How to Select a Roof Contractor
© 2008 by Kelly Smith all rights reserved
There are rip-off artists in the roofing industry. Use customer opinion, estimator questions,
and the BBB to hire an honest roofing contractor on a re-roofing project.
Shingle roofs have an average lifespan of fifteen to twenty years.
Steel metal roofs will outlast
shingles by thirty years or more! But the fact of the matter is that no roof is going to last forever;
there comes a time when a roof repair job isn’t sufficient. When it comes time to part with
the old roof and re-roof with the new, the homeowner has to know how to select a roof contractor.
The Roof and its Role in the Home
Roof construction is important to the integrity and energy efficiency of the home. Accordingly,
a homeowner shouldn’t trust a roof installation to just any roofing contractor. Since re-roofing
an individual home doesn’t occur often, it’s unlikely that the owner has a working relationship
with a professional roofing contractor.
Before you even begin shopping for a contractor, do a visual inspection yourself so that you'll
know where you stand before the estimator starts pointing things out. It's easy to do your own
roof inspection.
Here are some tips for selecting one.
Any Friends or Coworkers with a New Roof?
This is a good place to begin the search. Unpaid testimonials are better than any advertising.
People part with a good deal of cash on a re-roofing project and they form definite opinions about
the tradesmen who did the work. Things to ask:
- Were the workers punctual?
- Did the residential building contractor clean up the work site?
- Were the specified roofing materials (shingles, felt, roofing nails, flashing, etc.) used?
Get Estimates from a Number of Roofing Contractors
One national independent contractor evaluator is
AngiesList.com .
This company operates by compiling contractor ratings from homeowners that live in your area.
Another good resource is QualitySmith.
This organization also finds craftsmen in your area, but rather than using homeowner feedback,
they have companies apply to the list, and then check their credentials and accept them or reject them.
This is a good option if you’re pressed for time because it saves legwork.
But whether you rely on word of mouth or use an independent service, get estimates from the
recommended contractors plus any
others who look promising. The estimators should do a comprehensive roof inspection. Get the
construction estimates in writing and understand all the fine print. Questions to ask the contractors:
- Do the roofers use staples or nails? (Roofing nails are preferable in high winds.)
- How much is the extra charge for fixing damaged plywood or roof framing or roof trusses
found under the existing roof?
- How long has the company been in business?
- Is the company insured and bonded?
- Will the company supply a list of addresses of recent jobs? (Do a drive-by to view the
craftsmanship.)
- Does the company require money up front? (If yes, this is a red flag. Cross
this one off the list!)
- How long is the labor and material warranty?
- Does the price include ripping off the existing roof shingles?
- Will the company be liable for any damage to roof rain gutters?
- Is there an interest-free payment plan available? This is far superior than using a
credit card or digging into your savings account. Larger construction contractors can afford
to float the payment and know that all other things being equal, it can be a deal-maker or
or deal-breaker.
Check with the Better Business Bureau
It’s always a good idea to check the with the BBB and other local organizations such as the
Chamber of Commerce. They maintain a list of consumer complaints against local companies, including
building contractors.
They should also tell an inquirer how each case was resolved. Just the fact that there has been
a complaint is not sufficient for marking them off the short list. Do be aware of disturbing trends.
Finally, Go with Your Gut Feeling
There should be two or three roof contractors left on the list. Instinct is a powerful tool. Use it.
The homeowner should have a feel for the person who made the estimate, and that person represents
the contracting company.
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