5 Essential Factors to Consider Before Hiring a Roofing Contractor
If you’re thinking about getting your roof repaired or replaced, you probably know that finding the right contractor can be a daunting task. With so many options out there, how do you know which one to choose? It’s important to remember that not all roofing contractors are created equal. Some may offer low prices, but their work may be subpar. Others may not be properly licensed or insured, putting you at risk if something goes wrong. That’s why it’s crucial to ask the right questions before hiring a roofing contractor. In this blog post, we’ll share the top five areas to look into to ensure that you hire a reputable, experienced roofing contractor who will get the job done right.
Experience and Consistency
One of the simplest ways to scope out roofing contractors is to find out if they have a history of good work in the community. First, check if they have a permanent local address and operate year-round. If you find out that a roofer only operates seasonally or doesn’t have an actual location, that’s a red flag. Second, check how many years they’ve been in business and what their reputation is like, either through online reviews or word of mouth. You can also ask your roofer to give you credit, supplier, and customer references. If they’re willing to do so and are in good standing, that’s a good sign.
While it can be tempting to go with the contractor offering the lowest prices, if there is no evidence the business is a stable fixture in the community, you may be faced with shoddy workmanship and more headaches down the road. By finding a contractor who is experienced and permanently located, you can feel confident they will be familiar with local building laws and compliance, will use quality materials, and will care about the service they provide you.
Insurance and Warranties
When choosing a roofing contractor, it’s also important to ensure they have general liability insurance. This covers any property damage or injuries caused by a roofer while they are working on your home and any damage that may arise later on due to faulty work. If they don’t have insurance coverage for the duration of your project, you will be liable for any accidents. A good roofing contractor will be willing to show you their certificate and will have up-to-date insurance. You can verify this by calling the agency on their certificate. Additionally, read the warranty policies roofers offer and make sure you’re able to get warranties in writing. Offering a warranty is a good sign that a roofer is reliable and delivers quality work.
Transparency
When it comes to something as high stakes as your roof, you’re bound to have questions. A good roofing contractor will understand this and will be diligent about keeping you informed throughout the roof repair or replacement process. They will also be open to answering any questions you may have. If a roofer seems to blow off your questions or isn’t communicative, they may not have your best interests in mind. A good roofer is also transparent about their payment structure and willing to provide you with a written contract detailing their costs, payment schedules, scope of work, and products. If a roofer is pressuring you to sign a contract or requires full payment upfront, be cautious. Make sure you feel comfortable with the payment structure and a contract is fully signed before any work is started!
State and Local Laws
Did you know it’s a class B misdemeanor in Texas for a roofer to waive your insurance deductible? If a roofer is offering to take care of your insurance deductible in any way, they are committing insurance fraud and you will be participating in fraud if you agree. You should always pay the full deductible as outlined in your insurance policy. Additionally, look out for roofers offering unusually low prices; this may be a sign they are committing fraud or are even using stolen materials. Always make sure your contractor is willing to obtain any needed municipal permits, is able to provide proof for any licenses, and follows all state and local laws.
Industry Standards
Considering all of the above, the process of finding and verifying a quality roofing contractor can feel overwhelming. However, a great place to start to help give you confidence in this process is the North Texas Roofing Contractors Association (NTRCA), which is an organization that upholds industry standards and ethics for roofers. If a roofer is a member of the NTRCA, this means they:
- are in good standing with the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
- have general liability insurance
- agree to comply with any licensing requirements for the state of Texas
- follow the NTRCA’s code of ethics
We recommend visiting the NTRCA website to verify if a roofer is listed as a member. You can also check out their resources for additional support. Other roofing associations you can look into are the National Roofing Contractors Association, the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas, and the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association.
Your Roof Is in Good Hands with Centennial
At Centennial, we take pride in providing roof replacement and repair services that customers can trust. With one hundred 5-star reviews on Google and over 40 years of experience in North Texas, we’re committed to being advocates and working with our customers every step of the way. Here are a few things we do to build trust with our customers:
- Carry general liability insurance
- Follow industry standards as members of the NTRCA
- Deliver transparent quotes, contracts, and warranties
And here are a few things we’ll never do:
- Require payment up front
- Do work without a fully signed contract
- Commit insurance fraud
As a family-owned business, each of our projects is stamped with a seal of commitment to the Centennial Difference because we believe in fair estimates, superior craftsmanship, and reliable service. Ready to get started? Contact us today for a free roof inspection! 972.223.1765
