Selecting a Roofing Professional
Investing in a new roof does not happen every day. Neither does choosing a roofing contractor. Doing a little homework before choosing a contractor can help make the process better and less costly in the end.
Finding answers to these questions will help insure you are working with a roofing professional:
- Does the contractor have a permanent place of business, phone number, tax identification number, and business license?
- Can the contractor provide proof of insurance? You should insist on seeing copies of liability coverage and workers' compensation certificates. Check effective dates on these policies to make sure they cover the time period the contractor will be working on your property.
- Is the contractor licensed or bonded? Check with your state department to find out what specific licenses are required.
- Can the contractor provide current financial information about his company? Make sure you are dealing with a financially stable company.
- Can the contractor provide references?
- Will the contractor provide a detailed, written proposal that includes starting and stopping dates as well as payment terms.
- Does the contract have quality control measures in place to monitor others working for him?
- Is the contractor a member of any regional or national association, such as the National Roofing Contractors Association?
- Did you call your local Better Business Bureau to check on any complaints filed against the contractor?
- Does the contractor offer any roof warranties? Can they explain these to you?
- Did the contractor provide the lowest bid? While this is not always a problem, remain skeptical and research several different roofing professionals before deciding on one based entirely on cost.