Hiring a trusted roofer
Whether you are looking for roof repair, maintenance or a roof replacement; it helps to have some expert advice to guide you through the decision.
We compiled a list of useful tips when hiring a roofer:
Whether you are looking for roof repair, maintenance or a roof replacement; it helps to have some expert advice to guide you through the decision.
We compiled a list of useful tips when hiring a roofer:
Online reviews or testimonials can be an excellent way to start this search. Traditionally a reputable roofing company has at least tens of good reviews to showcase and few bad ones – no one is perfect. In fact, if it is all perfect that can be a red flag sometimes, while it is rare today to be able to cheat common review sites, loopholes exist.
We recommend and encourage you to get at least three estimates from reputable companies so that you are able to compare the value associated with cost.
Don’t choose a bid based on low price. It is seldom, if ever that the lowest price proves to be the best value. The costs of operating a legitimate business, paying taxes, and “playing by the rules” is similar for established and proven contractors. Materials and labor costs are generally similar in established industries.
Dramatic differences between contractor bids usually result from one or a combination of the following:
Always allow bidders the ability to explain their proposals. This will help to identify differences between bids. The consumer will generally then receive the best value for investment based on making an educated decision.
Check with the Better Business Bureau and read any complaints that have been lodged and what the outcomes were.
Ask for the scheduled start date and estimated end date, and what the contractor will do to protect your property during the demolition and reconstruction phases of your project.
Always check who will be doing your roof. Some contracting companies use sub-contractors as well as “ in-house” crews. As a homeowner, you have a right to know what qualifications and training they have and if they meet the exact criteria and expectations you had when contacting the parent company.
In the event of a workplace accident, you need to be sure that the company has all of the proper liability coverage and that their Workers Compensation Account is up to date and currently active. Ask for a copy of the companies certificate of insurance and you as a homeowner have the right to pull a WCB Clearance on the company.
All Contractors are required to adhere to and follow the Occupational Health and Safety Act Code and Regulations while performing their duties, and to develop a proper health and safety manual for all of their employee’s regardless of them being subcontractors or in-house crews. Ask to see the manual.