When looking to fix or replace your roof, choosing the right
person to do the job will be the biggest obstacle you as a homeowner will face.
After a damaging storm, you need to quickly get back to normal and perform the
necessary roofing repairs.
But that doesn't mean you should just choose the first contractor
who knocks on your door. Finding a contractor who is trustworthy, honest, and
professional may sound difficult-- but that's where we come in.
Reroofing is a process you may not be familiar with until it
becomes time to replace the roof on your own home. And even then, there's a lot
to learn about which products to use and what procedures best meet your
individual roofing needs. Therefore, it's vital to know that you can rely on
the roofing contractor you choose to give you good advice about those products
and procedures that may be new to you. The key is to find the right roofing
contractor for your job.
Here are 5 points you can be sure to check in order to not be
scammed, ripped off or otherwise be dissatisfied with a contractor:
1) LIFETIME WARRANTY
A LIFETIME WARRANTY is a guarantee that the product you have
received will not fail. When roofers offer a lifetime warranty, it means they
have full confidence that what you pay for is built to last. If the lifetime
warranty is transferable and you sell your home, the warranty can be
transferred to the new owner.
Some contractors might do a poor job or use low-grade materials
purposely in the hope that you will need their services again. These contractors
would not offer a warranty, because they want the extra income from working on
a house more than once. Other contractors may offer a warranty, but do not have the history to stand
behind it.
2) LENGTH OF TIME IN BUSINESS
If a roofing company has been around for a while, it is a good
sign they will provide quality service. That kind of commitment shows the
company is dedicated to their work and respects the people for whom they work.
Substandard contractors have a hard time keeping business going
for a long time. A long history in the local area is a good sign that a roofer
can be trusted.
3) FULL TRANSPARENCY
When a business shows it is willing to discuss all the details of
the job they intend to do, you know you can trust what they say. When a contractor
gives the straight facts and doesn't try to sugarcoat anything, you can be sure
they are telling the truth.
Sometimes decoding what a contractor says is difficult if you do
not fully understand the matter at hand. Contractors may pick up on this and
deceive you with fancy jargon or complex calculations. Do your research before
having an inspection to avoid being scammed.
4) GET REFERRALS
Ask for photos of completed work, if available. Keep in mind,
however, that many roofers will not have photos.
Request a list of 10 names and phone numbers of recent customers
(last 12 months). It is not necessary to check all 10, but you will be able to
pick randomly from the list those you do call. Keep in mind these referrals are
people just like you and may receive a ton of calls asking questions about the
company.
5) DETAILS
Compliance with local codes and ordinances.
Will they be observed? Are permit costs included? Who will obtain
the permit?
Product choices
Have you been offered a choice of good, better, best shingles? Are
they identified by brand and manufacturer name?
Scheduling
Start and stop dates are difficult to pin down due to the
unpredictability of the weather. You can control exceptions.
Right-to-rescind
This clause establishes a time period in which the homeowner can
cancel the contract without penalty.
Manufacturer's warranty specifications
Confirm that the Agreement states that all workmanship will
conform to the requirements of the manufacturer's warranty and installation
instructions.
Contractor's workmanship warranty
Make sure this is clearly noted in the contract.
Cleanup
Call for a daily cleanup of the premises. This becomes very
important if shingle tear-off is necessary.
Payment terms
Schedule, terms and method of payment should be written out fully
with no room for misunderstandings.
Preliminary inspection
Agree to an inspection before the job with the job supervisor.
Establish the condition of the property before any work is done.
