Roofing is a process you may not be familiar with until it becomes time to install 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 these products and procedures that may be new to you. They key is find the right roofing contractor for your job.
That's why Rocket Roofing Corp company (http://www.rocketroofingcorp.com/) has thought of writing this post which guides you in selecting a roofing contractor. The questions contained in this post are designed to help you determine the reliability, reputation and experience of a contractor; as well as his dedication to providing you with the best roof system possible.
Being confident you've selected the right roofing contractor will help assure that you have a quality roof overhead and that your hard-earned money has been wisely spent.
It is certain that you will want a roofing contractor who employs capable applicators to install the roof. There are several roofing system types like Metal, Shingles, Flat, Tile and Slate Roofing. So it is clear that you will need to select a roofing contractor that are certified and experienced in your roofing system type. SELECT Master Shingle credential is the highest credential offered by the roofing manufacturer, CertainTeed. We are proud to say that Rocket Roofing Corp is the SELECT Master Shingle Company and its installers are Master Shingle Applicators.
These are the steps you should follow when making a decision for your roof.
Interview the Contractor
You cannot choose a professional roofer by looking at an estimate and comparing prices. Allow yourself some time and go through their website, talk to roofing contractor about your concerns.
You will be surprised at how many options you have.
Good contractors take pride in their work, and so should the salesperson representing the company.
- The salesperson should show pride and enthusiasm in discussing other jobs.
- The salesperson should be knowledgeable about other jobs.
The questions to ask
- What is the full name and address of the company?
Getting the complete address of the company can be an important factor in determine a company's time in business. If a post box is given, ask for a full street address. Try to hire a contractor that has an office.
- Does the company carry insurance?
A contractor should carry comprehensive liability insurance and worker's compensation insurance to protect you in the event of a roofing accident. Contractors who carry insurance and follow safety guidelines on fall prevention endure higher job overhead costs. These expenses could be the cause of price variations between contractors who follow the standards versus those who ignore them.
Uninsured contractors: Roofers who do not carry insurance will most likely be cheaper to hire as they do not have the large insurance premiums to pay.
There are a variety reasons why full insurance may not be carried by a contractor, such as:
- Not a full-time contractor
- Operates as a partnership or self-employed without employees
- New in business
- Can't afford insurance premiums
- Doesn't stand behind work
- Is the company a licensed or credentialed contractor?
When you pose this question, you are, in effect, asking if the contractor is licensed by your state and/city. Not all states require contractors to be licensed but if they are licensed means they had passed a written examination in his specialty that means they have solid knowledge and experience in roofing.
Several roofing manufacturers offer a variety of programs to professional contractors that establish their credentials as a knowledgeable roofing company. Homeowners can view a contractor's credentials as another indicator of their degree of knowledge, professionalism, and dedication to the roofing trade.
- How long has the company been in business?
Needless to say, longer is usually better. Less than 3 years may signal an unstable business or one low on the learning curve.
On the other hand, everybody has to start somewhere. References will be helpful to double check any business, and are especially important when dealing with the new business. You can even check in the Better Business Bureau. (http://www.bbb.org/houston/business-reviews/roofing-contractors/rocket-roofing-corp-in-missouri-city-tx-90005539/http://www.bbb.org/houston/business-reviews/roofing-contractors/rocket-roofing-corp-in-missouri-city-tx-90005539/http://www.bbb.org/houston/business-reviews/roofing-contractors/rocket-roofing-corp-in-missouri-city-tx-90005539/).
- Will the company provide referrals or references from previous jobs?
Ask for photos of completed work, if available. Keep in mind, however that many roofers will not have photos. Request a list of names and phone numbers of customers (It is not necessary that all customers should be new and checking all the customers you can check randomly)
- What is the company's workmanship warranty?
Typically, contractor workmanship warranties are for one year or more. The length of the warranty is less important than the intent and ability of the roofer to stand behind his warranty. That is best evaluated using customer referrals. Ask customers specifically for information about these four things:
- Did he perform his work on a timely bias?
- Was he responsive when asked for information and changes?
- Did he act as if he cared about the customers interests?
- And finally, would you call the company trustworthy?
- What is the company's track record for solving customer complaints?
Find out company information from BBB.
- Try to find out how your contractor handles problems when they do arise. Request a referral from a job that involved a complaint.
- Ask the contractor if he has ever lost a job-related court case.
- Ask if his contractor's license has ever been suspended and why?
Also, in talking to the appropriate authorities, such as Better Business Bureau and licensing departments, find out if any complaints have been filed against the contractor's whom you have interviewed.
