Phoenix, Arizona: 602-870-8322
Houston, Texas: 713-434-7663
Phoenix, Arizona: 602-870-8322
Houston, Texas: 713-434-7663
May 10, 2021
Getting a new roof is a big decision, and you need a good roofing contractor to do it. To make the best choice, you’ll need tips on the right questions to ask, as well as what to expect from the process.
The good news is that it isn’t difficult once you know what to do. Follow this advice from us at Diversified Roofing to learn how you can find the right roofing contractor for your project.
You can probably tell which people in your family, friend group or neighborhood have got a new roof. That’s because you can see it easily from the street. Ask for recommendations and tips, especially from people who got the same material you are considering and are happy with the result.
If your request only returns one or two names, you may also want to search online. Don’t hesitate to search social media for local roofing contractors as well. Social media often makes it easy to learn more about the company and read reviews at the same time.
It’s important to remember that a recommendation from a trusted friend or relative isn’t quite the same as doing your own vetting. Even if someone you know loves their new roof, you still want to make sure that the company is a good fit for your project.
Reading reviews online is usually pretty simple. If you have a lot of contractors in your area, this process can help you to narrow down the list. When you have the option, it’s wise to talk to references as well. Learning more about the ways other homeowners have interacted with the company makes it easier to anticipate what to expect.
If you can, try to focus on reviews and references that relate to similar projects. Many roofing contractors offer a variety of services. You’ll want to gain a greater understanding of how they could handle your project, not just any project.
Once you have a short list of companies you would like to consider, it’s time to verify their licenses and insurance. Hiring a professional roofing contractor provides you with a better finished product that adheres to local building codes. A contractor with an active license shows that they take their work, and you as a potential client, seriously.
Since roofing replacement can be a dangerous job, it’s also important to ask about their insurance. At Diversified Roofing, we take the greatest care with our team and your home. That way, you can rest assured that you’ll get a great result.
Checking for a roofing contractor’s license is also an effective way to spot a scam. Most contractors will aim to perform the best service, but homeowners occasionally end up with someone who takes the money and disappears. A professional with an active license has gone through the process of proving that they have the skills and experience, which makes them a safer bet.
Since roof replacement is a relatively big investment for your home, it’s worth requesting a detailed estimate in person. Quotes over the phone may give you an idea of what to expect in terms of cost and time to install, but they usually aren’t complete.
A roofing contractor needs to look at your home and perform a few basic tasks to know if your roof is a good fit for the material and if you’ll need any repairs to the roofing structure before you can replace it.
Consultations are especially important when you’re switching from one material to another. If you currently have asphalt shingles and you want to change to concrete or clay tiles, you’ll need a professional eye from the very beginning.
When you have a roofing contractor come to your home to provide a consultation or quote, you might expect to let them lead the discussion. However, you should also make sure that you ask questions to learn more about the contractor’s experience and understand what to expect. Here are a few questions to ask:
It’s wise to take notes during the conversation. While you’re talking, get a sense for the way that you interact with the contractor. If the contractor takes time to answer all your questions and put you at ease, that often indicates a good fit.
When your roof is leaking or looks terrible, it’s tempting to go with the first company you talk to. After all, the sooner you make a choice, the sooner they can get started. However, it’s important to give yourself the opportunity to choose. You may have a harder time determining if a company is a right fit if you have no way to compare their services.
At Diversified Roofing, we recommend getting more than one estimate before you make a decision. We know that competition exists and we are happy to show you how we stand ahead of other businesses in the area. A reliable roofing contractor isn’t afraid of you comparing your options, because they know that they can offer you something better.
If you have a few estimates to compare, it’s important to keep in mind that cost shouldn’t be the only deciding factor. It is so easy to look at the total and conclude that the one with the lowest bid is the one working hardest to get your business. Unfortunately, that isn’t always the case.
There are lots of reasons two companies might bid differently on the same project, and they aren’t always to your benefit. Sometimes, companies bid low because they think they can renegotiate the price in the middle of the project. In other cases, they haven’t included all the services you will need to prepare your roof.
Instead of focusing exclusively on price, try to look at it in terms of value. Does this company offer me the best value for the work? Does the contractor feel like a good fit for my style? These are better questions to ask when making a final choice.
Choosing a roofing contractor isn’t easy, but these tips can help to simplify your decision. When you’re ready to learn more about your options, contact Diversified Roofing for a free estimate.