Roof replacement is a part of home ownership, but before committing to a roof replacement contract, be sure the company you have chosen is reputable. There are many horror stories about consumers being scammed from fly-by-night roofing companies, especially after natural disasters. When you begin the process of finding a legitimate roofing company, do your research.
What to Look for in a Roofing Company
Homeowners will only replace a roof once or twice in a lifetime. This means that many don’t know what to look for in a reputable roofing company. To ensure you don’t get scammed by a shady roofing company, consider the following factors.
Licensed
Unfortunately, not all states require roofing contractors to have a license to operate. Before beginning the process of finding a roofer, check for this requirement. If your state does require a license, be sure to ask the roofing company for proof before committing to a contract. Reputable companies will never be offended by the request. If your state does allow licensed and non-licensed roofers to perform work, you should always hire one with a license. This acts as a guarantee that the roofing company is skilled and was properly trained.
Insured
Insurance is also a requirement to inquire about before hiring a company. Companies are responsible for keeping insurance up to date, in case of accidents. If a company does not have proper insurance, injured workers can sue you for damages because of an accident that occurred on your property. To protect yourself, always ask for proof of insurance up front.
Bonded
Being bonded is not a requirement but does help to guarantee satisfactory work. Businesses that obtain bonding are held to standards of quality. A bonded company is a mark of a reputable company.
Professional Website
Roofing companies don’t need to have fancy, high-tech websites, but should have a professional looking one with good information. In this era of technology, a non-existent or poor website can indicate a subpar company. The website should have information about the company, location, and history. This information will help you to feel confident you have found an established, legitimate company. Many fly-by-night roofing companies don’t have a physical address or website. Both factors are red flags and you should look for a different company.
Online Reviews
Online reviews can help you to determine whether a company is legitimate and how satisfied customers are after service. A company doesn’t need a five-star rating to gain your business. Instead of relying only on stars, read through the reviews to find out specific information. Is there a trend of work not being completed correctly? Do multiple reviewers complain about unprofessionalism? Some people simply cannot be pleased, so if there are low ratings, read the reviews to find out if the customer was simply being unreasonable.
Better Business Bureau Rating
Before investing in a roof replacement, find the company’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating. The website is a reliable place to find information on companies in your area. Companies with lower ratings have typically had legitimate complaints placed against them. Steer clear of companies without high BBB ratings.
Professionalism
Roofing companies should always look and behave professionally. Contractors coming to your door with a van and magnetic sign attached aren’t professional. Reputable companies will have professionally dressed employees in company vehicles. Each person you speak with, from the secretary to the roof installers should be polite and professional. After your first call to a company, if you find impatient or rude employees, steer clear. This behavior is often a glimpse of things to come.
Low-Pressure Companies
Contractors should be low pressure and not force you into new products. Established, professional companies don’t need to force sales, because they are already successful. High-pressure salespeople are a sign of a poor company.
Choices
A reputable company will offer you multiple choices to meet your needs. Companies that push only one product, color, or shingle type don’t have your best interests at heart. A roof is a big investment for your home, so you should get exactly what you want. Find a roofing company that will listen to your desires and provides you will multiple options.
Warranty
Many contracting companies and manufacturers offer product warranties. Find a company offering some sort of guarantee and warranty. Ask specifically what the warranty will and will not cover. Warranties are a badge of honor for reputable companies, so they will be proud to brag about it.
When you are looking for the best roofing company in town, call Mr. Roof. Our team can ensure you are treated to the best services at reasonable prices. We offer free, no pressure estimates, and we have the best warranty in the industry. We are confident in the quality we provide and we want to leave you feeling confident too.
