Questions to Ask When Choosing the Right Roofing Company to Hire
Have you ever wondered what the actual cost of having a roof over your head is? Whether you’re constructing a home, or replacing or repairing an old roof, roofing is a costly investment for any homeowner, and yet it’s one of those things that must be done.
According to Forbes Home, the average cost of replacing a roof is $8000. Therefore, take your time and survey the market for a roofer that isn’t only affordable but who can also deliver results as per your requirements. The good thing is that when looking for a reputable roofer, there are many companies to choose from. According to Zippia, there are over 135,000 roofers in the United States. With such a huge pool to choose from, it’s easy to be confused as to which roofer is ideal for you. That’s why we have prepared the following critical questions to guide you on which local roofing company to hire.
1. Do You Offer Emergency Services?
If you live in an area that has been experiencing heavy downpours, you may start to notice that your roof is leaking as the rainy season progresses. You may be tempted to try and make emergency repairs, but it’s not the best option. Given that you’re not a professional, you not only risk injuries but could end up creating an even bigger problem that would necessitate a total roof replacement.
Therefore, your first question should focus on determining what local roofing company to hire for an emergency. According to IBIS World, there are over 37,000 roofing companies in the United States. Therefore, getting one that’s in the emergency roof damage repair business shouldn’t be too hard. Having a company that you can reach out to for help during emergencies will ensure your home is always protected and your roof lasts longer.
2. Do You Offer Free Estimates
According to Forbes Home, there is a myriad of factors that a roof damage repair business considers when determining how much they’ll charge for a repair job. Generally, minor jobs will cost you between $150 to $1500, while major jobs will set you back between $1500 to $7000.
Obviously, having your roof repaired is a costly undertaking. Therefore, when choosing a local roofing company to hire, it’s important to get one that’s not only in the roof damage repair business but one that can offer free estimates. There are several benefits of having estimates for your roof repairs. These include;
Gauging how knowledgeable and professional a company is: roof repair estimation will help you gain a better understanding of how the company works. You’ll get to know how organized, skilled, and professional the company is. All this plays a key role in your decision of which local roofing company to hire.
Comparing prices: By getting free estimates from different contractors, you can choose one that’s within your budget. However, it’s important to remember that cheap isn’t always better. Work with people who aren’t only affordable but who have the experience and skills to get the job done.
Get a full picture of your roofing needs: You may have underestimated the repairs your roof needs. The leaking roof, which according to you only needs patching up, may require replacing a few shingles. Therefore, it’s important to get professionals to do the estimates for a proper diagnosis and possible solutions to the problem.
3. Do You Use High-Quality Materials?
When scouting for a local roofing company to hire, be sure to choose one that uses quality materials. An experienced roofing professional knows which manufacturers to go to for quality and cost-effective roofing materials. Hiring a company that isn’t keen on the quality of materials will cost you in the long run, as low-quality materials have a short service life. Examples of quality roofing materials your contractor may recommend include;
Clay tile roof: Clay tile roofs were initially used by the Middle East and Chinese people but later spread to other regions. Other than the fact that clay tile roofs are aesthetically pleasing, they’re considered a superior roofing material due to their durability and low maintenance cost.
Metal roof: Metal roofing is by far one of the most durable roofing materials, withstanding winds at speeds of up to 140 miles per hour. Depending on the material, a metal roof can last for 40 to 70 years.
4. Do You Provide Warranties?
If you’re a homeowner looking for a local roofing company to hire for residential roofing services, make sure you settle on a company that can give a warranty on both the service and materials used. According to Chris Talton, contractors typically offer warranties of one year or more on repairs. Regardless of the length of the warranty, your contractor needs to honor the warranty when the need arises. Choosing a local roofing company to hire that provides a warranty is, therefore, important.
As we have seen, repairing a roof can be quite costly. So, imagine having a leak in your roof repaired only for it to recur a couple of weeks after the completion of the job. Having to dig deep into your pockets, again, to fix the leak can put a significant strain on your finances. However, if you have a warranty, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing that any repair or replacement needs will be covered by the company for at least a year.
Inquire about the coverage to establish what specifically is covered. Most roofing companies give warranties on repairs only. This means that if you get a roof that’s of better quality than the one installed, you’ll need to pay for the replacement as the warranty doesn’t cover that.
5. Are You Local to the Area?
One tip that homeowners with roofing needs should consider is sourcing for a local roofing company to hire. There are several benefits you’ll get to enjoy when working with a local residential roofer compared to one that doesn’t operate in the area. Some of these benefits include;
Accessibility: Regardless of the roofing material you use, you’ll need to schedule routine maintenance checks to ensure you get the most out of your roof. You might also find yourself in a situation where you need emergency roof repairs. Having a local residential roofer who can promptly come to your aid is a great asset.
Easily verifiable reputation: When choosing a local roofing company to hire, it’s important to contact one whose reputation can be easily verifiable. It’s easier to get testimonials from a roofer’s previous clients if you choose to work with a local one.
Knowledge of building codes: Before you get any work done on your property, ensure that you’re abiding by the set regulations. A local roofer is not only conversant with local rules and regulations but is also updated on changes that may affect you.
6. Are You Licensed?
In your quest to get a local roofing company to hire, you’ll come across licensed and unlicensed contractors. An unlicensed roofing contractor typically charges significantly lower than a licensed one. While they’ll complete the job, you’ll get your money’s worth. Contracting a licensed roofing contractor offers several benefits.
For a contractor to qualify for a license, they have to show evidence that they’re conversant with their areas of focus by taking and passing all necessary tests. If you choose to work with a licensed contractor, and you should, you are guaranteed expert attention to matters to do with your roof. Licensed roofers also offer contracts.
A contract is a very important document for a client to have. It serves as protection against issues that may arise during or at the end of the project. It also outlines the timeframe within which the contractor projects to have completed the job.
7. Are You Insured?
When weighing your options on what local roofing company to hire, you must do your due diligence to ensure the company is insured. Regardless of whether a project is small or big, there are always risks involved. Contracting an insured roofer will protect both you and your home. Benefits of contracting an insured residential roofing company include:
Protection from work-related injuries: The roofing business carries many risks. A roofer may trip from a ladder and fall, breaking their limbs. They may also injure themselves with small tools such as hammers. If the roofer isn’t insured, you may end up being held liable for the injuries.
Protection against damage: Accidents may happen during roof repairs or installations, resulting in damaged properties. By working with a contractor who has general liability insurance, you’re indemnifying yourself from responsibility for damages that may occur.
If a residential roofing company is insured, this is a clear indication that they believe in delivering quality services. It’s, therefore, critical that the company you decide to work with is insured. This will protect you from unexpected costs and potential litigation in the future.
8. Are You Experienced?
The quality of service you get from a roofer who’s been in the business for decades is unmatched. Opting for an experienced local roofing company to hire for your roofing project will increase your chances of getting the best roofing services. Other benefits of hiring an experienced roofer include;
Expertise: When experienced roofers are contracted for a specific home roof repair, they often uncover other issues that could have morphed into huge emergencies. An amateur roofer may have a textbook knowledge of what to do, but an experienced roofer knows exactly what needs to be done since they have encountered similar problems in their many years working as a roofer. This is not to say that for a roofer to do quality work, they have to have been in the game for years. However, most of the time, they’ll likely be winging it.
Quality materials: Roofing is one of the most significant expenses for homeowners, especially when replacing an entire roof. To get your money’s worth, contract experienced roofers for your residential roof replacement project. By being in the industry for years, such roofers have formed relationships with suppliers and manufacturers, and therefore know exactly where to go to get the best deals on quality materials.
9. What Services Do You Offer?
Whether your roof is industrial, commercial, or residential, there are multiple services you’ll need from your roofing company. It’s important to consider all current and future needs when choosing a local roofing company to hire. Some services your local contractor may offer include;
Installation: When roofing your home, you’ll likely choose a durable material. You may opt for asphalt shingles installation due to the material’s durability and longevity. However, if the installation isn’t done properly, it will affect the effectiveness of your roof. A contractor must ensure that the roof is properly installed as per the material’s specifications. Find out if a roofing company has a track record of roof installations.
Inspection: Roof inspections are scheduled at regular intervals to ensure that risks are addressed before they become bigger problems. They involve inspections of the attic and the entire roof of a building. During the inspections, different issues may be uncovered. An issue requiring, for example, leaky roof repairs, may end up saving you large sums of money that you would have otherwise spent if the issue was left unresolved.
When it comes to your roof, you should always work with a reputable roofing contractor. Each year, hundreds of complaints against roofing contractors are sent to the Better Business Bureau and other consumer agencies. Unfortunately, most states don’t have regulations for roofing contractors and installers, nor do they have building codes on roofing.
This makes for a ‘buyer-beware’ situation. Even if you do your due diligence, you still face the danger of hiring a contractor that doesn’t pay enough attention to the installation processes. Due to the relatively low cost of entry for the roofing sector, there are a lot of people who lack the necessary training, and a few are outright unqualified. The local roofing company you decide to hire should satisfactorily answer the above questions. This will ensure that your investment doesn’t go down the drain.