How to Choose the Right Roofing Contractor
Is your Southern Vermont roof due for a replacement? Perhaps your roof is in need of a few repairs? Are you looking for a roofing contractor to install a roof on a home or building under construction? Regardless of your reason for needing to hire a roofing professional, you should know how to find a reputable roofing contractor that meets your needs.
Your roof is a major investment, and you should feel confident that whoever you hire to work on it has the expertise and integrity to do an excellent job. At Total Roofing & Service Inc., we know roofing companies are superabundant these days, and not all of them have your best interests in mind. We’re here to help make sure you don’t get taken advantage of.
Read on to learn our top tips for finding the best roofing contractor for your needs, and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask!
Browse the Company’s Website
In the digital age, any roofing contractor worth their salt has a website, and because roofing is a highly competitive industry, that website should be well put together. If you’re considering several contractors, taking an in-depth look at each business’s website is one of the easiest ways to start narrowing down your list.
When you browse a roofing company’s site, you’ll want to look for information about their specialties, time in business, and ideally, a collection of their previous projects. Take a look at their past jobs to see if you like the look of their work, and make sure they have experience installing or repairing the type of roof you want or currently have.
Read Customer Reviews
Many roofing contractors’ websites have a review section built in, but if you can’t find one while you’re browsing the site, search for the company on Google or your search engine of choice. You should be able to quickly find reviews from previous clients on the first page of your search results. However, many companies also have reviews on sites like Angi.com, homeadvisor.com, and the Better Business Bureau.
If you can’t find reviews, that’s a red flag. And if the reviews you do find are overwhelmingly mediocre or downright bad, steer clear.
Verify Licensing and Insurance
Double-checking a roofing contractor’s licensing and insurance may be the most important thing you can do when you’re looking to hire. All reputable roofing companies hold full licensing and insurance, and they should also be fully capable of pulling all of the required permits for the job .
Under no circumstances should you hire a roofing contractor that doesn’t carry insurance or licensing. A lack of insurance could put you on the hook for any and all injuries or property damage that may occur during the job. A lack of licensing is a major red flag that the contractors either have no clue what they’re doing or intend to scam you if you hire them.
Look for Trust Signals
Trust signals are pieces of online evidence that a roofing contractor earns that can help make you — and any other prospective customers — feel more confident in your hiring decision. Not all businesses display these signals prominently on their website, but if you do a little digging, you should be able to find some.
Some of the trust signals you may want to consider looking for include:
- Accreditation and a good rating from the Better Business Bureau
- Listings on well-known home services sites
- Awards or accolades from home services organizations
- Partnerships or affiliations with specific roofing manufacturers
Get Multiple Estimates
It’s in your best interest to get written estimates from at least three different roofing contractors before you make a hiring decision. Getting multiple project quotes will help you determine what a typical price looks like. That way, you can better ascertain whether any of the contractors you’re considering are taking you for a ride or trying to scam you.
If you get three quotes and don’t feel good about any of the companies you spoke with, keep getting estimates until you find a company you like. Again, your roof is a major investment, and you should feel confident in your hiring decision.
Don’t Decide on Price Alone
When you have all your estimates in front of you, avoid making a hiring decision based on price alone. While going with the lowest-priced roofing contractor might sound like a great idea, it’s usually not.
Typically, the lower the price, the lower the quality of work you can expect. On the other side of the coin, a high-priced outlier doesn’t necessarily mean the contractor does exceptional work. Try to aim for a middle ground and go with the company you feel was most transparent in their pricing.
Ask About Workmanship Guarantees and Roof Warranties
How does the company handle workmanship issues? What will they do if you’re not totally satisfied with the final project? These are questions you need to know the answers to, or you could get stuck with a roof you’re not happy with or one that won’t last as long as it should.
Before you make a hiring decision, verify whether each roofing contractor you’re considering provides a warranty on their work. If you’re getting a new roof, the material manufacturer will provide a warranty for any defects in the product, but the workmanship must be guaranteed by the company itself.
If you won’t be getting a guarantee on the work, don’t hire the contractor.
Looking for a Reputable Roofing Contractor in Southern Vermont?
When you need a reliable, honest roofing contractor, look no further than Total Roofing & Service Inc. We specialize in both residential and commercial roof repair, installation, and replacement and serve customers throughout Southern Vermont and New Hampshire. Our team has over 30 years of experience in the roofing industry, and we offer honest, affordable pricing and quality guarantees.To learn more about us or get a roofing quote, feel free to give us a call today at (802) 236-9432 or contact us online with questions or concerns, and we’ll reach out with additional information.