When you need roofing service, it’s crucial to find roofing contractors near you who are reliable and understand the local weather conditions, permit procedures, and code requirements. After all, your roof is your home’s strongest shield against the elements. It keeps your house safe from rain, high-speed winds, winter chill, and even harmful UV rays. Even if your roof appears intact, missing shingles or are poorly installed or overlooked by professionals could put your home at risk of damage.
Homeowners should know at least one reliable roofing contractor they can call. This search naturally starts by looking for a “Roofing Contractor Near Me” or “Roofing Companies” through Google or a similar engine. But once you get the list of local contractors, how do you choose? That is exactly what we are here to help you with today.
The signs of a good roofing company are clear to see, if you know how to see them.
Start with Reviews and Recommendations
Word of mouth referrals are a great way to find skilled roofing contractor near you. Ask around to discover who people you trust have hired and if they were satisfied with the work. You might discover the go-to roofers for your entire neighborhood. But not everyone has a referral at their fingertips. It’s crucial to seek out the best roofing companies through word of mouth, as top-rated local contractors often come highly recommended by those in your community.
If you’re starting with an online list of nearby roofers, dive into online reviews to discover their reputation and the general satisfaction of their customers. Google reviews are a great – and easy – place to start.
Look not just for the star rating, but also read the detailed personal stories from recent customers to learn what the roofers do that makes their clients so happy with the roofing services they provide. Getting familiar with local roofers and their work through community recommendations can significantly enhance your chances of hiring a reliable local roofing professional.
Verify Credentials and Insurance
There is an important difference between legitimate and non-legitimate roofers. A valid company will have licensing credentials and a comprehensive insurance policy that they are glad to show clients upon request. The license proves that their business and team are fully trained to complete high-quality roofing work. The insurance protects you just in case roofers accidentally damage your property or cause an injury.
It’s not only a good business policy to be licensed and insured; it’s also required by law. So, a good roofer is always ready to show their credentials and proof of insurance. Don’t be shy to ask; that’s all part of the business.
Look for Experience and Expertise
An experienced roofing contractor has far more to offer than a team that is still green, both in terms of roofing skills and project management. One of the best signs of a good roofer is a company that’s been in business in your region for a long time, at least a few decades. This means they are probably familiar with all the types of homes and roofs in the area, they know the weather conditions your roof needs to face, and they’ve probably honed a pretty smooth workflow for each roofing project.
It’s even better if your chosen roofer specializes in the type of roof design and material of your home. This ensures the best service in both repairs and new roof installation with skills perfectly matched to the needs of your roof. Additionally, it’s crucial to hire contractors who are well-versed in local building codes, especially when considering specific installations like metal roofing over asphalt shingles, to avoid any potential conflicts and ensure compliance with all regulations.
Get Everything in Writing
From the quote to the contract, get everything in writing. Every term, deal, perk, and timeline should be included in the written estimate or contract. The contract is there to protect both parties, ensuring that every expense and day of labor is fully accounted for. A good roofing contractor will work with you to draft a contract that includes everything you need, including any additional services (ex: gutter repair) or special materials(ex: architectural shingles), along with a timeline that both fits the work to be done and your personal scheduling needs.
Read over the contract before signing to make sure everything is present, and all potential costs are included.
Warranties for Roof Replacement and Repairs
Not everyone knows this, but roofers can (and often are) certified as expert installers of certain major material manufacturers. Some examples include GAF and Owens Corning.
The Roof Rescue Team, for example, is a certified Owens Corning Platinum Contractor. Maintaining this certification requires constant audits of installation quality on recent projects, so you can rest assured that a certified roofer represents the best in skill and work quality.
Info: Owens Corning produces roofing materials such as shingles, roofing barriers, ventilation features, and whole-building insulation products. They only certify contractors who do top-quality work and specialize in the best use of their products.
Trust Your Gut and Ask Questions
Finally, be sure to trust yourself when it comes to finding a roofer who is trustworthy and a good fit for your needs.
Assess professionalism and communication.
You need a team you can talk to, who you are comfortable asking questions and understand the answers. Your team should also listen and adapt to your needs, give good advice, and put you at ease.
Interview multiple contractors
You don’t have to assess just one roofing contractor near you.
Make a list of the top-5 best-rated roofing companies in your town. Request quotes and have at least a phone interview with each one.
Ask all your questions
If you have questions, ask them. Explore your concerns. Sate your curiosity. A good roofer knows that the best client is a well-informed client. They will gladly answer your questions and provide informative materials to help you feel confident in your roofing decisions.
Ask About Discounts
Manufacturer discounts are often available if you remember to ask. It’s based on changing market conditions, so the deals aren’t always the same and may not be right for your home. But it never hurts to ask.
Warranties
Don’t forget to investigate warranties. Roofing companies will typically warrant their work in addition to the manufacturer’s warranties on the materials themselves. In fact, a certified contractor working with the right brand can offer even better manufacturer warranties than are typically available.
Discover Your Go-To Local Roofing Contractors
Every homeowner should have a go-to roofer they can trust. Ideally, your search will end in a partner you can call with confidence after every storm, before each winter season, and when the time comes for your roof repairs.
If your home is in Montana, Wyoming, Utah, or Idaho, you can rely on the dedicated roofing contractors of Roof Rescue. Contact us today to ask your questions, request a quote, and learn about the many roofing services we provide in your area.
