What To Look For In a Roofer
A homeowner has put one too many buckets beneath leaking areas of the ceiling whenever it rains. It’s time to call in a professional roofer. But what should one look for when the time comes to get the roof taken care of? Here are some tips:
Do the Research
Homeowners shouldn’t just flip open the Yellow Pages and pick any contractor randomly! The roof of a home, barn or place of business is too important to be left to a substandard contractor. A client should do a bit of research before hiring a roofing professional. This includes asking neighbors to recommend a roofer they’ve been satisfied with to checking a roofing contractor’s reviews on the Better Business Bureau’s website. Former clients should ideally not only be happy with the job, but would use that contractor again. This is ultimately the most important step in finding a reputable roofing contractor.
Meet With the Roofer Face-to-Face
It’s always a good idea to invite the professional over to the property. That way, the contractor can have a better idea of the job, and the client can have a better idea of the roofer. The roofing contractor should be courteous, knowledgeable and eager to answer any questions the client has. He should be ready and able to perform whatever roofing job the client requires. He should be ready to show a potential client proof that he’s licensed and insured.
Another thing to keep in mind is that some types of roofs require special skills to install or maintain. These include metal roofs, flat roofs and slate roofs. If the client has one of these special-case roofs, she should make sure the roofer knows how to handle it.
Ask for References
A roofer should also provide references, and if it is possible, to let the potential client take a look at previous worksites. If not the actual site, there should be images taken of previous roofing projects that they would be happy to show you.
Put Everything In Writing
When the job is agreed upon, the client and the roofer need to draw up a detailed contract. This contract will cover everything from the payment schedules to the date the job starts and ends to the materials used. It should also cover worker’s compensation and other liabilities.
By doing this, you will be able to find reputable roofing professionals who will meet your needs and expectations.