How to Find a Roofer You Can Trust: 4 Helpful Tips
The average national cost of a roofing replacement is about $8,000. Some jobs will be more or less, of course, but that’s a rough average.
Even if you aren’t replacing an entire roof, you can easily spend several thousand dollars on a roofing contract. That’s one reason why knowing how to find a roofer is so important.
In most areas, there’s no shortage of roofing companies. So what kind of information should you get before hiring a roofer? What kind of questions should you ask?
Keep reading for four basic tips that will help you figure out how to hire a roofer.
1. Get Local References
It’s tempting to start calling or emailing companies first. But before you do that, talk to a few friends.
Roofing work is a common construction project. Talking to a few local people will help you get the names of roofing companies and contractors you can trust.
Why does the local angle matter? It decreases your chances of getting scammed by an unscrupulous roofing contractor.
Roofing scams are more common after a natural disaster. Homeowners in that situation are more desperate for quick fixes. That can lead to mistakes in judgment.
2. Check Licensing and Insurance
Licensing and insurance companies for roofers will vary by state and city. If you aren’t sure what to look for, call your local code enforcement office.
Insurance is also critical. If a company won’t take the time to get the necessary insurance, that means they’re likely to skip skips. Don’t hire someone like that to work on any part of your house.
Reputable roofing companies will be upfront about their credentials. It won’t be something you have to badger them about providing.
3. Talk to Multiple Roofers
You’ve talked to one company that seems like they know what they’re doing. You’re ready to sign a contract already and get to work.
Slow down a little bit. If you get in too much hurry, you might miss something important.
Call at least three roofing companies before you commit to hiring a roofer. This gives you a better sense of the proper price range for your project.
It can also alert you to any red flags that you might have missed. For instance, let’s say Contractor B gives you an estimate that’s half the price of Contractor A. Dig further to figure out why the difference is so big.
4. Decline the Hard Sell
Roofing companies shouldn’t act like a used car salesman. If you feel like someone is bullying you or manipulating you, thank them for their time and move on.
The most obvious example of this is someone who pushes you to sign a contract before you ready. If you’re asking questions about warranties and they’re ignoring you, why would you want to sign a contract?
Take time to find someone who will listen to you. Don’t make a deal with anyone who is more focused on meeting sales quotas than making customers happy.
How to Find a Roofer
Unless they’ve done it before, most people don’t know a lot about how to find a roofer. There’s nothing wrong with that, but it’s important to educate yourself before you sign anything.
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