About 5 million new roofs are installed every year in the United States.
If you are part of the homeowners seeking to replace or repair their roofs this year, getting the right person for the job is crucial. Roof replacement is one of the most expensive projects in a home renovation, and hiring the wrong person for the job can lead to significant losses.
An online search will give you a list of roofing companies near you. The list can be overwhelming! Here are the top factors that you’d want to consider when choosing a roof repair service.
1. Insurance
Roofing is one of the home projects that put workers at risk of accidents. Falls when installing or repairing a roof is not surprising. It is crucial to work with a roofing company with liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance.
The coverages ensure that a homeowner isn’t held liable for any accident that occurs during the project. These covers sort any accidents or damage on assets during the roof replacement. You’ll rest easy knowing that you won’t be held responsible in case of any eventualities.
It would help to ask the roofing company to show you the actual insurance certificates. You can go ahead to call the insurance company to verify the validity of the policies.
2. Contractor License
With the many roofing companies emerging in the U.S., differentiating between a legitimate and an illegally operating company isn’t easy. The last thing you’d want is to have amateurs working on your roof. Things can go wrong within a minute!
You can save yourself from such a predicament by working with licensed companies. The license is a great way to prove a contractor’s legitimacy. Besides, it assures homeowners that the roof project will comply with all the building codes within the state.
If you want residential roof replacement in Illinois, check whether the state has approved your identified contractor. Each state has different requirements that roof repairers need to meet before licensing. A licensed contractor will almost guarantee you quality roof repair service.
3. Written Estimates
Comparing repair costs will help you get competitive prices for the project. During the consultation, it would help to ask for written estimates to make a comparison before deciding on the company to entrust your project. Don’t settle for verbal estimates, as one can change their statement when the project is complete.
Read the written estimate and ask questions where you don’t understand. Inquire more about any hidden charges and request your contractor to have every detail included in the contract. You can later sign the estimate once you’re satisfied with the content.
Be wary of contractors who pressurize you to sign, which is a clear indication that they are more focused on closing a sale than quality services. Don’t sign if the contract has any phrases or statements that you find unclear.
4. Request for Recommendations
Has any of your close networks had a hail damage roof replacement in Danville? Such networks can be an ideal source of recommendations. Friends, relatives, neighbors, and colleagues can offer great insights.
Consider homeowners who have hired roofers a few years ago. Is it still holding up, or the shingles are already showing signs of wear and tear? It will be easier for you to establish if the recommended roofer is an ideal fit from the state of the roof.
The best part about working with recommendations is getting a professional who works within your area. Such contractors know where to find reliable suppliers, workers and understand all the building codes. Besides, the people recommending will give you all the positive and negative details about a contractor to help in your decision-making.
5. Prioritize Communication
When looking for roof repair service contractors, communication is one of the skills that you should prioritize. Many projects tend to fail without proper communication. Talk to your contractor often to air your preferences and concerns throughout the roofing project.
Choose a contractor who equally communicates when needed. You ought to work with someone who follows up on what should be done without constant reminders. An irresponsible contractor who won’t communicate about the need for more materials until it’s too late can jeopardize the project’s success.
An ideal contractor updates you on the progress of the work even when you don’t inquire. They answer all your queries, which makes you more confident in their roofing prowess. If you sign an agreement with a roofing contractor with poor communication skills, you’ll face frustrations trying to remain on the same page.
6. References and Reviews
Did you know that 84% of people view online reviews as they would personal recommendations? The growing use of the internet has increased the dependence on online reviews among consumers. Today, many online users are reading reviews to know if their identified company has a history of offering satisfactory products or services.
Google, Yelp, Angie’s List, and Facebook are some of the sites you can get reviews about a roofing company you want to contract. From the reviews, it is easier to tell a contractor’s performance and the quality of customer service. However, you might need to vet a contractor more as some companies tend to fake their reviews.
The Better Business Bureau has a rating for service providers such as roofers. If a roofer isn’t on the BBB list, chances are they are untrustworthy. Some contractors fail to register their companies if they are working with unqualified personnel.
Getting the Right Roof Repair Service Should Be a Priority for Homeowners
If your roof has encountered any damages, the two main considerations are replacement or reroofing. Getting a contractor with the right roof repair experience is crucial. Yet, the experience isn’t the only factor to consider when hiring a contractor for roof repair service.
Are you looking for a reliable roofing contractor in Danville and Champaign, IL? Freeman Exteriors is your perfect partner for all your roofing needs. Contact us today to get any of our services.
