The Homeowners Guide To Residential Roofing Contractors
The most important step you’ll ever take in launching your roof project is hiring the company to perform the task. Whether you’re building a brand new home, repairing or replacing an old roof, or just need some routing maintenance, the roofing contractor you employ to do the job will leave you feeling satisfied or petrified.
The good new is you can take some proactive step to hire the right contractor specific to your needs and your type of roof. Below is a guide for homeowners to help you on your way. This guide is designed to help you make good choices and to have the right information available to you. By following these simple tips you will protect yourself and your biggest financial investment – your home.
The good new is you can take some proactive step to hire the right contractor specific to your needs and your type of roof. Below is a guide for homeowners to help you on your way. This guide is designed to help you make good choices and to have the right information available to you. By following these simple tips you will protect yourself and your biggest financial investment – your home.
Where To Begin??
The roofing business is a growing one. Chances are in any mid-size city in East Texas such as Tyler, you’ll be able to find several contractors who provide a wide range of services. Your mission is to narrow the playing field in the hopes of finding that one company that is perfect for you. The question is where to begin.
Google – Google has become the perfect tool for finding information on local businesses. The key to Google is word search. The more precise your search, the more narrow the results. Google can give you vital ground-level information about roofing contractors including customer reviews, ratings, company websites, location, and so much more. It’s a great starting point.
Specialization – Specialization has become huge in the contracting business. This great for homeowners who have targeted needs. For instance, you may need roof repair on your tile roof for your two-story house that was built in 1984. Chances are there’s a roofing contractor who specializes in tile roofs on houses that are more than 30 years old. Being specific on your needs and what you’re looking for will trim your search even more.
Word of Mouth – The best way to get an honest answer about who is the most qualified, experienced, and honest roofer is to pick up the phone and ask your friends, family, and neighbors. These are the people who will you the truth with no filter whatsoever. They will tell you about the company’s reputation, their service, their timeliness, and how much they charge for their work.
A Company’s Credentials
If you don’t follow any other advice on this page, then please follow the advice below. A contractor’s credentials are generally what will lead to securing their next contract. As a client and a homeowner, you owe to yourself to acquire the necessary credentials before taking another step forward. To be as blunt as possible, if a contractor can’t or won’t produce the proper documentation, then DO NOT HIRE THEM! Doing so will inevitably lead to disaster with no accountability.
Licensing – Every roofer in the state of Texas has to have an operator’s license that has to be renewed annually.
State Certification – Certification differs from licensing in that it roofers have to pass exams and demonstrate proficiency in order to be qualified in certain areas of roofing. An example of this would be certification in residential roofing vs. commercial roofing.
Manufacturer Certification – Manufacturers will require roofing companies or their employees to undergo training in order to properly utilize their products according to the manufacturers specifications.
Insurance and Bonding – Companies operating in the state of Texas are required to obtain a certain amount of insurance for all their employees. This protects both the company and the employees in the event of on the job injury.
References & Work Samples – An experienced contractor will be able to provide samples of previous work completed. They are also more than willing to provide at least three references from recent clients.
State Certification – Certification differs from licensing in that it roofers have to pass exams and demonstrate proficiency in order to be qualified in certain areas of roofing. An example of this would be certification in residential roofing vs. commercial roofing.
Manufacturer Certification – Manufacturers will require roofing companies or their employees to undergo training in order to properly utilize their products according to the manufacturers specifications.
Insurance and Bonding – Companies operating in the state of Texas are required to obtain a certain amount of insurance for all their employees. This protects both the company and the employees in the event of on the job injury.
References & Work Samples – An experienced contractor will be able to provide samples of previous work completed. They are also more than willing to provide at least three references from recent clients.
Get Into The Details
Below is a list of questions that every homeowner should ask before going into an agreement with a contractor. These questions eliminate unpleasant surprise and guesswork throughout the duration of the roofing project.
- Itemized list of all costs (including estimates), fees, taxes, materials, labor, city, county, or state fees, and any other 'hidden' costs
- A complete and detailed agenda of all work to be performed
- Warranties. This should include information about repair, ongoing maintenance, and what the warranty covers if you hire a different company or use materials from a different manufacturer down the road.
- Contact Your Homeowners Insurance Company and inform them of the upcoming project. Make sure it will be covered in the event of damage.
- Establish reasonable deadlines.
- Go over refund policies, do-overs, and disputes. What will happen if you are not satisfied with either the products or the service provided?
- Itemized list of all costs (including estimates), fees, taxes, materials, labor, city, county, or state fees, and any other 'hidden' costs
- A complete and detailed agenda of all work to be performed
- Warranties. This should include information about repair, ongoing maintenance, and what the warranty covers if you hire a different company or use materials from a different manufacturer down the road.
- Contact Your Homeowners Insurance Company and inform them of the upcoming project. Make sure it will be covered in the event of damage.
- Establish reasonable deadlines.
- Go over refund policies, do-overs, and disputes. What will happen if you are not satisfied with either the products or the service provided?