Hiring A Roofing Contractor: 4 Secrets You Should Know

By Author: Justin Hanson
Total Articles: 15
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Hiring a Roofing Contractor: 4 Secrets You Should Know

It's hard to know what to look for in a roofing contractor, so here are 4 things you should know to help simplify the process of hiring the right one for you.

#1: Roofing Contractors Must be Insured

Any roofing contractor you hire, whether for new roofing, roofing repairs or roofing restoration, must carry insurance. First and foremost is liability insurance, which protects your property in the event it is damaged by the contractor or his employees. Any roofing contractor you're considering must also carry worker's compensation insurance. This insurance will protect you should one of the roofing contractor or one of their workers gets injured on your property. If they don't have it you may be liable. Make sure you ask any roofing contractors for proof of insurance before signing a contract or allowing work to begin. A good roofing contractor will expect to show proof of insurance to potential clients.

#2: Roofing Contractors Must be Licensed

In order to protect yourself any roofing contractor you hire should be licensed. Anyone can come ...
... in and claim to be an expert, but without a license you could potentially expose yourself to financial harm. If an injury or property damage occurs during work with an unlicensed roofing contractor, the Contractors Board cannot assist you with resolution to a complaint against that contractor. Hiring a licensed roofing contractor also ensures a degree of quality in that it gives you the assurance that the contractor has met the qualifications required by your state. States usually have high standards for professional roofing contractors, which contractors must meet before being licensed.

#3: Roofing Contractors Should Guarantee Their Work

Most roof materials have a guarantee, but your roofing contractor should too. The work done by a roofing contractor, including roofing repairs and roof restoration, should be guaranteed for at least a year. Make sure the guarantee is in writing and that it includes a guarantee against leaks, defective materials, and defective workmanship. It should also detail what will be done to rectify any situation where the guarantee is not met.

#4: Roofing Contractors Should Sign a Contract for Their Work

You should ask for a signed contract from even the most reliable roofing contractors. In the contract they should specify everything from cost and payment to schedule and completion date. Make sure the project cost, including a reasonable deposit request, is in writing. And payment schedule and/or due date or timeline should also be in writing. An important item to include in the contract is roof materials and what brand specifically you have agreed upon that will be used. The contract from your roofing contractor should also include details such as cleanup during and after the project and what happens if anything unexpected occurs during the course of the project or how any change requests are handled.

Roof construction is an important part of the integrity and energy efficiency of a home. So when it comes time to repair or replace a roof it is best to select a roofing company who practices the right roofing techniques.