It can be a challenging task when you need to choose a roofing contractor. The roof is the protector for your entire home so it is very important to choose the right roofing company to do the work. There are many shady roofers in the business so it is important to do your homework. Here are a few tips on, “How to choose a roofing contractor.”
Choose a Licensed Contractor
Not all unlicensed contractors are bad, but just one bad one can deplete your bank account and leave you with significant problems in your home. By using a licensed contractor you afford yourself some protection. First, contractors are regulated by the State and must be qualified and bonded to have license to operate. The bond ensures there is money that can be returned to you if something goes wrong. Second, if something goes wrong and the contractor is not willing to make it right, the Registrar of Contractors can step in and ensure a fair settlement and/or repairs as well as hold the contractor responsible. When looking for a local roofing contractor, make sure they have a license.
Check The Roofing Company’s Reviews
In today’s world online reviews are everything! Google is the #1 company where reviews can be discovered. Yelp, Better Business Bureau, and Facebook are other areas that can be looked up for reviews. When looking at the roofer’s reviews, don’t only look at the 5-star reviews but look at the lower ratings. No company is perfect but the lower reviews may give an indication of the company’s weaknesses. If the company has only great reviews then sift them for content and common themes. When the company comes out to look at your home, take note if they fit their online description.
Good Roofers Provide Detailed Estimates
The roofing company’s estimate process can give you some insight into the way the company operates. If a company is more forward and detailed in the estimate that is an indication they are more trustworthy. Some things to look for are: specific processes, product information, quantity on materials, payment options, descriptions of the different tasks they will perform, etc. If a roofing contractor is willing to put their name on a contract that has a significant amount of information, they are likely showing they can be trusted to fulfill what they are promising. When comparing different estimates, always look for what is NOT included in a roofer’s estimate. What is left out might be worthy of discussion with the contractor.
Read The Roofing Company’s Warranty Information
Comparing the warranties of the different roofing companies can be challenging. Contractors provide a “workmanship” warranty. Such warranties are for the work they perform. They are not responsible for the products they use but they are responsible for how they use them. In Arizona every contractor must provide a minimum of a 2-year workmanship warranty. Roofing warranties vary depending upon the type of roof being worked on. For instance a roof coating warranty is usually less than a shingle warranty because roof coatings don’t last as long as shingles. Read the fine print! Try to determine if the roofing company is using the length of a warranty as a marketing strategy or if they truly believe their work will last as long as the warranty. For example, it has been our experience that roof coatings only last about 3 or so years before some minor touchups are needed. Any warranty beyond three years is suspect on whether the company will honor the warranty. It is always best to read the fine print and see what is covered in the warranty. Finally, talk to the company about their warranty and see what they say and to get a feel about the importance they place on warranties.
Meet Your Local Roofer
It is always wise to meet the roofer in person when they estimate your roof work. Meeting the roofing contractor, or the salesperson, should give you some vibes on the company. Look at the vehicle they drive – does it look like a contractor’s vehicle? How are they dressed? Do they look the part? Do they come off as “know-it-alls” or do they take the time to explain things? Ask questions and pay attention to the answer and the way they answer. By meeting the roofer you will gain a “gut feeling” on the company.
Trust Your Gut Feeling
How many times have you done something or agreed to something and later said, “I should have followed my gut”? Well, our gut feelings can sometimes be wrong but they can also be warning signs. If you have one of those gut feelings use that to start asking more questions about the roofing company in question. Every good roofing contractor that actually cares about your roof and the work they perform will take the time to answer your concerns. In the end, if you have a bad feeling, trust your gut and look for a better company.
Tucson’s Best Roofing Company
We at Desert Sky Roofing strive to be one of the best roofing companies in Tucson. At Desert Sky Roofing you will be treated with respect and you will quickly notice that we care about you and your roofing issues. We are up front and honest about all that we will do and we will definitely fulfill all the suggestions outlined in this article. We want to earn your business so give us a call today for a free estimate or free inspection of your Tucson roof! We also work in the surrounding Tucson areas such as, Oro Valley, Casas Adobe, Tanque Verde, Catalina, and Catalina Foothills, Saddlebrook, Marana, Flowing Wells, Green Valley, Sahuarita, Vail, Picture Rocks, Avra Valley and basically anywhere within a 45 min drive from Tucson.