Flashing Blog

Selecting a roofing contractor is one of the most important decisions you will make in building your new home or when it's time to reroof. The first step is to compile a list of possible contractors and take the time to evaluate each one carefully. A professional contractor will be happy to provide any information you may require. Brett Hall: I would tell them to avoid getting in to big of a hurry. If you have a leak problem, you've got some holes in your roof, or you're having some problems, get them temporarily repaired. Get those things taken care of to where you're not going to have a problem, and spend time, get yourself educated, and do that type of research where you really know you're making a good, wise, business decision. Just spending time and not getting in a hurry because somehow people think that this is some sort of a very quick timeline and they're having to make a quick response and if they don't get it roofed today, they might not get it roofed. It's just not that way. Speaker 1: Check to see if the contractor is a member of any regional or national industry associations such as National Roofing Contractors Association. Being a member of an industry association demonstrates the commitment to professionalism. Call your local Better Business Bureau or Department of Professional Regulation to check for possible complaints filed against the contractor. Brett Hall: Every state differs with regards to bonding and licensures. It is a state by state requirement. You're going to be looking to ask that contractor, what does the state require? And, as a consumer, looking at those documents and saying, okay, here's the documents that they say they have. There's also a lot of consumer driven websites where we, as contractors, can't buy what you write or what you say about us. We just have to think that we're doing the jobs right, in the beginning, and we get those positive reports from those clients because we're trying to take care of them. Speaker 1: Have the contractor explain his project supervision and quality control procedures. Request the name of the person who will be in charge of your project, how many workers will be required, and an estimated completion time. Choose a company committed to worker safety and education. Ask the contractor what type of safety training he provides for his workers, and what industry education programs they have attended. The best roofing contractor is only as good as the workers who install the roof system. Brett Hall: I think it's critical that you find someone that really has been in business and that will openly and voluntarily give you those referrals that you could call. The consumer might say this. They might say, can I have your referrals from last week? You're putting the contractor on the spot. One, do they have a job that they did last week, or did they not do any work. But then, give me two names that you did last week. That way they don't go pull from their list and they give you their aunt or their cousin or someone who's going to give them a good recommendation. So, asking for very, very current work. Speaker 1: Selecting the best products as important to your job at selecting the right contractor. Ask questions about different materials, such as brand names, lifespan, thickness, design, and available colors. Carefully read and understand any roofing warranties offered, and watch for provisions that would void it. Have the contractor list the roofing manufacturers with which his firm is a licensed or approved applicator. Many roof systems require special application expertise to achieve lasting quality. Insist on a detailed written estimate, clearly stating the quantity of materials needed, labor charges, work specifications, which include approximate starting and completion dates, and payment procedures. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Some contractors below cost bids seem attractive, but these contractors often are uninsured and may perform substandard work. Remember, price is only one of the criteria for selecting a roof contractor. Professionalism, experience, and quality workmanship also should weigh heavily in your decision. The National Roofing Contractors Association, NRCA, has a residential roofing contractor qualification form to help homeowners and building owners prequalifying roofing contractors.