15 Qualities You Should Look for in a Roofing Company
Are you in the market for a residential roofing company to hire? Then you should know right now that there are certain qualities that you should be looking for. You can’t just hire the first contractor that you come in contact with, or you might be left extremely disappointed. Carefully review this list, and then, when you find a professional that can check off all the boxes in a way that satisfies your expectations, you can feel a lot more comfortable about signing a contract.
1. They’re Insured
When searching for a residential roofing company to hire, it’s important to find a local roofing service that is insured. It will provide you with peace of mind and protection against any potential damage or accidents during the project. Whether it’s damage to your property, the materials they’re using, or an injury to a worker, you can rest assured that their insurance policy will cover the damage.
A well-insured roofing company demonstrates professionalism and commitment to its clients, ensuring that they are covered for any unforeseen events. If the contractor you’re considering hiring has insurance, you can bet that they can be trusted. Ask upfront, and they shouldn’t have any issues showing you as long as their policy is suitable for the industry and up-to-date.
2. They’re Licensed
Along with insurance, a reputable residential roofing company to hire should also be fully licensed. A licensed roofing business guarantees that they meet industry standards and follow local and state regulations. Not all roofing contractors that you come in contact with will be licensed. Some will advertise as more of a general contractor or maintenance person so that they don’t have to possess a license to work.
If your potential roofing company is licensed, they will be able to produce a license that proves they will deliver the highest quality work on your new roof installation, repair, or replacement. Licensing also indicates that the company has undergone the necessary training and is skilled in its trade. It’s a document that expires, so as long as it’s current, you can relax knowing they are staying up-to-date on the most efficient and effective methods and materials.
3. They Have Years of Experience
Experience is invaluable when choosing a residential roofing company to hire. A company with years of experience in new roof install and repair is more likely to deliver quality results. Ideally, you want to choose a company that has at least ten years or more under its belt. However, if you find a company that you like that has only been around a few years, that doesn’t mean that you should count them out.
If you’re considering hiring a roofing contractor with less experience, there are things you can look for to make certain they are going to be able to produce results. Look online for reviews, ask around friends, family, and neighbors, and check with the Better Business Bureau. As long as everything checks out positively, then you shouldn’t be concerned with hiring a less experienced roofing professional.
4. They Offer Warranties
A residential roofing company to hire should offer warranties on their work. This means that the roof repair company stands behind its workmanship and the materials used. Warranties give homeowners peace of mind, knowing that their investment is protected if any issues arise after the job is completed.
During your initial consultation, you should be reviewing all the fine details. When the contractor writes out your estimate, make sure that they include the warranty information in the paperwork. That way, if, for some reason, something arises, you have all the details already in black and white about what’s covered. Make sure you ask all the questions you have about the warranty information as well. Then there won’t be any confusion later on.
5. They Provide Great Customer Service
Great customer service is a vital factor when selecting a residential roofing company to hire. Roof repairs can be stressful, so working with a company that communicates effectively, listens to your concerns, and keeps you informed throughout the process is essential. Look for a company that is responsive and prioritizes customer satisfaction.
Chances are the roofer you choose is going to be spending a decent amount of time around your property. So, it’s essential that you’re comfortable having them around. If, for some reason, it feels off or if you don’t like their demeanor, it’s okay to choose a different contractor. This is a big investment, and you deserve to get the best treatment possible.
6. They Are Local
When searching for a residential roofing company to hire, consider local roofing contractors. Hiring a local company means they are familiar with the area’s climate and building codes, ensuring your roof is properly installed and maintained. Additionally, local companies often have strong ties to the community and are more likely to be responsive in case of emergencies.
One of the problems with working with a contractor that isn’t local is that you may have trouble contacting them later on. There are a lot of fly-by-night type contractors that come in and do shoddy work for low prices. You think you’re getting a good deal, but before long, the roofing materials start to fail, or the entire system isn’t what you thought it was going to be. You call to try and get a hold of them to take advantage of the warranty they offered, but they’re nowhere to be found.
In addition, a roofing contractor that’s local will be easier to get reviews on. Chances are someone you know has already worked with them, so you can get a better idea of the kind of work they do and how they are to partner with. People who have a bad experience aren’t going to shy away from telling you if they’ve worked with a bad roofer in the past. That’s your opening to take the advice and move on to someone else.
7. They Offer Professional Advice
A quality residential roofing company to hire will provide professional advice to help you make informed decisions. Whether it’s choosing materials, designing, or addressing potential issues, they should be able to provide guidance based on their expertise in residential roofing.
It’s a good idea to do some of your own research first if you can. Just figure out the basics by checking online or asking someone that you trust what to expect. Then, when you’re working with the roofing contractor, you will be able to tell right away if they do know what they’re talking about or if they’re trying to take advantage of someone with little to no knowledge about roofing or how everything works.
8. They Offer Estimates
It’s vital to get an estimate, and if the contractor you’re talking to says they don’t do them, then that’s a huge red flag! A reputable roofing company should provide free, no-obligation quotes for your project. Estimates help you compare costs and services between roof replacement companies.. Make sure the estimates are detailed and transparent, outlining all aspects of the project.
It’s always suggested to get at least three estimates, if you can, before choosing the contractor to work with. If you get an estimate that is extremely low, chances are they aren’t using high-quality materials, or they don’t have the ability to do the work properly. Additionally, if the estimate is too high, then they could be trying to overcharge you. Take a look at what the average is in your area, and select the company that’s closest.
9. They Offer Different Services
Choose a residential roofing company to hire that offers a wide range of services, including repairs, replacement, and maintenance. A versatile company can address various issues that may arise, providing a one-stop shop for all your roofing needs.
There’s nothing more reassuring than knowing that you have a roofing contractor in your contacts that you can trust. If you get a brand new roof installation and everything works out as you expected, that is a crew that you’re going to want to hold onto. If something happens down the road, you’ll feel a whole lot better reaching out to someone that you already know can handle the work and that you like.
10. They Use Different Materials
Find a residential roofing company to hire that uses different materials, such as metal roofer companies. Offering various materials allows you to choose the best option for your needs and budget, ensuring a customized and durable solution for your home.
The most common type of roofing material is asphalt shingles, so you can expect that just about every roofer you come in contact with will be able to do that. If that’s all they can do though, it might be a good idea to keep checking around. There are several types of roofing types from cedar shake to slate, plastic, and flat roofs. If you locate a company that does them all, you can bet that they have the ability to handle whatever roofing project you have.
11. They Prioritize Safety
A reliable residential roofing company should prioritize safety during every project. This means adhering to industry safety standards, utilizing proper safety equipment, and employing trained professionals who follow safety protocols. A company that emphasizes safety will protect not only its workers but also your property and family throughout the project.
During the initial consultation, make sure you bring up the topic. Ask about things like how they work around your existing landscaping or outbuildings that might be in close proximity and what kind of equipment they will have to bring in to complete the project. If they don’t seem to have the answers to simple questions like that, you might want to be a little apprehensive about choosing them. They should easily be able to describe how they keep their workers and your property protected.
12. They Possess Industry Certifications
When selecting a roofing company, look for one that holds industry certifications from leading manufacturers and organizations. These certifications demonstrate a commitment to quality workmanship, ongoing training, and staying updated on the latest industry advancements.
For example, there are GAF Master Elite Certified roofing contractors that make up just a tiny portion of the entire roofing industry. That’s because they have to go through extensive training and stay current on all the latest advancements in roofing. If you can find someone with this type of certificate, you’re going to be in good hands.
13. They Offer Environmentally Friendly Options
An eco-conscious residential roofing company can provide environmentally friendly materials and practices for your roofing project. These companies use sustainable materials, promote energy efficiency, and employ responsible waste disposal methods.
14. They Have a Solid Reputation
A residential roofing company with a strong reputation in the community is more likely to deliver outstanding results. Check online reviews and testimonials, and ask for references to gauge the company’s reputation. Positive feedback from satisfied customers indicates that the company is reliable, professional, and committed to providing high-quality work.
If they have no reputation or you can’t get any information on them at all, then it’s okay to give them a try if they pass all the other things mentioned on this list. Everyone has to start somewhere in their business, and if you feel that the roofer is worthy of the work but needs to be given a chance, gather all the information and make the decision based on your findings.
15. They Provide Comprehensive Contracts
A trustworthy residential roofing company should offer a detailed, written contract for your project. The contract should clearly outline the scope of work, materials used, project timeline, payment terms, and any warranties or guarantees. A comprehensive contract ensures transparency and helps avoid misunderstandings or unexpected costs during the project.
Before you decide on a residential roofing company to hire, make sure you carefully review this list. Put your roofing contractor through all the checks and make sure they fulfill what you want, need, and deserve when paying for a service like this. There are plenty of options out there, so don’t feel like you’re stuck with the first one you get a quote from. If you’re not comfortable, keep going down the list until you’re 100% delighted with your choice.