7 Things to Look For When Choosing a Roofing Company
When you are searching for a reputable roofing company it is important you choose wisely. There are many fly-by-night companies that may offer you a low price, but offer sub-standard workmanship and no support for your warranty. Here are 7 ways to identify a legitimate roofing company.
Local References & Testimonials
Often after a storm, roofing companies come out of the woodwork. Many aren’t from the local area and many do not stand behind their work.
When you need a roofing company, check their track record. Ask for recent references and talk to them. Reputable companies are proud of their performance and will comply.
You can also talk to friends, relatives, neighbors, and co-workers. Also check Angie’s List for frank comments about the experiences customers had with a particular business.
Check that they are a legitimate business. Do they have a tax number, a business address, a website and a local telephone number? You can also check the business with the Better Business Bureau. Even though companies are not required to join the Better Business Bureau, they probably have a rating on a local roofing company. Look for a rating of B+ or better and with no complaints filed, or at least resolved.
Preferred Contractor
Most regions have many roofing companies, but not all are preferred contractors. Preferred contractors are companies recognized on an insurance companies list of reliable contractors. This can speed up your claim as they already have a working relationship with the insurer and know their procedure. If you are insured through a major company such as Allstate, State Farm, Travelers or Nationwide this is very helpful.
Roofing Credentials
HAAG Certification is the recognized standard of excellence for roofing inspection. HAAG uses scientifically based damage assessment techniques to determine the extent of the damage.
As well, some roofing product manufacturers require a roofing company train in the proper installation of their product. If a roofing contractor recommends an Owen Corning or GAF roofing product, look for the manufacturer endorsement.
Complete Quote
Good companies provide an analysis at no cost and then prepare a written quote. Don’t rely on a verbal quote. A reputable roofing company provides a quote with specifications and prices for all elements of your roof system broken down by labor and materials preferably in an estimating software called Xactimate which most insurance carriers utilize
Written Contract
A good roofing company spells out everything in writing and stands behind what is written in black and white. It includes project dates, materials, safety, payment details and clean-up.
Don’t feel you need to rush into signing. If a roofing company pressures you, they may be more interested in a sale than your interests. Check the details and question anything you do not understand.
Warranty
Most shingled roofs are covered by a manufacturer’s warranty, but it is the installation warranty that you should examine carefully. Look for a minimum 5 year warranty which covers repairs without cost for the entire warranty period.
Payment Options
Some questionable roofing companies ask for a hefty deposit, scoop up the money and are unable to be found again. They tempt property owners with extremely low prices and operate on a cash-only basis.
A good roofing company may not ask for a deposit at all. If they do, it shouldn’t be more than a third of the job cost and they should offer multiple payment options and often financing too. Do not deal with contractors who want all the money up front.
Finally, don’t choose the roofing company with the lowest price unless you know their workmanship is good and their reputation is solid. You could end up paying for someone to correct shoddy workmanship or replacing your roof sooner than you would if a good roofing company had installed it correctly in the first place.
The Roof Clinic is Greater Atlanta’s trusted and affordable roofing company. Get a FREE roof analysis, including leak detection, here.
