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Choosing the right roofing company can be stressful, especially if a homeowner is dealing with a leaky or damaged roof. In addition to searching for an affordable provider, it’s important to select a reputable contractor with a good reputation for delivering quality service in the local community.
Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for homeowners to fall victim to disreputable contractors who use scammy tactics to make a quick buck.
“Far too many homeowners fail to properly vet their roofing contractors,” said Steve Becker of National Home Improvement, Inc. “Sadly, there are a lot of unscrupulous contractors out there that will charge for quality materials only to provide lesser-quality materials and, quite often, shoddy workmanship that won’t stand the test of time.”
According to Becker, homeowners should ask some key questions before hiring a contractor to install a new roof.
“Before anything else, it’s important to ask if the contractor is licensed,” he said.
Knowing whether a contractor is licensed will help ensure that you are working with someone who will comply with your state’s codes. It will also give you legal recourse if something goes wrong with the work now or months after the job is complete.
In addition to confirming that the contractor is licensed, Becker says it’s important for homeowners to make sure the contractor has workman’s comp insurance.
“Although it’s required by law that roofing companies provide workman’s compensation insurance, it’s wise to confirm that they actually do,” he said. “Some less-reputable contractors might try to take their chances and do without workman’s comp. If an injury occurs on your property, there’s a risk you could be held liable for any medical expenses. With this in mind, it’s best to protect yourself by making sure the contractor you’re hiring really does provide workman’s compensation insurance.”
Homeowners should also double-check with a contractor to make sure they carry general liability insurance. This will ensure that you won’t have to pay for any damage to your property that occurs as a result of their work. At the same time, it’s important to make sure that the contractor you hire will actually be the one who is doing the work in the first place.
“Some contractors will use subcontractors to perform roofing work,” said Becker. “It’s important for homeowners to check if this will be the case, so they can verify that the subcontractors have workman’s comp and general liability insurance. You may also want to consider picking up lien waivers which can protect you in the event that the main contractor fails to pay their subcontractors.”
When it comes to the actual work, Becker says there are some other critical questions homeowners should ask.
“Homeowners need to confirm whether the contractor intends to remove the existing roof or simply shingle over it,” he said. “They should also ask if the contractor intends to install edge metal to help guide water runoff into the actual gutters instead of behind them. It’s a good idea to find out if the contractor plans to use ladder stabilizers and standoffs to help protect the home’s gutters during installation. You should also ask how the contractor plans to protect the driveway and whether they will bring a container onsite for refuse material.”
According to Becker, it’s best for homeowners to confirm details about the warranty on their new roof. They should also ask if the company will provide a written estimate and find out what precautions the contractor plans to take in the event of inclement weather to make sure your home’s interior and belongings aren’t damaged by rain or wind.
Above all else, it’s important to make sure you are working with a reputable contractor with a strong reputation for providing quality service in the area. According to Becker, this starts with confirming a physical address.
“Whenever homeowners are preparing to hire a contractor, they need to make sure they have a physical location,” he said. “Operating out of a P.O. box is a bad sign, so always insist that they provide a physical address of their business, along with the company’s full Becker and their phone number to verify that the contractor is a reputable local entity.”
Founded more than 20 years ago, National Home Improvement specializes in assisting Colorado homeowners with essential home repairs and improvements that protect their largest investments. From roofing and windows to siding and doors, National Home Improvement provides comprehensive services for homeowners throughout Denver’s metro area.
Dedicated to quality, consistency and integrity, our seasoned team works with homeowners to secure and improve their homes. Whether you need help with an insurance claim, a new roof installation or another type of home repair project, we can provide expert recommendations and unrivaled service.
