Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Roofer (1 Huge One and 6 Important Ones)

Your roofing project might be a minor repair, or it could be a complete home roof replacement. Because your roof is one of the major systems of your house, you should take a bit of time to make sure you are not only getting a fair price, but also the right answer to your roofing problem from the right contractor.

Many homeowners skimp on the roofing contractor hiring process and pick the cheapest price thinking that all bids are the same except for the cost. This can lead to regrets later on. The goal is to have a healthy roofing company experience while getting a roofing system that performs perfectly to protect your home and family from the elements.

Huge Mistake #1. Not Taking into Account the Alternatives

Roof crises might occur, but you should not hire the first contractor you find for a repair or for a roof replacement.

Get several estimates. If you do not take the time to evaluate the options, you may end up paying more than is required for a completely unnecessary service. Each contractor will have their own expert opinion about how your roofing issue should be handled most effectively. Comparing these options will not only help you select the contractor that puts your best interests first, but will help inform you as to the actual conditions and issues with your roof and the available solutions and costs.

There will undoubtedly be a number of contractors to pick from. Make sure you spend time narrowing them down to the most logical option to meet your goal and budget.

Mistake #2. Not Checking Reviews and References

A good contractor would gladly provide you with references from previous customers. You should contact the people they list as references. You’ll be able to tell if the contractor will do a good job during your conversation(s) with them.

Also, don’t just ask for references for the sake of getting them. Make sure you follow up with a contractor’s previous clients’ contacts. You can also check online reviews as a backup if the references are unreachable. This is your roof, a major component of your home’s value. Knowing what to expect from a contractor from their past customer experiences will give you peace of mind as you embark on your roofing project.

Mistake #3. Hiring an Unlicensed Roofing Contractor

To work on your property, make sure you only choose a licensed roofing contractor. They are qualified to conduct your roof replacement or repair project only if they have a valid license from the state or local authority. The certifications attest to the roofer’s completion of the required training and passing of the competency examinations. Insist on seeing documentation of their certification. Remember that only a licensed contractor can comply to local construction codes.

Mistake #4. Forgetting to Ask for a Warranty

A roof is a significant financial expenditure. The roof you install on your home should be covered by some form of warranty. Roofing contractors should, at the very least, promise to recheck the project if something goes wrong.

Make doubly sure to inquire about the contractor’s warranties and warranty policy. Any contractor who refuses to provide you with a warranty is not confident in their abilities. You shouldn’t make the error of hiring such a contractor.

Mistake #5. Not Getting a Written Contract and Not Reading it Before Signing It

One of the most common blunders made by most homeowners is engaging in a “guesstimate” game with their contractors. It gives unscrupulous roofers the opportunity to add additional costs and use low-quality roofing materials. Before you contemplate dealing with them, you should request a written estimate that is accurate and detailed. Allow the roofer to give a written and signed contract stating everything, including supplies, labor, and total cost, before the job begins.

As a homeowner, you can make a mistake by signing an agreement without thoroughly reading it. Never assume that all of your verbal conversations with the contractor have been documented in paper.

Although it may be inconvenient, you must read the contract before signing it. This way, you can avoid paying exorbitant “additional” bills that were hidden inside a document.

Mistake #6. Hiring an Uninsured Contractor

Hiring an insured roofing company ensures that you are protected int he event that something goes wrong while work is being done on your home. This protects both you and the roofer by releasing you from any potential liability. Professional roofing contractors are transparent about what their insurance policy covers while working on your property.

Mistake #7. Not Hiring a Professional Roofing Company

A handyman or part-time roofer is unlikely to have the necessary experience working with your roof’s type and age. If your roof is covered by a manufacturer’s warranty, you’ll want to be sure the roofing contractor working on it won’t void it and help you figure out what exact problems your roof has. A hasty leak repair frequently leads to worse problems down the road.

You want to solve your roofing problem completely and cost-effectively. You want it done quickly and with the least amount of disruption. By starting with several quotes from reputable contractors, you can have the confidence that you’ve got the right roofing service at the most advantageous price from a contractor you can trust.