Sifting Through Various Roofing Companies

| Wednesday, January 22, 2014
By Nelda Powers


One of the most valuable investments a person can make is in home ownership. This may require occasionally having repairs done which should not be trusted to just any contractor. In order to find the most qualified professional for the job, there are a few general tips for vetting several roofing companies at once.

The most important thing is that they not hire anyone that is not legitimately qualified to perform the work. A contractor should provide a prospective client with a copy of their business license, state required credentials as well as proof of adequate insurance for both liability and workers compensation. A professional will also have no problem providing warranties on the materials and the quality of work.

Each state may have different requirements for this type of contractor's license. If a homeowner is unsure of what the guidelines in their area are, they can find out by contacting their local licensing board or Department of Professional Regulation. Legitimacy may be further verified by requesting their tax ID number, business address, website, email and telephone number.

Relatives, co-workers, neighbors and friends are all reliable sources for contractor recommendations. Another suggestion is to speak with insurance agents and claims adjusters about which businesses they would either use or advise against. One should not hesitate to contact former clients of each company considered and get their personal experience opinions.

Aside from contacting prior clients and various individuals in the insurance field to find out how each company performed, there are other ways to check a contractor's reputation. The Better Business Bureau will have a record of complaints filed, though they are unlikely to have any positive reviews on hand. Online websites that allow homeowners to post pros and cons of different vendors are a great resource.

Comparisons should always be made prior to committing to any contract. Prior to permitting a company to look at the issue, verify whether or not there is a charge for the estimate, though most will offer this service at no charge. Request that everything be put in writing, including any promises made by the inspector, the materials to be used, the time work is expected to last and all possible costs.

Contracts that clearly spell out vital information such as how long the job will take and the specific hours the crew will work each day, should be completed prior to anyone getting started. This document should also precisely list the company's safety protocols, clean up routines, complete list of materials and detailed payment schedule. Never submit more than one-third of the full amount as a deposit, and always use either credit cards or checks for other remittances, holding the final installment until the finished product has been met client approval.

Comparing roofing companies is a balance of quality, reputation and reliability because the lowest bid is not necessary always the best option. Researching all of these aspects is how one finds the best contractor for the job. Demand a warranty and read it carefully in order to ensure it covers all of the work done as well as the materials that were used.




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