The roof is an integral part of the house, and no home can truly exist without one. That is why you should never risk your investment as a homeowner and try to fix roofing problems by yourself. Whether you need an emergency repair or a total roof replacement or a simple inspection, hiring a professional roofer can save you time, money, and also give you peace of mind.
Yet, when you go searching for the “best roofers in my area,” you might not be getting the best results. Knowing what to look for in a roofer and how to hire the right one is just as important as fixing your roof.
So, let’s get started with the steps that will help you find a quality roofer.
When You Need to Hire a Roofer
First, let’s briefly discuss some reasons a call to the local roofer is necessary. There are three main reasons:
- Repairing the roof
- Installing or replacing shingles or other roofing materials
- Doing maintenance and inspection
Some companies will specialize in roofing material installation while others might work solely on inspections and maintenance. Depending on what you need done, you may need to hire a specialist.
Consider for a moment some of the things a trained and experienced roofer can do that you can’t, such as:
- They have access to high-quality materials and also have the knowledge to apply those materials correctly
- You honor the manufacturer’s warranty on the materials used on your roof
- Professional installation will last longer than amateur, DIY installation any day
- Having your roof installed, maintained, and inspected by a roofer is cheaper in the long run than trying to do it yourself, because you may miss important steps or overlook damages that lead to bigger, more expensive repairs later on
In other words, if something is wrong with your roof, you should consider hiring a roofer as soon as possible.
Steps For Finding a Roofing Contractor
Now that you know the circumstances that call for a professional roofing contractor, you might be wondering, “How do I find a roofer near me?” First thing, you do not automatically want to trust the websites that pop up when you look for the best roofers in my area, because some companies pay to get that top spot! Instead, you need to do some research.
Here is how you find the best roofer for your needs:
Ask around and gather referrals
If you want to give local roofers some business, the best thing you can do is ask friends and family for recommendations. A key part to this asking not just about who they believe is best but who they would also avoid. That way, you can know what to look out for and remove those candidates from your list ahead of time.
If you recently purchased your property, you can also ask the realtor. Many realty companies have a list of trustworthy contractors that they will be happy to recommend.
Do some online research
Next, get online. Apart from receiving advice from friends, co-workers, and family, you should see who is open for business around you. Look at online reviews, select two to four roofing contractors, and then prepare to have some questions answered.
Narrow down the results and start calling contractors
There are several things you want to look for once you begin scouring the roofers’ websites for additional information, including:
- Testimonials – online reviews, and before and after project pictures
- Licenses – make sure they are licensed and bonded, so you are protected
- Warranties – do they guarantee their work and parts used?
- Pricing – never hire solely on the price, but do consider if their quote is within your budget
Schedule an interview
Whether face to face or by phone or video call, an interview will help you gather information on things like their latest projects, experience, education, and their favorite brand of roofing materials. During this time, the contractor or representative should be knowledgeable, considerate, and professional when responding to your questions.
You will then know if you are dealing with someone who is worthy of your trust and time.
Get the proposal in writing
Never start a job without getting the contract in writing first and going over everything. A reputable roofing contractor will not be angry with you for wanting to review the terms and conditions of the agreement. In fact, they should be willing to discuss what everything means.
Be sure to go over the warranty of the roofing materials. You may need to use the warranty in the event of a defect or emergency. Most materials are guaranteed by the company for up to 5 years. The manufacturer guarantee should protect you for 20 to 40 years, depending on the materials purchased and what you had done.
And remember: Never pay in full upfront. A decent deposit is around 10 percent of the final cost.
Ready to Hire a Professional Roofer?
Your home is a massive investment, so you should only trust experienced professionals with maintenance and repair and installation. Finding a quality roofer, however, can be tricky if you do not know what to look for. Hopefully, you now know some ways to select the best roofing contractor for the job, as well as some of the process towards hiring them.
Are you looking for a reputable local roofer who can install, repair, and do routine maintenance on your roof? Then contact us today by filling out the form or give us a call. We look forward to hearing from you!
