Choosing the right roofing contractor and the 5 factors to consider
When it comes to investing in home renovations, homeowners tend to get stuck on the first and most important step: finding & choosing the right roofing contractor. Given how much is at stake, it’s understandable that hiring a trustworthy, reputable roofing contractor can be challenging for many people. Ask anyone who’s gone through the process before and you’ll hear about all the horror stories about contractors taking advantage of unsuspecting homeowners, overcharging for subpar work or taking forever to finish what was supposed to be a simple job. Fortunately, with some research and planning beforehand, hiring a trustworthy roofing contractor doesn’t have to be difficult. Finding a reliable roofer requires asking the right questions and doing your research ahead of time. If you’re interested in learning more about how you can find the best roofing contractor for your home and budget, keep reading for our insider tips.
What to look for when hiring a roofing contractor
When hiring a contractor, there are several key factors you want to take into consideration. These include: – The contractor’s experience and knowledge in the industry: Roofing is a very unpredictable trade, and it’s easy for small changes in the weather to cause major complications for contractors. A good roofing contractor will know what to expect and how to work around these types of challenges. – References and reviews: Word of mouth is a great way to find reputable contractors. If you see that a contractor has a high rating online with customers, you can rest assured that they know what they’re doing. – The contractor’s level of professionalism: While it might not be the most important factor, you want to make sure that the person overseeing your roofing project is respectful and courteous. A good contractor will take the time to explain everything that’s going on and answer any questions you might have. – Your budget: At the end of the day, it’s important to note that while finding a reputable contractor is important, you should never sacrifice quality for a lower price. If a contractor is trying to offer you a deal that seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Get multiple estimates
When you’re looking for a contractor, it’s important to get an estimate for the work that needs to be done on your roof. This way, you have a baseline for what your project should cost and can compare it to other contractors’ quotes. While an estimate is not a guarantee that you’ll pay a certain amount of money, it’s a good indicator of how much you should expect to spend on your roofing project. Keep in mind that contractors might inflate their estimates to cover themselves in case problems arise during the roofing project. If you’re looking for a reliable contractor, it’s important to ask for estimates from two or three different roofers before choosing the company you want to hire. This will help you get an idea of how much roofing work costs in your area.
Check the reputation of your contractor
You want to make sure that the contractor you hire has a good reputation with their customers. This is often the best indicator of whether or not a contractor is reputable. Good contractors will have satisfied customers and a positive online presence, while bad contractors will have a slew of complaints and one-star reviews. You can look online to see if any disgruntled customers have filed complaints or reviews about a specific roofer. Another good way to check the reputation of your contractor is to ask your contractor for references or past customers that you can call and speak with. A contractor with a solid reputation will have no problem giving you the names and contact information of past customers you can talk to. If a contractor is hesitant to give you references, it’s probably a sign that there’s something shady about the business.
Research the type of roofing material you want
Before you start looking for contractors, make sure you know the type of roofing material you want on your home. This way, you can use the type of roofing as a benchmark for finding roofers who specialize in the type of roofing you want. For example, if you want a roofer who specializes in asphalt shingles, like Agave Roofing, you can use that as a filter when searching for contractors online. Be sure to check for things like contractor licenses and certifications, too. Those things don’t necessarily translate to a better roof, but they can help you narrow down the field and find reputable contractors.
Don’t be afraid to ask tough questions
When interviewing contractors, don’t be afraid to ask them tough questions. You have every right to ask contractors about their work, their experience and their qualifications. This is your roof we’re talking about, and you have every right to know what’s going on. If a contractor stumbles or gets defensive when you ask them questions, it’s a good sign that they’re not reliable. At the end of the day, a good contractor should be more than happy to answer your questions. They should be willing to show you their license and insurance certificates and explain their work and procedures. If a contractor is reluctant to share that kind of information, it’s a good sign that they’re hiding something.
2 Key Questions to Ask During Your Interview
– What is the scope of the project? This is the most important question to ask when interviewing contractors. What is the contractor’s definition of “roofing project”? Does it include removing old shingles, installing new shingles, replacing flashing, repairing damaged sheathing or installing gutters or downspouts? You want to make sure that you get what you pay for at the end of the day, and a clear scope of work will help you do that. – What are the costs associated with the project? After you’ve established a scope of work, you should ask contractors for a breakdown of their costs. This will help you get a better idea of what your project will cost and give you a better idea of what you should expect to pay.
Summing up
Hiring a roofing contractor can be a bit of a daunting process, but it doesn’t have to be. When you know what to look for and what questions to ask, you can find a trustworthy contractor and make sure that your roofing project is completed on time and on budget. At the end of the day, hiring a contractor is a big decision, and it’s important to take your time to find the right fit. If you are located in Austin or San Antonio and would like a free inspection or estimate, contact Agave Roofing today.