How do you choose the Right Roofing Contractor?
Everything You Should Look for in a Roofing Contractor
Roofing is one of the few construction trades where people don’t get to view the work being done. Why? Because roofing work is not easily accessible at eye level. Your only option is to take the contractor’s word that they installed the roof properly. You won’t see the final product unless you choose to walk the roof yourself, and most people do not. For this reason, it is vital to choose a qualified roofing company with a solid reputation that will be around to honor a warranty if needed. Below are three essential things to consider when choosing a roofing contractor.
Reputation & Online presence
How long has the roofing company been in business? Do they have online reviews on Google, Facebook, Yelp, or other platforms? If so, how many, and what do the reviews say about the services offered? How do they respond to bad reviews and issues in those reviews? Do they have a professional website that is easy to navigate and gets you the information you need? Answering these questions will not guarantee that you have found the best roofing company for your needs. However, they will provide a great starting point. A nice website and a large volume of online reviews can demonstrate a few things about a company.
- One, they have had some success, built relationships, and grown their business. It’s expensive to maintain an online presence these days. Entire companies are built around the digital marketing industry. A nice website will showcase projects and tell you about a company’s makeup and culture.
- Two, the company cares about its reputation and keeping customers happy. It’s expensive and time-consuming to maintain online reviews. These reviews can serve as referrals for a company, even if you don’t know the person that wrote the review. This demonstrates a company’s commitment to customer service and reputation management.
- And three, if a roofing company invests in its online presence and reputation, you can bet they’re in it for the long haul. They’re invested in building their brand for continued success.
Are They Insured?
This may seem like a no-brainer, but did you know there is no roofing license required in Texas? The barriers to entry are very low in this industry. Liability insurance is not required by the state and is rarely required anywhere else. These lax guidelines allow many roofing companies to operate without liability insurance. This can expose the property owner to unneeded liabilities. For example, an air compressor on a job site catches fire. It quickly spreads throughout the yard, catching the neighbor’s home on fire. A roofing company’s liability insurance should cover this loss if their limits are high enough ($1 million per occurrence is recommended). Or, let’s say your roof was installed. You paid the roofing company in full, but water poured through improperly installed flashing during the first big rain. It damaged interior drywall, flooring, and electrical, totaling $20,000. A roofing contractor’s liability insurance policy covers losses like this. Make sure they have it.
Do they pay their bills?
As a homeowner, you could have a lien placed on your home if your contractor fails to pay for material or labor. When you pay your roofer, you trust they will pay their people. A quick phone call to a roofing supply company could save you this headache. Ask if they know the roofing company and if their account is currently paid. You can also request a release of the lien after the project is completed.
If you are reading this article, you’re already seeking the best information and taking ownership of your upcoming project. While we encourage you to continue researching until you are fully satisfied with your options, we hope your journey brings you back to us! HUF Construction is family-owned and highly experienced in all aspects of roof repair. We are certified installers with industry leaders like CertainTeed, TAMKO, IKO, GAF, and Owens Corning. We work with you and your insurance throughout the claims process to get your property restored to pre-storm condition.
Contact us today for a free roof inspection or estimate.