After a rain or ice storm damages your roof, you will want to get back to normal. With that, it is time to find the best company for the job. However, you need to choose the right roofer for your project. No, you shouldn’t always select the first person who knocks on your door. You need someone who is professional and trustworthy.
Along with that, they should have the expertise to handle the job efficiently. Here are some of the most reliable ways to find the best contractor for your roof. So before you sign on the dotted line, use these tips to select the most reputable person for your next roofing job.
Always Get a Referral
When you are on the search for the best roofing companies in South Jersey, you should start by asking your friends and family for referrals. If you know anyone who had work done on their roof, ask for the company’s name. With a recommendation from a trusted source, you can avoid any of those scams or potential issues.
Along with that, reputable members of the community will be more familiar with the local codes and rules. Plus, they have a relationship with suppliers and crews in the area. These companies want to do a great job because their reputation is at stake in the community.
Look For Manufacturer Designations
Many professional roofing companies will carry specific designations from the manufacturer, and they consider them to be a badge of honor. For the contractor to get this designation, they must pass specific requirements and training protocols. However, some of these manufacturers have more stringent requirements than others. The contractor must meet specific qualifications before being awarded a “factory-certified” badge. For example, GAF only recognizes the top 2 percent of their roofing contractors as Master Elite Contractors.
Research The Better Business Bureau (BBB) Ratings
After a storm, some unscrupulous contractors will show up at your home offering a great deal to repair or replace your roof. While some of these companies can provide excellent work, some might produce less than stellar results. In any case, you will want to look up the company’s rating on the BBB website. If they have a good score, you have an idea about their company and quality of work. Try to stay away from contractors who don’t exist on the BBB. Once again, many of those manufacturer certifications require the company to maintain satisfactory ratings from the BBB.
Check Out The Warranty
It is vital to check on those manufacturer’s warranties. Many of these warranties will include coverage for the contractor’s workmanship. For example, if the company doesn’t install the roof correctly, you might not notice damage for a few months or even years down the road. After that time, the insurance will not pay for any damages. In addition to that, the contractor might not fix the problem. However, when you hire a contractor with the Master Elite badge, all that work is guaranteed with a warranty.
Ask About Safety Protocols
Roofing work is a dangerous job. If you hire a contractor without the proper safety training to handle your project, it can lead to problems. Many factory-certified contractors have spent time training for the job, and they understand the appropriate protocols to keep everyone safe on the worksite.
Inspect Their Insurance and Licensing
Unlicensed contractors taking on roofing jobs are some serious troubles affecting the roofing industry. When searching for the right company, you want to make sure that they have the proper certifications to work on your roof. All professional companies will be willing to provide you with a copy of their insurance and licensing credentials.
If the contractor is not insured, that could lead to a lawsuit between the two parties if someone is injured due to their negligence. Many states will require that the roofer is licensed for the job. You can always check the status of your potential hire by looking up their information on your state’s website. When you check on these certifications and licenses, you can be assured that the job will be done correctly and without any potential legal liabilities.
Always Pay Your Deductible
Some companies might claim that they can handle your home repair without contacting your insurance company. If you hear that, then you need to run. That is known as insurance fraud, and you could face some serious legal troubles. When your home is damaged, you need to pay the deductible on the house. You should also be suspicious of any company that will inflate a quote to cover your deductible costs.
Avoid Any Deceptive Sales Tactics
If the contractor tries to pressure you into signing a contract before the insurance company has provided an estimate, you need to find another company. Once you receive your estimate from the insurance provider, you can sign all the documents from the roofing contractor. You also want the contractor to thoroughly examine the home to ensure the insurance adjuster did not miss any damage. After the contract is signed, it can be hard to add in those damages without causing a massive price increase.
Select Your Materials
When choosing from a broad range of roofers in South Jersey, you want to find someone who can meet your needs. A reputable contractor will provide you with several different shingle options for your home. You should be able to choose from a wide assortment of colors and styles. If the insurance company has approved your roof repair, it might be time to update the look of your home with new materials.
Let Us Help With Your Roofing Project
With these few steps, you can find the best roofing company to handle those repairs and replacements in South Jersey. At RGB Construction, we have the expertise to tackle all these projects. You can count on us to deliver an exceptional job that will meet all your needs. When it is time to find the right roofing contractor for the job, make sure to call our office at 856-264-9093.