1. Ask how long the company has been in business. After a
few years they have usually established their business practices and have a
good understanding of the industry.
2. Be sure the contractor has a permanent place of business,
phone, tax ID and if applicable a license & insurance. Since some states do
not require contractors to be licensed, but it's always best to obtain a licensed
contractor only.
3. Ask to see copies of their references, business license & insurance. A professional contractor will always carry copies of their paperwork.
4. Call the Better Business Bureau. You can also ask for references and call those customers to determine if they were satisfied.
5. Price is not a very reliable indicator of which company to pick. Sometimes you are offered discounts and rebates which will lower the price. Spend a little time making calls and looking over the written estimate and contracts and get all your questions answered so you can feel confident in your final decision. Unless it's an insurance claim (see reason in #6).
6. Get multiple quotes from different roof contractors and compare the details of the bid, unless it is an insurance claim, then it doesn't matter because the insurance company determines how much the project will cost.
7. Ask about warranties. Repair and replacement can be costly so it is always a good idea to find a contractor that can offer a warranty for the work. Contractors typically offer full warranties for new roof and roof replacements, but may not offer any warranty for repairs. You should always get a copy of the warranty information once the work has been completed.
8. Document when the project will start and when it is estimated to be completed, also when payments will be made. (Do not pay in full up front - more details in #9). Make sure the warranty is clear and you understand what voids it.
9. Don’t pay the job in full until it's complete. You may be required to pay a small amount to start the job, this amount should typically be 25-50% of the full price of the job, or the base cost for materials only. Always inspect the work once it is complete and get a copy of all the necessary paperwork before paying the contractor.
10. You should conducting preventative maintenance on a regular basis on your home. Look for damaged or missing shingles, and replace any that are not satisfactory. The flashing and underlining should always be intact and in good shape. Look for dents or loose siding. Just a few minutes each month can reduce the chances of needing major repair or replacement and save you thousands of dollars down the road.
3. Ask to see copies of their references, business license & insurance. A professional contractor will always carry copies of their paperwork.
4. Call the Better Business Bureau. You can also ask for references and call those customers to determine if they were satisfied.
5. Price is not a very reliable indicator of which company to pick. Sometimes you are offered discounts and rebates which will lower the price. Spend a little time making calls and looking over the written estimate and contracts and get all your questions answered so you can feel confident in your final decision. Unless it's an insurance claim (see reason in #6).
6. Get multiple quotes from different roof contractors and compare the details of the bid, unless it is an insurance claim, then it doesn't matter because the insurance company determines how much the project will cost.
7. Ask about warranties. Repair and replacement can be costly so it is always a good idea to find a contractor that can offer a warranty for the work. Contractors typically offer full warranties for new roof and roof replacements, but may not offer any warranty for repairs. You should always get a copy of the warranty information once the work has been completed.
8. Document when the project will start and when it is estimated to be completed, also when payments will be made. (Do not pay in full up front - more details in #9). Make sure the warranty is clear and you understand what voids it.
9. Don’t pay the job in full until it's complete. You may be required to pay a small amount to start the job, this amount should typically be 25-50% of the full price of the job, or the base cost for materials only. Always inspect the work once it is complete and get a copy of all the necessary paperwork before paying the contractor.
10. You should conducting preventative maintenance on a regular basis on your home. Look for damaged or missing shingles, and replace any that are not satisfactory. The flashing and underlining should always be intact and in good shape. Look for dents or loose siding. Just a few minutes each month can reduce the chances of needing major repair or replacement and save you thousands of dollars down the road.
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