Roofing Contractor
Installing a new roof is one of the biggest and most important jobs in the home improvement industry and for a good reason. Your roof is what protects you from the elements, so it needs to be in great shape. But the cost of installing a new roof is high. Because its such an essential and expensive task, you dont want to trust it to just anyone.
No formal education is required to become a roofing contractor, and most of them learn from on-the-job experience. Licensing requirements vary by state. Some states specify that a roofing contractor must have a license to work on any job, while others may have specifications. For example, in Georgia, a roofer cant work on a job that costs more than $2,500 without a license.
To take a licensing exam, most roofing professionals need about two years of hands-on experience. Once they complete that, they can take an exam and earn a license through their State Licensing Board or a similar government agency.
Our HomeAdvisor Contractor Licensing Requirement State-By-State Guide offers more specific details. You can also check out our network of professional roofing contractors. Each entry has been vetted and meets the licensing requirements for their state. Learn more about how we screen the professionals we add to our network.
Roofers should also:
Choose The Right Roofing Contractor
So, how can you be sure of finding the right roofing contractor?
There are plenty about, you just need to make a few simple checks first.
Start by doing some homework. If you know you need roofing work on your property then do some online research about the issue.
Do you have a roof leak, or weather damage? Do you simply know that your roof has come to the end of its useful life and needs replacing?
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Get Financing Agreements In Writing
Every aspect of your roofing installation should be professionally documented, but its especially important to make sure you understand the financing terms. A good roofing company will appoint a knowledgeable employee to walk you through the contract and answer any questions you have about payment. No part of the agreement should be confusing or left up in the air.
Does The Roofing Contractor Have Insurance
One of the first things youll need to ask is whether your contractor has workers compensation and liability insurance.
They should be able to show you their certifications and even allow you to call their insurance carriers in order to confirm their insurance is valid and up to date.
Part of the cost of your roof repair or replacement is the security of the team providing it and therefore ensuring that they are insured is essential.
You should also be able to call or go online to confirm if their insurance is current and covers the type of work and the number of employees that you need performed.
Roofing companies or roofing contractors who do not allow for you to do this kind of background research are not an ideal choice to work with you should always be allowed to check out the background of the roofing company or any other general contractor that is doing work on your property.
Moreover, youll want to ask if the roofing company uses subcontractors and if they are licensed and insured as well.
Many contractors bring in outside help especially if a job requires outside expertise so you should always ask about that and check on their credentials as well if you are bringing people in to work on your home or other property.
They should have a subcontractor lien release or subcontractor lien waiver in place for any team members outside their own roofing company.
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Questions To Ask Roofing Companies Before You Hire Them
Before you find a roofer for hire to repair or replace your roof, there are many questions you should ask before you sign off on an estimate for roofing repair or roofing installations.
Depending on the extent of the repairs required, youll want to ask a lot of questions before you decide to sign off on the estimate or even send it to your insurance company!
Finding the right contractor and even finding a reliable roofer can be easier said than done, but its definitely possible and even relatively simple if you follow the right steps.
Look for the checklist at the end of this article and use that as a template for your interviews or meetings with potential roofing contractors and you will be ahead of the game.
Keep in mind that youll need to get different types of repairs done depending on your roof style and the type of damage that has been incurred.
For example, a wind damage roof from a storm or thunder storm youll want to find a roofer who specializes in those issues and understands the various repair techniques that youll need for those particular problems.
For example, repairing hail damage requires different skills than other projects, so if youve recently dealt with a hail storm, youll want to find a licensed roofing contractor who has experience fixing a hail damage roof.
The same advice applies to many different kinds of roof repairs or even replacements.
How To Choose A Residential Roofing Contractor
This article was co-authored by GreatBuildz. GreatBuildz is a free service that matches homeowners with reliable, pre-screened general contractors. GreatBuildz was founded by a team of real estate and construction experts who believe everyone deserves to find a great contractor, have a stress-free renovation, and enjoy their beautiful new space. GreatBuildz connects homeowners with reputable contractors who passed their rigorous screening process and signed their code of conduct. GreatBuildz also individually selects contractors for the specific project and provides ongoing support to ensure everything goes smoothly. This article has been viewed 72,846 times.
When it comes to choosing a residential roofing contractor, it’s important to select an experienced contractor who can give your roof the quality it needs to keep your family and personal belongings safe from the outside elements. When choosing a roofing contractor for your home, you must seek out multiple candidates with the proper licensing and a great business reputation in your area. Continue reading to learn how you can choose a residential roofing contractor for your home.
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Will They Provide A Detailed Quote
A detailed obligation-free quote is a safeguard for both you and your roofing contractor particularly in the event that something doesnt go to plan, and it should be provided after your contractor has done a full on-site inspection of your roof. The written quote should include a detailed description of the work required, where the work will be undertaken, materials that will be used when they see the job starting and its approximate finish date.
At this stage of the process, they should also be providing you with insurance and licensing details, details of any guarantees on both products and workmanship, terms of payment and any other terms and conditions that are related to the job. An outline of next steps should also be supplied so that you are fully aware of when the work might be able to be undertaken and what you need to do next.
