When you need an important job done, there is no room for misjudgment. Hiring the wrong contractor can result in some serious disasters here, and not all roofing companies will be willing to cover those damages. From that point, you will probably spend more money on legal fees than you will ever recoup from the company. To save yourself all that trouble, you need to be picky and choose the right roofer for you. Here are a few tips that can help you to do that with maximum speed and efficiency.
Make Sure They Are Licensed And Insured
The law can actually help you in this case, but only if you know how it works. You see, any general home repair contractor has to have a general contractor’s license. There are also trade-specific licenses that are available at the state level. These include more specialized services like HVAC and electrical work. In any case, any contractor that can’t show you a license of this kind is to be avoided.
As a random example, here are some of the laws and requirements in the state of Kentucky. These laws don’t tend to vary that much from state to state, so bear that in mind. As you can see, they have to start by getting a general contractor’s license from their city or county. They must then get any state-level licenses that may be needed. Finally, they must also purchase contractor liability insurance to cover any potential damages. Again, your roofers should be able to provide these things with no trouble.
Reviews And Referrals
It is very important to look for reviews and referrals whenever possible. The important thing is to get a sense of whether or not this company satisfies its customers. Reputable roofing companies leave behind good reviews and positive referrals, while disreputable ones leave behind mostly complaints (and occasional lawsuits). You can start by looking up the name of your roofers with the Better Business Bureau, but that is only a first step. Customer reviews are much better, and make sure to avoid any that come from the company’s website. These reviews may be true, but they are always going to be cherry-picked. look for reviews provided by third-party companies who have no connection to the roofing company or its parent company.
A referral from someone you know is really the best-case scenario. If you know anyone who has recently had roofing work done, you might want to give them a call. If their problem was similar to yours, you should definitely ask them who they employed. Ask them about speed, efficiency, clean-up, courtesy, pricing, and (most important) the overall quality of the work. If you don’t have a friend who can provide a referral, friends of friends are the next best route.
Ask To See Examples Of Past Work
Like reviews, examples of past work can be a great way to separate the good from the bad. If a company is hesitant or unwilling to provide examples, you should not do business with them. Any reputable company will be eager to show you examples of their past work, as it can easily be worked into their sales pitch. Make sure that these examples come with details that you can verify…otherwise, they could simply be showing you random pictures of nice-looking roof jobs done by others.
Don’t Forget To Ask About A Warranty
You will want to choose a roofing company that offers a comprehensive warranty. Bear in mind that there is a big difference between a product warranty and a job warranty. One of these merely guarantees the materials that are used while the other guarantees the work itself.
So, don’t be fooled when an unscrupulous roofer simply says they have a warranty. Make sure you know whether you are talking about a product warranty, a labor warranty, or a combination of the two. Obviously, that third option is ideal. Before you even ask about any of this, you would do well to learn the warranty laws in your state.
Don’t Neglect Your Instincts
All of these practical tips are helpful, but there are certain things that cannot be taught. Chances are, you have experienced a situation in which you had a “bad feeling” that later turned out to be correct. This is because humans, like all animals, have a natural sense of danger. Unfortunately, not everyone has developed this skill, and such people are usually called “marks” or “suckers.” In short, don’t be one.
When you are dealing with shady people, there will usually be certain red flags that make you raise your eyebrows and wonder. If you are smart, you will heed such warnings. For instance, if you see an overall lack of transparency and a general unwillingness to provide information about their company, that’s a big warning. It suggests that they have something to hide, and you will see the change in their demeanor when you press the issue. Basically, we are telling you to heed your intuition on a personal level. If something feels wrong, it probably is wrong.
Look For Well-Established Companies
In general, companies that have been around for a long time are a safer bet. On the other hand, a roofing company that has been in business for less than a year is a little bit of a risk. Organizations tend to keep things a lot more honest when they are planning to stick around for a while.
Conclusion
If you would like to find the best local roofer for you, and you are in the New Jersey area, you can call RGB Construction at 856-264-9093. If you are asking yourself, “how do I find a roofer near me? We can always help you find the answer. With a single easy consultation, we can give you all the information you need to make an informed decision about your roofing needs. We hope to hear from you soon.
