Hiring a Roofing Contractor? Here are 7 Things You Need to Know

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Hiring a Roofing Contractor? Here are 7 Things You Need to Know

You knew it was getting close to time to putting on a new roof. Then, you discovered evidence of a leak in the closet a while back. You’re pretty handy in the DIY department and were confident that you’d discover the source. You’ve looked a few times now and still haven’t found the leak. Now summer’s in full swing and it’s miserably hot in the attic. Rather than put things off any longer, it might be time to hire a roofing contractor.

Leaks left unattended grow steadily worse over time. The path that the water took to find it’s way to the interior drywall of your closet ceiling is going to fall prey to wood rot, mold, and mildew. That’s not good. Eventually, structural damage will occur.

Deciding on a contractor

Rather than choosing the first contractor that pops up on a search page, it’s best to research your options. You want to find a company that’s reputable. One way to gather information is to ask around. If your friends, family, or neighbors installed a new roofing system, ask who they hired.

Local advisor sites are also a good resource. However, keep in mind that trolling is a real thing. For instance, a sudden disparaging comment showing up after pages of glowing reviews could be false information.

Once you have found several companies that appeal to you, it’s time to contact them and ask them for an estimate. Companies often provide them free of charge. Most people are looking at the bottom dollar here, but the lowest price may not always be the best deal.

Ask some questions. They’ll help you make your final decision.

Accreditation

Is the company licensed, bonded, and insured? If the answer is yes, make a mental note of it. This may be the contractor for you.

• Licenses are required to operate a business in the area in which they work. City and state licenses ensure the roofing contractor is following city or state requirements. That’s a sign of honesty.
• When a business is bonded it means that a bonding company has secured money to make available to the consumer if a claim is filed against the business. The money is held by the state. An investigation is conducted and if the finding is in the consumer’s favor, they are paid from the bond.
• Insurance is important. It makes sense that you want your contractor to carry insurance. If a worker falls off the roof, you want the contractor’s insurance to cover the accident, not your homeowner’s insurance.

It’s also important to know if the contractor has any certification regarding special training or installation techniques. Lastly, find out how long the company has been in business. Experience equals expertise.

Employee drug testing

It’s not a question they may be used to hearing, but asking about employee drug testing shows you are serious about safety. Roofing is a dangerous business. It makes sense that employees should be drug free for safety’s sake alone! Not to mention the fact that drug users caught up in the throes of addiction act out of desperation to feed their habit. Honesty may not be their strong suit at the moment.

“Employers that drug test do so to ensure safety in the workplace and beyond. Anyone who comes in contact with an employee that is impaired by drug use is in a hazardous situation whether they realize it or not.” David Bell, CEO, USA Mobile Drug Testing

Background checks

Another safety measure that is becoming more and more used by employers is preforming employee background checks. They are very thorough. Not everyone is honest and forthright about their past. Perhaps that’s because they think it has no bearing on the here and now. On the other hand, they may be hiding something about themselves. Misrepresentation raises a red flag instantly.

A background check brings things to light that they may not want known.

Contractors arrive at your home with a crew in tow. It’s a wise choice on an employer’s part to ensure that the people they bring on to your property are who they say they are.

The integrity of their company hangs in the balance.

First aid training

“Preparation makes action second nature.” said Donna Wishart, Owner of Wishart Safety, when asked about the importance of training employees in basic first aid. “You just never know when an accident will occur and being prepared to respond appropriately can make the difference between life and death.”

Employers who provide first aid training for employees are taking safety first to an entirely new level. They are equipping employees with skills that will benefit each other in the event of an emergency situation at work. Moreover, they are equipping employees with skills that they carry with them anywhere they go from that day forward.

Providing immediate care in a post-accident situation could make the difference between total recovery or a life long disability.

Explaining the process

An experienced roofing contractor is likely to walk you through the entire process before you even have a chance to ask. However, you should have some questions ready in case they don’t.

We have a few conversation starters for you.

• Will a tear-off be necessary?
• Is there any damage to repair in addition to the cost of new roofing materials?
• How do you dispose of debris?
• Do you guarantee your work in addition to the manufacturer’s guarantee?

The contract

A contract is an essential part of the agreement between you and the roofing contractor that you choose. It protects both parties by defining the specific terms discussed.

If there is no written contract, there should be no deal.

Bringing it home

A new roof isn’t one of those improvements that will add value to your home. Kitchens and bathroom remodels are the most likely to do that. New windows could fall into that category as well because they can make your home more energy efficient and provide marvelous curb appeal.

Maintaining your home properly can be costly at times, but is always a worthy investment. Providing a safe, secure environment for your family is of the utmost importance.

Keep up the good work.