The thought of repairing or replacing your roof can be overwhelming. Getting a new roof is one of the biggest home renovation projects you may have to undertake and it can be an expensive and time-consuming project, so you will want to find a reputable roofing company in order to complete the job satisfactorily.
If you are looking for a roofing company to repair or replace your roof then it is always advisable to do your research before hiring any, you don’t want to just trust the job to anybody. A reputable roofing company has the potential to greatly reduce any issues you may face, provide quality workmanship, be reliable and still offer a good price for the job.
What Type of Roofing Job Do You Require?
Firstly, you need to ensure that you understand the scope of your roofing project, you need to be fully prepared so that you can find a roofing company suitable for your needs. What exactly is the roofer going to do? Do you need some simple repairs or do you need the whole roof replaced? Do you require a certain kind of roof? Roofing companies are usually certified to install specific types of roofs and you should be able to check with the manufacturer to see if the company you are thinking of hiring is certified to install their roofing system.
Make sure that you understand the best solutions for your roofing job so that everything will be properly covered in the estimate and you won’t end up with any nasty surprises.
What Should You Look for in a Roofer?
Finding a good roofing company takes a little time and work, but the pay-off is that you will have employed a roofer that you can trust to take good care of your roof.
The best way to find a reputable roofing company is to talk to friends and neighbours that have recently had work done on their roof. Ask them the name of the company that they used, if they were satisfied with the work, how long it took to complete and if they were clean and timely. It’s also helpful to find out if the final cost was in line with the estimates provided. Questions like this can help you to narrow down your hunt for a reputable roofer.
Get Estimates from Different Roofing Companies
Ideally, you should take the time to get estimates from at least three different roofing companies. Look for experienced companies, check their insurance coverage and search online to check their customer reviews and testimonials. Ask for guarantees on their workmanship, you want to be sure that they are capable of completing the kind of roofing job that you require.
A reputable roofing company should, at the very least, be able to provide:
- Roofing credentials
- Local roofing testimonials
- Business & liability insurance
- Manufacturer warranties
Always ensure that the estimate provided is given to you in writing, with the cost breakdown for materials and labour. But bear in mind that estimates can change as the work progresses.
Other things to Consider
Ultimately, the roofing company that you decide to choose will be working on one of the most important areas of your home. You need to be able to trust them completely and feel relaxed about the level of workmanship that they will provide. Other things that you will want to consider when choosing a roofing company include:
Clearing up – Don’t forget to ask about cleaning up any mess. Find out if the roofing company will be responsible for waste removal and clearing up the site after the job is finished.
Landscape & Gutters – Most roofing jobs require ladders or scaffolding, these can cause damage to your gutters and landscape. Find out how these will be protected during the job.
Bad Weather – What are the roofing companies plans for bad weather? Ask what will happen if there are rain, snow or strong winds affecting the job. How will the property be protected?
Insurance Coverage – Check your home insurance to see if your roof is covered. It is typically only covered if your roof was previously in very good condition and if the cause of any damage, such as a bad storm, is included in the coverage that you purchased. Roof repairs generally are not covered by insurance for normal wear and tear. You should also check that the roofing company that you decide to hire has roofers liability insurance, for peace of mind that they are covered for any accidental damage that they may cause to the property during the course of the job.
Remember, the roof of a property is just as important as the foundations. Good quality roofs will prevent leaks, damp and other damage from occurring to the rest of your property. If you follow our advice on finding a reputable roofing company, you will drastically reduce the chances of being ripped-off by bad roofers and can relax knowing that your property is in the best hands.