Planning on hiring a roofing contractor? Not sure where to start?
Every year, homeowners across the country get ripped off by sketchy contractors who botch work, take deposits and run, or make their problems WORSE. Choosing a roofing contractor can be scary because there are bad apples out there.
Luckily…
There’s also a ton of reputable roofing companies who do fantastic work. You just need to know what to look for. And that’s what this guide is all about!
Here’s what you’re going to learn:
- Why Roof Maintenance is More Important Than You Realize
- How To Identify a Bad Roofing Contractor
- 5 Things To Double Check Before You Sign Any Contract
- How To Prevent Water Damage To Your Home
Why Roof Maintenance is More Important Than You Realize
Your roof is more than just shingles and nails.
Your roof is your best defense against water damage, mould, structural rot and expensive repair bills.
However…
Most homeowners neglect their roof until a problem arises. Water slowly leaks into your home and causes thousands of dollars in damage. The Insurance Information Institute says that water damage and freezing actually accounts for 22.6% of all home insurance claims. The average water damage insurance claim is $15,400.
Yikes!
And a lot of water damage comes from poor roof maintenance. Rotting shingles, loose nails, and clogged gutters. They may not seem like big deals at first but over time things fall apart.
Preventative roof maintenance is always cheaper than major roof repairs.
Whether that’s annual inspections, cleaning out gutters or if you’re in need of a Roof Repair in Lacey from a qualified professional, taking care of your roof proactively saves homeowners thousands.
Think of it like this…
Fixing a few shingles now will cost way less than replacing your whole roof AND repairing water damage to the inside of your home. Always be proactive, rather than reactive.
How To Identify a Bad Roofing Contractor
This is where most homeowners get burned.
Cheap contractors are difficult to spot. They smile, give you a low quote and promise they’ll “take care of everything.”
In reality, contractors take your money and run, file inflated insurance claims against you or do subpar work that leads to more costly repairs.
According to the FBI, insurance companies pay out over $1 BILLION per year on fraudulent roofing claims!
If you don’t pay attention, you could be next. So how do you spot a bad roofing contractor?
- Door-To-Door sales following storms… Storm chasers will offer their services to homes affected by a major storm. They drive around neighbourhoods, knock on doors and try to convince you to let them inspect your roof for free. Few legitimate contractors will ever offer free roof inspections. Afterwards, they try to pressure you into signing a contract ASAP.
- No written estimate… Any professional roofing contractor will provide a written estimate before doing any work. If yours doesn’t. RUN!
- Ask for full payment up front… Deposit fees are normal. But you should NEVER pay for the job BEFORE it’s completed. If they ask, find a different contractor.
- Don’t have a license or insurance… No license? No dice! A professional roofing company has licenses and insurance. No exceptions.
If any of these signs apply to your roofing contractor… Run.
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5 Things To Double Check Before You Sign Any Contract
Would you hire a dentist without verifying their credentials? How about a lawyer? Of course not! You should feel the same way about your roofing contractor.
Before you hire a roofing contractor, take a few minutes to run through this quick checklist.
Verify their license and insurance.
Any reputable roofing company will have a valid contractor’s license and proof of insurance. Make sure they can provide both.
Double-check reviews online and ask for references.
These days, you can learn a lot about just about anyone online. Search Google, the Better Business Bureau, and any other third-party review sites. Even better, ask your contractor for some references and CALL them.
Did they finish the job on time? Were they professional? Would you hire them again? You want a contractor with a proven track record of success.
Get multiple quotes before hiring.
If you call one contractor and they’re the only one giving you a quote, that’s never a good sign. Always get 2-3 quotes from different companies. This will not only give you a better idea of cost but also show you what a fair price should look like.
Read the contract BEFORE you sign it.
This can’t be stressed enough. Take your time and read the entire contract.
Everything that is/will be done should be listed in writing. Scope of work, materials, time frame, cost and warranty information.
If it’s not in the contract… It’s not promised!
Confirm quality of materials.
Sure, your contractor might quote you the highest quality shingles. But they use the cheapest ones they can find. To avoid this, ask about the materials they plan on using AND request that manufacturer warranties are included.
How To Prevent Water Damage To Your Home
Finding the right contractor is only half the battle. You also need to be doing your part to prevent water damage to your home.
Water damage is tricky…
Most homeowners assume water damage is only caused by major storms and incidents. While that’s true, water can seep into your home slowly. Think about these issues:
- Missing shingles
- Clogged gutters
- A small hole in your roof
What’s one thing they all have in common? Unless you catch them early, they cause thousands in water damage later.
Preventative roofing = regularly inspecting your roof and taking care of small issues before they become BIG problems.
Here are a few things you can do to prevent water damage:
- Schedule annual roof inspections. Spring and Fall are perfect
- Clean out your gutters. Water pools and causes rot
- Trim back any branches hanging over your roof
- Check your attic for water stains or mould
- Repair minor issues immediately
It all comes down to…
Your roof is your homes first line of defence against water damage. Keep up with annual roofing maintenance and you’ll never have to worry about costly repairs.
Bringing It Home
Now you know how to hire the right roofing contractor.
Before you hire anyone to inspect, repair or replace your roof, remember these tips:
- Stay proactive with your roof maintenance and you’ll never have to worry about water damage.
- Be careful of red flags like door-to-door solicitations, no written estimates and high upfront payments.
- Verify their licence, insurance and references.
- Get every detail in writing before work begins.
- Stay on top of your annual roofing maintenance.
