Your roof is one of the most critical assets of your home, so you don’t want to entrust its maintenance and repair to just anyone. But… where to start? It can be challenging to know who to hire and if they are right for the job, so if you are looking for the right roof repair company for your next home project, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Consider the qualifications of a roofer
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Before you hire just anyone off Craigslist, keep in mind that roofers and companies must meet specific criteria for the county, city, and/or state in which they operate. In California, for example, roofers must be licensed if they are hired to work on a roofing project that costs more than $500. To get that license in California, a prospective roofer must pass an exam and have at least four years of experience. But in Connecticut, there is no licensing requirement at all, just an annual registration fee that must be reported to the Department of Consumer Protection.
So, do your research and make sure to check the qualifications of the roofer in your state before signing a contract.
In general, you want to hire a contractor or company that:
- Has provable experience
- Is appropriately licensed or registered in your region
- Carries insurance and is be bound to
- Will provide estimates and references
Not sure if a candidate company can or will offer the above? Be sure to specifically request documentation before proceeding with any project.
Assess the pros and cons of contractors versus companies
When you’re ready to hire a roofing contractor, there are often two different professionals to consider: independent contractors and roofing companies. Typically, contractors are a solid option for smaller jobs and repairs, as long as they are licensed and have the necessary experience. However, independent contractors are usually small shops with only a few people on deck, which can make the job take much longer. Roofing companies usually have more resources to work with, which means they can complete larger jobs (such as complete roof replacements) much more quickly. They usually offer free consultations and can usually cover their work through factory warranties. However, many different people can work on your property and the shifts can rotate.
Ask about their services
Not every contractor or company may offer the same services, so you’ll want to inquire about what kind of projects they’re willing (and experienced enough) to work on.
Typical services include:
Roof inspections
- Make sure the gutters are in good condition
- Evaluate the health of shingles, roofing materials and weather resistance
- Assess ventilation and framework
Install or replace roof
- Replacing a large part or an entire roof
- Install skylights, solar tubes or solar panels
Roof repairs
- Replace shingles
- Sealing or repairing broken weatherproofing
- Treating or painting wooden/metal roofs
- Repair leaky skylights or solar tubes
Weatherproof and clean
- Mold, mildew or build-up under pressure
Do your homework
After meeting a few contractors or companies, get a quote from each. Then make sure you do some due diligence. If they have a website or Yelp page, be sure to read a few reviews. In addition to the quotes and required information about licensing, insurance, and experience, the assessments can help you make a final decision about who might be your best candidate.
When in doubt, make sure your potential candidate:
- Is licensed according to state requirements
- Has proven experience
- Provides the service that is needed
- Offers clear service costs
About Christian roofing
We provide full roofing advice and estimation services. Call us today to request a free consultation. While we love roofing, we believe that true excellence and service starts with a thorough consultation and inspection. To make our customers truly happy, we need to understand their goals, budget, insurance and the status of their existing roof.
We’ve all heard the saying fail to plan, plan to fail, and we believe this is especially true in our work. Rest assured, our contractors will assist you from start to finish so that you are completely satisfied.
While we live in the state of the sun, we suggest you don’t wait until it’s too late – don’t let the next rainy day be the catalyst for your call!
Contact us for a free estimate and we’ll schedule a roof replacement or repair!
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