When investing money in your roof, choosing the best roofing contractor is vital.
Not all roofers are the same. Some charge more, while others charge less. Some do a much more thorough job than others. So, how do you choose?
Choosing the best roofer doesn’t have to be a daunting task. You can use the following suggestions to guide you in how to choose the best roofer.
1. They Should Be Licensed and Insured
The best roofing contractors have all the required local licenses and proper insurance. They should also have training related to the roofing system you want them to install.
License and insurance information should be on the contractor’s website. Some contractors don’t have websites and advertise instead on sites like Angie’s List and Home Advisor. Many of these sites only list contractors who provide proof of insurance and licenses.
A legitimate roofer in the state of Florida should be willing to show you a copy of the following documents upon request:
- Proper licensing and bonding paperwork
- Insurance
- Liability and worker’s compensation documents
2. They Are Local
The best roofing contractors are local to you. This means they know what your roof will face and can provide the best roof for you.
Asking neighbors, friends, or inquiring on a local Facebook group can be an excellent way to find the best roofing contractor in your area. People remember good contractors. The names of the best contractors rise to the top again and again.
Hiring locally also ensures the roofer uses the best practice for Tampa or Sarasota weather. If you’re hiring after a hurricane or other storm damage, watch out for any “contractors” knocking on your door trying to get you to make an insurance claim. A good contractor will not do this.
3. They Have Good Reviews
A good roofing contractor will have good reviews. However, if a contractor only has good reviews, it can be shady. A few bad reviews every now and again is more realistic. They can also provide references from past customers if you ask for them.
If people trust and recommend their roofer, they will leave good reviews for them on Google, Angie’s List, the Better Business Bureau, and more.
4. They Have Good Communication
The best roofing contractors provide good communication. They should answer the phone quickly; however, if you’re calling after hours or on the weekend, they should return your message within 48 hours.
They should be able to answer all your questions:
- What is the history of their business?
- What safety measures do they use?
- How do they communicate about the project with you?
5. They Provide a Thorough Inspection
What should a roof inspection involve? The roofer may go into your home and attic to assess any damage there. They will look for signs of leaks, moisture damage, and mold. They’ll also check the attic for proper ventilation and insulation.
On the roof, they’ll look for damaged or cracked shingles and make sure you have proper ventilation and flashing. At the end of the inspection, the roofer should tell you the pros and cons of roof repair and roof replacement.
6. They Don’t Require Payment Upfront
A good roofer will only ask for a deposit. This would cover the materials they need to complete your roof. Roof repair and replacement is a sizable investment and a great roofer understands you need to have a completed roof before paying the full cost.
7. They Give You a Detailed Estimate
A good roofer will give you an estimate of how much the job will cost. There should be a breakdown of what the scope of work includes and any specific options you’ve chosen for your roof project. One thing to note is the estimated price can change due to a variety of factors, such as material price fluctuations.
When asking for an estimate, you should also inquire about payment due dates and warranties.
8. They Charge a Fair Price
A good roofer will charge a fair price. You may sometimes pay more for a quality roofer, but expertise and quality work can be worth more. If you want to make sure the cost is fair, you can always have multiple roofers give you a free estimate. If you’re looking for the best roofer in the Tampa or Sarasota area, consider calling Westfall Roofing. We are local and have an excellent reputation. See what our customers have to say and then contact us for a free estimate.
