What to Look For in a Roofing Contractor

The realization that your roof needs to be repaired or replaced can be a daunting one, especially when it is time to hire a roofing contractor. To make things easier, we have put together a guide that will show you how to find a roofing contractor that fits your needs and will make the process as smooth as possible.

Finding Roofing Contractors

As you are searching for a contractor to repair or replace your roof, you are just one Google search away from dozens of companies in your area. How do you weed through the results and choose the roofing company that is right for you?

Recommendations From Friends and Family

There is no better way to find a reputable roofing contractor than speaking with friends, family, and neighbors who have recently had work done. You can ask them questions about the sales process, pricing, and the quality of work. Having just gone through this process, your friends and family may have already compared pricing with other companies as well, which can alleviate some of the research on your end.

Home Service Websites

Over the last 10 years, sites like Angie’s List and Houzz have made finding home improvement contractors much easier. On these sites, you can compare contractors side by side, which can drastically reduce your research time. We have made some great connections on our Houzz profile, and it is a great place to view customer testimonials. Below is a list of some of the most popular sites to find roofing contractors:

Questions to Ask Your Roofing Contractor

Now that you’ve put together a list of companies, it’s time to interview the prospects. It’s easy to forget about questions you meant to ask during consultations, so we recommend writing down your questions beforehand. We have outlined some topics that should be covered as you are vetting potential roofing contractors.

How Many Years Have You Been in Business?

Asking this question will give you an idea of how experienced the contractor is, and how equipped they are to deal with permits and other details the project will entail.

Are You Licensed?

Many states require licenses for contractors, and there are also other credentials that contractors can obtain to prove their competence in their craft. Here is a guide of roofer requirements by state so you have an idea of what you should expect.

Are you Insured?

Having Contractor’s insurance is law in most states, but it’s still a question that we recommend asking. Specifically, you want to ask about comprehensive liability insurance and worker’s compensation. If a worker is injured on your property you may be held liable unless the contractor is insured.

Do You Have a Workmanship Warranty?

A workmanship warranty goes beyond the manufacturer warranty that covers shingles and other roofing materials, and covers any potential issues with the roofing project. This shows that the contractor stands behind their work and gives you peace of mind during and after the project.

How Do You Handle Customer Complaints?

How contractors handle customer complaints can be a great representation of their character as a company. A reputable roofing company will handle customer complaints with grace, and do all they can to ensure their clients are satisfied with their service.

Will You Provide Referrals or References?

There is no better way to determine if a company is reputable than through referrals, references, and testimonials. You can gain insights into their customer service, quality, efficiency, and more. At E&E our customers have been very gracious and provided us with dozens of testimonials that you can find on our website.

What is Your Cleanup Process?

You should inquire about each potential contractor’s cleanup process during the project, and after the roof is repaired or replaced. Roofing is dirty work, and there’s nothing worse than finding asphalt shingle pieces in your yard after a project is finished. We have outlined our cleanup process on each of our service pages so our customers know what to expect.

What Materials Are You Comfortable Working With?

Replacing your roof can give you the opportunity to go for a new look or roofing material to spice up your home. It is important to know the options that will be available to you as you go through the process of hiring a roofing contractor.

Do You Come Out For a Preliminary Inspection?

The preliminary inspection not only allows roofing contractors to give you an accurate estimate, but gives them an idea of what your property looks like so they leave it looking the same. At E&E we take the preliminary inspection very seriously, and love the process of discussing options with our customers.

How to Choose a Roofing Company

Now that you have interviewed potential contractors it’s time to get estimates and review them. Keep in mind, the answers to your interview questions will heavily influence the price and timeline of your project. Fully licensed and insured contractors remove some of the liability from the homeowner, and you will sometimes see an increase in cost because of it. Also, more reputable companies often get the job finished faster and leave a cleaner workspace.

Ultimately, you should feel comfortable with the contractor you choose. How did you feel after your interview? Was the salesmen pushy, or were they patient as you asked your questions? At E&E we view our work as a partnership. We take our customers’ vision and exceed their expectations with superior craftsmanship, customer service, and creativity.