Price Isn’t the Only Thing That Matters
Never choose a company based on price. Those that do work on the side or are working out of a pick-up truck will always do the work cheaper. But in the long run, you get what you pay for.
Cheap bids drive down the market and anyone with overhead and proper insurance has to establish pricing to cover these costs.
Customers that are sold on price as their sole criteria ultimately end up spending more money to fix problems, and many of these problems would have been covered under a workmanship guarantee by a reputable established roofing company.
Make sure that the company that you choose is local. This means that they are not just operating locally now, but have an established business and reputation in the community.
You should spend time talking to potential roofing companies until you are comfortable to make an informed decision.
Ask Who Is Performing the Installation
Does the roofing company employ the workers installing your new roof? The unfortunate reality is that some roofing contractors outsource their jobs to third party independent contractors. When they do, the manufacturer of the roofing materials is quite likely to void the warranty that comes with the materials.
Furthermore, you have no way of knowing whether the independent contractor is qualified to install your new roof. Avoid roofing companies that use these types of bait and switch tactics.
Avoid storm chasers
Steer clear of the knock-on-the-door “We were in your neighborhood” roofers. This is just canvassing and selling.
The majority of these roofers will tell you that you have storm damage and have you sign a letter of intent. Do not be pressured by these tactics. You never have to sign an intent letter.
Pick a Roofing Company from a referral, or look up local Roofers and ask for a free estimate. Be sure to check each company’s online reviews Before you call them for an estimate.
Get job details in writing
Getting the details in writing is good practice with any work you hire a company to do for your home. When expectations of a project is in writing you can reference it now and then when you are unsure of the next step.
Make sure that you ask how long a job will take. You need to have a clear idea of what size crew that they have and a completion day.
Communication is Key
Did they return your calls? Did they send the documentation that you asked them to send? Did they follow through? If you answered “no” to these questions, then make sure you communicate your concerns to the company representative. You may want to select another company that is responsive to basic follow through.
Communication is key to every business. If you aren’t getting what you need on the front side of the project, when they are trying to get your business, consider what may happen once you have committed the work to them and paid a deposit?
