| Where to begin | Meeting and Evaluating Potential Contractors | Utilizing the Contractor's Product Knowledge | Consider Enhancements | Understanding and Negotiating the Contract | Sit Back and Relax |
| Minor
leaks with the seasons first rain. Major damage caused
by an unseasonable storm.
Whatever your roofing needs,
large or small, you need a professional roofing
contractor you can trust. A contractor who will provide
you with sound advice on products, reasonable
explanations of procedures, and, most important —
solid results. It’s difficult to determine the capabilities and reliability of a roofing contractor. That’s why we created a simple, step-by-step guide designed to help you find the contractor who’s right for you. |
Where to begin
A roofing system is a complex combination of elements, the success of which depends on the duality of shingles, installation and overall construction. There are many ways to start your search for the roofing contractor who meets your individual needs. Referrals are obviously the best source for names of credible companies. Ask friends and family members who they have used in the past. Contact your local Chamber of Commerce about roofing contractors who are active in the community. The Better Business Bureau, state and local licensing authorities, local trade associations and your local yellow page directory are also excellent sources of information.
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ping around, hut are only interviewing three contractors, not ten.Meeting and Evaluating Potential Contractors
After you have compiled a list of possible roofing contractors, take time to evaluate each one carefully. A professional contractor will he happy to provide any information you may require. Many homeowners have been mystified by the seeming lack of interest and response from the contractors they call. To get a roofer to respond to your call, tell him you are shop
A contractor is shopping for good jobs that will make a fair profit and bring future referrals.
Many contractors have had experiences with unreasonable or dishonest homeowners. Therefore, they look for warning signs of customer problems during the initial job interview.
Set up a meeting to discuss your needs and their qualifications, and he sure to pay close attention to the attitude of the company representative. Good contractors take pride in their work and will he enthusiastic about the possibility of helping you with your roofing problems. If you feel confident that the contractor is truly interested in your project, ask for the company’s vital statistics - specific business information which will help you make your final decision.
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Business name and address A good, professional contractor will provide the company’s permanent business address and telephone number. These are essential when checking on the company’s previous business dealings. |
Experience The training and experience of a contractor, as well as the age of his or her company, will help you determine their ability to successfully complete your roofing project. |
Licensing /
Bonding Some states require special licensing for roofing contractors. Ask for business license numbers and information on the company which bonds the contractor. Then check with local authorities to see that the company complies with regulations. |
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Insurance
Coverage A contractor should carry worker’s compensation and general liability insurance. Request the name and address of the insurance carrier, along with a corn of the company’s insurance certificate. Beware of low bids which are a result of incomplete insurance coverage and workers compensation. |
Professional
References Your contractor’s past can help determine your future. Ask for credit references, banking information and a list of completed projects including the names and telephone numbers of previous clients. |
Company
Philosophy Discuss application techniques and workmanship guarantees. Does the contractor stand behind his work?
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Your contractor should have up- to-date knowledge on quality products for your project. He or she is the best source of information but you should play an active role in the product selection process. Ask questions about different shingles such as brand names, life span, thickness, design, available colors and warranties. Selecting the best products is as important to your job as selecting the right contractor.
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Consider Enhancements
Whether you’re repairing a portion of your roof or
replacing it entirely, now is the time to consider related
projects. Perhaps you need new roof vents, or gutters and
downspouts. Even more aesthetic additions, such as
enhanced high profile hip and ridge shingles, or
skylights, should he reviewed. When done in conjunction
with a roofing project, all of these enhancements are more
convenient and less expensive.
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Understanding and Negotiating the contract
Prior to drafting a
contract, most roofing contractors will provide you with
either an estimate or a proposal. An estimate typically
provides a single price, a generically described product,
a color and no options. A proposal offers more detail with
a choice of products by brand name, prices, services and
designs. A proposal will normally offer three
options
— good, better and best —
and in-
dude product samples and literature. A contractor who
takes the time to prepare a good proposal will most likely
do a more thorough roofing job. All items to he
accomplished should he written as part of your contract.
Get it in writing . . . beware of verbal promises.
When a contract is presented, it should spell out the
proposed work, prices and completion dare. Read the
contract carefully. Misunderstandings are the most common
cause of contract disputes. Pay special attention to be
certain the following points are covered in the contract.
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Building Permits
What’s necessary ? Consider local ordinances, costs, posting requirements. |
Start and
Completion Dates including plan of
action in case of weather delays. |
Products/Materials what will he use, brands, colors, etc. | Project Inspections number of inspections, completion timetable. |
| Site Procedures work hours, clean-up procedures on the roof and around your home, safety precautions, etc. |
Warranties
including both workmanship and product. |
Terms detailed as method of payment to include a lien waiver upon final payment. |
Right-to-Rescind providing the right to cancel the contract without penalty within a set period of time (usually three days). |
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Liens
You should be aware that under the laws of most states, a contractor who does work on your home, or a supplier of materials for such work, has a right to place a lien on your property. Make sure all essential elements of your agreement are written down and understood by both parties. Also, require the contractor to inform you of who his supplier will he along with any subcontractors which will he used on the job. Either pay them yourself or require that you have a receipt showing they have been paid before paying your contractor. |
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Sit Back and Relax
A little well-planned research up front will undoubtedly save you a lot of time and trouble later on. Once you feel confident that you have the best contractor, the best products, the best value simply relax and let your contractor do his job. Do, however, monitor the progress of your project to he certain your contractor lives up to his superior reputation.
Hopefully, the information in this brochure will simplify the task of choosing a professional roofing contractor.
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