You can expect to get around 20 to 50 years from your roof, depending on the type of roof you settle for. If your roof looks visibly worn, has curled shingles, or is covered with mold, maybe it’s time to replace it.
The average homeowner spends between $5,346 and $10,546 on roof replacement. If you’re spending that much on your roof, you ought to hire a competent roofing contractor to get your money’s worth. However, finding a reputable contractor from the plethora of options is easier said than done.
With so many roofing companies at your disposal, how do you pick the right one? Keep reading to know how to hire a roofer.
1. Licensing and Insurance
Any reputable roofing contractor will have a valid state license and comprehensive insurance. Most states require all practicing roofing contractors to have a license and proper insurance. States like Indiana don’t require roofing contractors to have a license, but some individual cities do.
License aside, the roofing company should also have comprehensive insurance. Proper insurance shields you from liability should the unexpected happen. At the very least, the contractor should have general liability and workers’ compensation insurance, among others.
2. Experience and Track Record
You can never go wrong with an Owens Corning preferred contractor that has an extensive work history. Experience is almost always equivalent to skill ascribed to the years of service. Look for a contractor with a reasonable amount of experience for the best results.
While the number of years in service is a good indicator of experience, it’s not a great one. A better approach is to look at the number of completed projects.
Ask to see the company’s portfolio if they have one. If they don’t, you can check out reviews and testimonials on the company’s website. These allow you to see what other clients have to say about the contractor’s workmanship and customer service.
Any company that boasts an impressive track record is worth looking at. For commercial roofing projects, check whether the company has worked with some big names in the industry.
3. Reasonable Pricing
Make sure you hire a roofing contractor whose services are within your budget. While you’re out to get the best rates possible, it’s not a good idea to hire a contractor with ridiculously low rates.
Remember, if the deal is too good, think twice; in most cases, you’ll end up getting what you pay for. On the other end of the spectrum, don’t hire a contractor that’s too expensive. Your roof only lasts for a few decades, so there’s no use spending a fortune on a roof that won’t last forever.
The secret is finding a roofing contractor that charges a reasonable rate, not too expensive, and not too cheap. Most importantly, make sure the roofing services are within your budget to avoid straining your pockets. The cost of service isn’t always proportional to the quality of service.
4. Concrete Safety Policies
Roofing is a pretty dangerous job. That’s why it’s ranked fourth in the 25 most dangerous jobs in the country. As such, you need to find a roofing company with solid safety policies to ensure the worker’s well-being.
Ensure you settle for a company that strictly adheres to roofing industry protocols and workers’ regulations. Before signing the dotted line, inquire about the company’s insurance and its safety regulations. Aside from general liability insurance, ensure the company has proper workers’ compensation insurance to cover workplace injuries.
5. Punctual and Fast-Paced
A roofing job takes between three to five days, depending on the size and complexity of the roof. This means that you’ll have to find another place to stay during the roof replacement process. Most families choose to stay with relatives or in a hotel for the duration of the roofing project.
The faster the roofing contractor completes the job, the sooner you get back home. That means you don’t have to inconvenience others for too long, and you won’t need to pay a bundle for your hotel stay. Ask about the contractor’s work schedule and an approximate completion date.
That said, be wary of overly optimistic or unrealistic completion dates. However much you want your new roof as soon as possible, you don’t want the roofers to rush through the entire project. Any job that contractors rush through almost always ends up shoddy and unpleasant.
6. Versatile Roofing Options
Any reputable roofing company will have a host of roofing options for you to choose from. That way, you can find a roofing type and design that suits your taste and matches your budget. The contractor will evaluate your house and furnish you with a list of options for your consideration.
A roofing company with versatile roofing options is an indicator of considerable experience and knowledge. However, make sure that the roofing company actually manages the roofing type and design you opt for.
Please note that sometimes your house or budget may limit your roofing options. If that’s the case, you’ll have to make do with what the contractor offers you.
Only Settle for the Best Roofing Contractor
The above information should come in handy the next time you’re in the market for a roofing contractor for roof repair or replacement. Ensure you check out reviews and testimonials to get a glimpse of how the company conducts its affairs. Remember that any contractor without a valid license and proper insurance isn’t worth your time or money.
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