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How to Choose a Roofing Contractor

Replacing your roof is a huge decision. It goes without saying that you would like the best roofing contractor for the work. But how can you know what to consider? Most people will only replace a roof once in a lifetime. It’s a major investment, and you want to be sure to choose the right company. We’re going to help you do just that. Read on.

How do I choose a good roofing contractor?
In many cases, homeowners allow price to dictate the contractor they choose. Much like the majority of things in life, you get what you pay for. If you go with a roofing company that can give you a bargain price but can’t provide a set of happy customers, you’re probably going to conclude with a substandard installation.

Here are 9 questions to ask before you hire a roof installation company:

1. How long have they been in business?
You probably wouldn’t take your car to a mechanic that has been face to face for two weeks. And you probably wouldn’t subscribe to heart surgery with a doctor fresh out of school. So why pick a roofing contractor that doesn’t have a long background of doing high-quality work?

Unfortunately, fly-by-night contractors are notorious for disappearing to avoid paying damages, only to reopen months later under a new name. You can avoid falling victim to this type of unscrupulous contractor by dealing with a business that has decades of experience and a solid reputation.

2. Double-check licensing and insurance
Roofing is a dangerous job, which is why we never recommend homeowners take it on themselves. It’s important to have the right tools, materials and safety equipment. It’s also important to have experience. Reputable roofing contractors contain the requisite permits and licenses for each and every job they perform.

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A high-quality roofing installer will also carry all required insurance because of its workers, that will cover them in the event someone is hurt during your roof’s installation. As a homeowner, you should never make use of a contractor that can’t provide proof of proper insurance because of its employees.

3. Look at past work
For most businesses that provide a service, reputation is everything. The internet provides unbiased, third party reviews from individuals who have used a business’ services in past times. 81% of consumers say they research online before they make a purchase. Before you spend money, it pays to do your homework.

What do other homeowners have to say about the roofing service orlando fl? You can ask the business if it has a set of homeowners you can call, or you can check online for information about the company’s past jobs.

4. Price isn’t the only thing that matters
If you’ve ever undertaken a home renovation project in the past, you may have been told to “get three estimates.” No-one really knows where this so-called “three estimates” rule arises from, and no one seems to be in a position to say why three is the ideal number.

In fact, there’s no reason why you should limit you to ultimately three estimates – or why you should exceed one or two estimates when buying a roofing contractor. Rather, you should spend time speaking with potential roofing companies until you think you’ve got all of the information you need to make an informed decision.

How do I choose a good roofing contractor5. Get financing agreements in writing
Every aspect of your roofing installation should be professionally documented, but it’s especially important to ensure you understand the financing terms. A good roofing company will appoint an educated employee to walk you through the contract and answer any questions you have about payment. No area of the agreement should be confusing or left “up in the air.”

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6. Ask what happens if you’re unsatisfied with the task
No matter how carefully you plan a job, there is always a chance that something will fail. If an error happens, how will the company handle it? This is something you should know in advance. Will you spend hours on the phone, trying to reach a representative? Will the company take your hard earned cash and run?

7. Ask about unplanned repairs
Unfortunately, unplanned repairs and emergencies are more often the rule rather than the exception when it comes to home improvement. Once you start knocking down walls or ripping out cabinets, you’re susceptible to find additional issues that should be addressed.

Roofs can work much the same way. In some cases, decking is rotten or damaged by moisture, or the crew discovers water damage that should be repaired before additional moisture makes its way inside a property. Ask your roofing contractor how it handles unexpected repairs. In this manner, even if you’re surprised, you know very well what should be expected.

8. Will the roofing contractor tear off your old roof?
Some roofing companies will install new shingles over an old roof. However, this is almost always an awful idea. First, it adds additional weight to a roof that is probably already aging and due for new decking. Second, it doesn’t address any underlying problems, such as damage concealed by old shingles.

In this way, slapping new shingles over a preexisting roof is a lot like putting a Band-Aid on an infected wound. You hide the damage, but you do nothing to treat the real source of the injury. It can be a highly effective and cheap short-term solution, but you will be charged you far more in the long run.

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