How to Find a Good Roofing Contractor
A good roofing contractor is essential for protecting one of your most significant investments – your home. However, finding the right person for the job can be difficult.
Personal recommendations are always a good place to start, but make sure to follow up on them by checking online reviews. This article will cover tips on how to find a good roofing contractor when you are in need of a new roof.
1. Get Referrals
It costs around $200 on average to get a new customer through traditional methods and roofing businesses need every lead they can get. One of the best ways to get them is through referrals.
You should always ask for references from past customers before hiring a roofing contractor. Then, make sure you call them and see the work they have done in person. This will help you decide if they are the right fit for your roofing project.
You can also promote your referral program through mass emails, social media posts, and on the homepage of your website. You can also add a link to it in all of your other business communications, such as confirmations and invoices. This helps keep the message consistent across all channels and keeps your roofing business top of mind for potential customers.
2. Check Online Reviews
Online reviews are one of the most trusted sources of information for consumers. They provide insight into the final quality, whether a contractor stands behind their work, and how they treat customers.
Roofing contractors can generate more reviews by encouraging satisfied clients to share their testimonials on Google, the leading search engine. Reviews also influence local Map Pack rankings and traditional organic search results.
Besides checking online reviews, homeowners should talk to their neighbors who recently had roofing projects done. They may recommend industrial roofing contractors a particular contractor or warn against certain contractors. Similarly, homeowners should check their HOA's preferred contractors list for roofers and other home service providers.
3. Ask Questions
A good roofer will be able to answer this question in detail and provide you with a timeline for the entire project. They will also have contingency plans for any hurdles that may come up during the installation process.
Another important question is to find out how long the roofing contractor has been in business. This helps you avoid storm-chasing companies that pop up after big storms, undercut local roofers, and then leave town once their work is done – leaving customers with no recourse or warranty.
You also want to make sure the roofing contractor has proper insurance. This protects you if there are any accidents on the job site or if the roofing materials aren’t installed correctly. Ideally, the roofing contractor should be able to immediately email you a copy of their insurance certificate.
4. Get Quotes
Getting quotes from multiple roofing contractors is an important part of the selection process. This will allow you to compare pricing and learn more about the project scope. You can also get a feel for how comfortable each contractor makes you. A detailed quote can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that you're getting the best value for your money.
Be wary of contractors who offer excessively low estimates. This can indicate that they are either inexperienced or will take shortcuts during the roof installation process. You should always choose a contractor who provides high-quality materials and workmanship warranties.
5. Make the Right Decision
A well-executed roofing project can add value to a home and protect it from damage. It’s important that homeowners take the time to find a reputable contractor who can deliver high-quality work.
Ask potential roofers to provide a detailed quote. Those that can give you one quickly are usually ready to do business.
Be wary of companies that only price your roof based on a single factor such as pitch, shingle type, or size. This can lead to surprise costs on install day.
A reputable roofer should be able to easily email you proof of their licensing and insurance. This will help you avoid fly-by-night roofers that may rip off your home. They should also be able to provide you with a contract that includes everything about your job including pricing, payment schedules, and materials used.