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| Photo by Jonathan Ybema on Unsplash |
When choosing to install a new roof or simply repairing the one you have, your choice of contractor is fundamental. It will determine the success of your installation as a credible contractor can use the proper and robust materials which will help to protect your house from weather and climate changes.
Chances are, you'll have heard from friends or in your local Facebook group about a certain local contractor as the credibility of their work means that people want to share their great finds and give a good reference for the work that has been done. A good and reliable contractor will have numerous referrals, and often be the first choice that you hear about in your area. Their credibility will not just be based on hearsay, but also on photographic evidence, and a good contractor will be able to show you their roofing portfolio that gives pictorial evidence of previous and ongoing projects.
Be wary of any roofing contractor that turns up at your door when they have spotted some damage as they might be storm chasers who approach clients at the first sign of a natural disaster, such as a storm - hence the name! These contractors move hastily from town to town and are often difficult to track down after a job is completed, therefore offering no reliability and credibility. You can check whether a contractor is a storm chaser or not by searching for 'roofing contractors near me', and looking for a physical address for the company. If you can't find a physical address that should be a red flag, and even if there is, you might be worth checking on Google earth to see if the address actually looks like it could be a roofing firm.
Specialisation
Roofing contractors have different areas of work specialisation. If you have a more complex job or require specialised services, it will be important to choose a contractor who understands your needs and can meet the job requirements. For example, some contractors focus on installing skylights while others specialise in creating customised roof features or loft conversions. Trying to find roofing installers near your area that offer speciality services may not be as hard as you think.
Established Business
Be sure to check any potential roofing contractors that you are thinking of engaging to know whether they are an established business. Businesses that have been in operation for a while typically have more experience. However, don't discount a business purely on how long it has been running, as the owner may have just left another large and reputable firm to start their own after 15 or 20 years of reliable service in the roofing industry. Therefore, don't be too quick to dismiss any company, but check for credibility, references and experience. You can swiftly find available roofing companies around your area with a quick roofing contractors near me search.
Weather Conditions
Our weather is so changeable nowadays and storms seem to be becoming more commonplace. Unprecedented weather changes can make your roof susceptible to damage and destruction, so it is important to understand whether you are protected by a warranty in case of any eventuality. This warranty would protect against extreme weather conditions and ensure you get value for your money. The right roofing materials, the type that comes with a warranty will offer great peace of mind and also help in increasing the longevity of your roof.
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| Photo by Max LaRochelle on Unsplash |
Insurance
With any working environment, there are bound to be some minor accidents and mishaps and roofing projects are no exception. You should check with your contractor to determine whether their workers have insurance and a compensation plan in place in case anything goes wrong and they are either injured or your property is damaged. The contractor should be able to show you certification documents for their staff to prevent you from taking any responsibility for any injury in the event one should happen during your project.
Review the Quotes
Do not settle for the first contractor you come across. Consider at least three quotes and offers from potential contractors to get a feel for what each has to offer. A good contractor will be patient with you and help you see why they should be awarded the project over their competitor.
I wish you luck friends as you seek and engage a roofing contractor to suit your needs.
