Choosing the right roofing company can protect your home and keep it in good shape for years. Avoid hiring a less-than-reputable contractor that might cost you more money and headaches in the long run.
You’ve likely heard the saying, “Get three estimates.” However, feel free to get more!
Experience
A roof is one of the most essential parts of your home, and you want to be sure that the company you choose will do a quality job. You can research a roofing company by looking at reviews on Google and checking that they have proper licensing and insurance.
A good Colorado roofing company can give you references for other homes they’ve worked on. These can help you decide if they’re the right fit for your project, and you can also get an idea of how the homeowner felt about working with that particular roofing company.
It’s also important to look at the length of time a roofing company has been in business. A newer company may be unable to handle any problems with your roof in the future, or they might lack the experience necessary to do a quality job. This could end up costing you more in the long run.
Certifications
The roof is a complicated structural component of your home. You don’t want to trust it to just anyone. Plenty of “storm chasers” swoop in and pressure homeowners to sign contracts, then demand a large down payment and disappear before they finish the job. For instance, a professional roofer for hail storm damage & full roof replacement will immediately help with some roof damage.
Look for roofing companies with certifications from reputable roofing materials manufacturers. These manufacturers require their certified roofers to go through extensive training and be able to demonstrate their knowledge of the products they’re installing. They also oversee several roof installations and repairs by the roofing company before they give them their stamp of approval.
It would help if you also asked potential roofers for any licenses they have. While state licensing may only be required in some areas, it’s an excellent way to ensure they are registered and pay their taxes and insurance. It also indicates they are a legitimate business, not just a one-person contractor.
Reputation
You probably wouldn’t take your car to a mechanic fresh out of trade school, nor would you trust your heart surgery to a surgeon right out of medical school. Likewise, you want to pick a roofing company with a solid reputation and a long history of satisfied customers.
There are a few ways you can pay for the roof replacement project. You can pay cash, which is the preferred option. Alternatively, you can take out a home equity loan (if you have enough equity) or apply for financing directly with the roofing company that gave you the best estimate.
Most established roofing companies offer some financing, either through their in-house financing department or a third-party lender. This is a sign that they know that roofing services can be expensive and that homeowners need all the help they can get to afford it. This makes them a much more reputable choice than a roofing company that does not offer financing options.
Warranty
A roof is a significant investment, and homeowners should know what to look for in a roofing company. The right company will provide the peace of mind that comes with a manufacturer system warranty and an artistry guarantee.
Manufacturer warranties can last 20-50 years and typically cover both the materials and installation of the roof. Beware of contractors who claim to offer a “lifetime” warranty without describing it in detail. Most of these come with fine print, which often voids the contract if certain conditions are not met, or the homeowner moves house.
Ask a potential contractor for a portfolio of their work and check out their references. If they cannot reasonably provide a list of satisfied customers, consider looking elsewhere. Also, ensure the contract outlines safety procedures, pricing breakdown, and payment terms. Lastly, be wary of any contractors who suggest covering your insurance deductible. This is considered insurance fraud and can put you at risk if something goes wrong.
