The biggest challenge most homeowners face when shopping for a roofing contractor to fix or replace their roof is identifying the right person to do the job. The roof is a vital part of our home, and its installation, repair or maintenance shouldn’t be gambled. Indeed, after a damaging storm or roof damage occasioned by any factor, most people have a tendency of picking even a handy man to do the repair. But, is it sagacious to do so? Do such ones know the danger they are exposing themselves to by working with unlicensed contractors?
Choose From Multiple Contractors
If there is one thing that roofing industry is blessed with, then it’s availability of thousands of contractors. Never settle for the first roofing contractor you come across with. Contact at least three roofing contractors and carry out a thorough and diligent check as to their suitability for the job. It’s advisable to ask the roofing contractor to give a list of references to past and present clients so that you can call and find out if they were satisfied and pleased with the roofer’s craft.
License Verification
Always work only with a licensed roofing contractor. Most homeowners don’t know the risk they expose their project to by hiring an unlicensed contractor. Other than the possibility of poor quality, it’s illegal to contract unlicensed roofing contractor. The first step towards getting the right contractor is to verify the roofing contractors license and whether that the roofing contractor hired has the required roofing business licenses for your local area or state.
Insurance
Unknown to many homeowners is the fact they are legally obliged to work only with insured roofing contractors. Before engaging a contractor, ask him to provide you with indisputable proof of insurance that includes liability coverage and worker’s compensation. Hiring a roofer with a license protects you from lawsuits if the contractor or his employee is injured while working on your house. Also, verify if the insurance covers the entire duration of the project time.
Warranty
Most homeowners take warranty for granted. Most of them don’t even ask for it or see its significance. Read the warranty information for your roofing project in full. Refer to the roofing contractor for an explanation to any gray areas of the warranty. Seek for understanding as regards any actions or exceptions that may make the warranty null and void. If need be, seek an independent and professional advice on the same.
Written Contract
A written contract is a legal obligation binding both the roofing contractor and the homeowner to discharge their parts of the contract. A bigger percentage of homeowners don’t see any importance of signing contract. Let everything be put down on paper and in writing. The roofing contractor should supply the owner with a contract in writing that gives precise information as regards the roofing project. The details of the contract should include quantity and details of roofing materials, the duration of the project, safety procedures, clean-up method, payment details, among other information.
