Roofing contractors
If you’re a homeowner, you’ll need roofing contractors at some point during the life of your home. You’ll either be installing a new roof or repairing an old one.
Roofing contractors carry out a wide range of roofing tasks. These include:
- Installing and replacing roofing systems
- Repairing damaged roofing materials
- Installing insulation
- Cleaning roofs and gutters
- Regular maintenance of roofs
Some roofing contractors also offer other services such as safe removal of ice dams and cleaning roofs and maintaining gutters.
Individual contractors and companies
Roofing contractors may be either individual contractors or companies. When you have a big job such as a roof installation and you’re short on time, a roofing company may be a good match for you. Companies work fast as they have large crews on hand.
Individual contractors take more time though they offer a more personal touch. You’ll interact with the contractor throughout the process and understand each step and why it’s done.
Selecting a good roofing contractor
When selecting a roofing contractor consider several candidates and vet them on the areas below.
- Are they licensed? This may be at the state level or county level depending on where you live. A licensed contractor is likely to do a good job so as to build their reputation.
- What are their references? Ask them to provide at least three references that you can call and interview. References may also be from your local building association. The association is a good call as they’re able to vouch for individual contractors.
- Have the contractor come over and do an assessment. Then let them offer you viable solutions to the issue that you’re experiencing. This way you’re able to gauge how knowledgeable they are and consider different solutions.
- Do they offer warranties? How long are these warranties? Anyone offering a warranty does a good job the first time round.
- Also get an estimate of the cost of the job before committing to any contractor. Compare various estimates and what you’re getting for your money. Estimates may differ based on the length of time they’ll be there and the extras offered such as cleaning up after the job is done.
