Does your roof look a little worse for wear? Are shingles starting to break free? Perhaps you went up to retrieve the kid’s basketball and notice a few soft spots. Whatever the reason, if you’ve concluded you need a new roof, you don’t want to just give the first roofing contractor you come across on Google a call. There’s a vetting process you need to do. Some contractors will provide a quality product at a fair price, while others might not have the level of experience, or they might upcharge you for something you simply don’t need.
A new roof is a valuable investment, but it’s also something you’re going to put a good amount of money in. So, before picking up the phone or sending out that email, here is a guide on how to deal with roofing contractor companies, from invite to installation.
What to Look For Prior to Contact
Before you begin contacting the contractors, you will want first to do a little investigating. This begins with looking over their websites and finding out if the contractors are certified in your state. If you live in North Carolina, they need to be North Carolina certified, and if you live in South Carolina, they need to be certified in South Carolina. Being certified in one does not cross over to another. This means if you live in one, and you hire a contractor from another, and an issue arises, things can get sticky quickly due to the difference in the state. There are several certifications out there for contractors. Most will have a general contractor certification. Ideally, though, you will want to look for a contractor that has a roofing specialty certification.
You should also find out if they are licensed and insured. If damage is sustained at any point in their work, the insurance will cover this. If the contractor is not insured, they may try to push the cost onto you (even though you had nothing to do with the damage).
Recommendations
Now that you’ve crossed out the companies that are either certified or aren’t certified in your state, you will want to ask for recommendations. Contact these individuals for their honest opinions. They can tell you if they were always on time or if they were late if the price quoted wasn’t close to the price they paid. If a contractor doesn’t provide you with past clients or recommendations, it is a red flag, and you should avoid them. Sifting through the recommendations should help narrow the possible list of contractors down even further.
Schedule an Inspection
Give the different contractors a call. Those left contractors should be able to provide you with quality work. By calling, you’ll end up removing some from your list of candidates simply because they are booked and don’t fit with your schedule. When someone does come over, they should offer a thorough inspection and then discuss with you roofing options. Make sure to ask every question you have. This can be from how long the job would take and possible expenses to material options. Don’t feel obligated to hire the first contractor you bring out. If your gut doesn’t feel comfortable with the contractor, listen to your gut. You can also ask whether the contractor will be there for your job or if someone else from their company will perform the installation.
By bringing out several contractors for an inspection, you can pinpoint the contractor you feel most comfortable with and the one that offers you the best price for the roofing service. This doesn’t mean you need to go with the cheapest contractor, though. One might be able to complete the task over a day or two, while another might not have time to finish it for a week. Other contractors may not be able to secure the exact color or material you’re looking for, while others may not be qualified to install a specialty roofing material (like metal or slate).
The Installation
Dealing with roofing contractors continues into the installation. When you set a date and time frame, make sure they are held to that date and time frame. From time to time, an issue comes up that might delay a contractor, but quality contractors will not keep you waiting. After all, you have work to do and a life to live, so you may need the roof done at a certain point in time. And while you don’t need to be standing there, watching the entire installation take place, if you have any questions feel free to ask them.
At the completion of your installation, you will want to receive a final walkthrough. Don’t just look at the roof but also the ground as well. Make sure everything is picked up and taken care of. You’re paying a contractor for a completed job, and this includes picking up after themselves. If your property is left a mess, contact the contractor and tell them. Picking up and disposing of asphalt isn’t always the easiest thing to do, and it takes up space in your trash. A quality contractor doesn’t just do a quality job; they also clean up after themselves.
Contact Your Local Roofing Contractors Today
If you’re interested in any kind of roofing work, whether it is an annual inspection, repairs, or the installation of a new roof, the team here at Charlotte Roofing Specialists is here for you. We are a roofing-specific service provider that will work with you to achieve your desired look while also providing you top-of-the-line services. Roofing is what we do.
We don’t spread ourselves thin or work on other projects. By focusing on roofing, we can make sure every employee has the highest level of training, which will provide you with the highest level of installation done faster and, often, more affordably. So if you want to learn more, contact our team here at Charlotte Roofing Specialists today.