Is it time to replace a few tiles or an entire section of your roof? Do you want to prepare for the next winter or storm?
You should consider hiring a roofer then. However, it’s important to hire one you know can get the job done and for the right price.
Don’t fret if you feel a little lost. We’ve got seven tips below to help you find the right roofer. Read on and learn how to hire one with the right experience, skills, and more.
1. Check Their Portfolio
When scouting for a professional roofer, make it a habit to look through their portfolio. Look at their previous work to determine if they can deliver the quality of work you’re looking for.
If you’re on the hunt for a particular type of roofing job, their portfolio will reveal if they have the experience for it. They might have done the same type of work for previous clients.
Their portfolio will also tell you when they were last active. You don’t want to hire a roofer who hasn’t worked for the past year or two. They should remain active and their portfolio will tell you whether or not they’re still in the business.
2. Are They Local
Never hire a roofer who isn’t from your local area.
For one thing, hiring a roofer who is too far means you’ll have to pay more to cover the expenses of their travel. If this roofer was the cheapest you found, you might end up spending more than you planned due to the distance. It’ll also take them longer to get to you.
It will become a bigger problem when you need them for regular work. What happens if the job they did requires multiple visits or visual checks? You’ll have to keep paying high fees for them to come back and forth.
A local roofer will also be a better choice because they might require materials available in your neighborhood. This aids the local economy.
3. Always Read Online Reviews
Start by asking for recommendations. This ensures you find roofers people you know trust. Don’t go by their recommendations alone, however: read online reviews too.
Did you know most people trust online reviews? After all, you need to buy a product or avail a service before you can leave one. This guarantees the authenticity of each review.
Look for reviews with photos or videos. This will give you a better idea about the roofer’s abilities and the tools they use. If you can, look for a review with an update several months after the service to check if the job holds up.
4. Start Comparing Prices
Take a moment to look up the average cost to replace a roof in your area. This is why you need to ask multiple contractors and see how much they charge. Don’t settle until you can tell who charges above the median and who doesn’t.
At the same time, don’t make a decision based on the initial price list. Some roofers will later charge you more for insurance, equipment, and other miscellaneous fees. What appears as the cheapest roofing company could end up becoming the most expensive one when all the other fees pile up.
5. Experience
Don’t hire a roofing contractor simply because their services are cheap and their website looks professional. Take a moment to check their background. You’ll want a contractor that has years of experience.
Why is this important?
An experienced roofer can identify and solve problems at a glance. They do this for a living, after all, so with experience comes knowledge and skills.
This doesn’t automatically disqualify new roofers. However, if you can pick one with experience versus one without, the former is always going to be the preferred choice. There is also a higher chance that the more experienced roofer has more certifications and awards further proving their capabilities for the job.
6. License and Certifications
Always check if the roofing contractor has the legal permits and licenses to operate.
To obtain a license, a roofer needs to undergo formal education, training, and on-the-job apprenticeship. Roofers also need certification to prove they have the training and experience for different kinds of roofing work.
Keep in mind that roofing involves a lot of tasks and equipment. You’ll want your roofer to have a vast well of knowledge to ensure they know what they’re doing. It also guarantees their safety because now you know they have the training to use dangerous equipment.
As a business, they should also have the necessary permits. You don’t want to hire a roofing company operating illegally.
7. Is There a Warranty
Make it a habit to check for warranties and roofers insurance.
Insurance for the roofer is important because it guarantees you won’t have to pay medical bills in case they get injured while on the job. There is always the chance they could fall off the ladder or roof, leading to a serious injury.
The warranty, on the other hand, protects you and your expenses. A warranty guarantees that the contractor holds accountability for the quality of their repairs. If something goes wrong, they have to address it.
After all, you don’t want to spend again on a repair you thought was already finished. You don’t want to pay twice due to incompetence or lack of quality assurance.
Start Hiring a Roofer Today
Hiring a roofer can seem like a daunting task but you can have an easier time by following these seven tips. Check their background, look for warranties, and don’t settle for the first one you find. Following this guide will ensure you get an expert roofer for the right price.
Of course, hiring a roofer is only the start. You need to know what kind of roofing job you need and how much you can expect to spend. To learn all this and more, we invite you to read our other in-depth guides today.
