Your home’s roofing system is one of the most important aspects of the structure, it helps protect the entire building and its contents from the harsh elements and potential pests. If your roof is not installed correctly or has potential weaknesses, it could lead to serious damage to your home and belongings down the road. This is why it is important to hire an experienced roofing company that will handle your replacement roof project professionally and with the utmost attention.
If you are looking into replacing the roof at your home, here are a few tips to help you select the right roofing contractor for the project:
1. Licensing
Many roofing companies are required by the province or their municipalities to register and be licensed to operate. Given this, you should hire a roofing company that is duly registered and licensed by the government. This will help to avoid any unlicensed companies from posing as professionals.
2. Professional Certifications & Affiliations
Another crucial factor to consider when hiring a roofing company is whether or not the contractor has professional certifications and manufacturer designations. Being certified by professional bodies attests to the roofing company’s dedication to professionalism and the company will uphold the industry’s best standards.
3. Past Projects
A roofing company that has been in the industry for a significant amount of time will have a list of customers and previous projects they have worked with as a reference. Go through the list and ask for references from some individuals the roofing company has worked with, as well drive by current and past projects to see their current and past work. This serves as a proven track record of the quality of service the company offers.
4. Experience
The number of years the roofing company has been in business shouldn’t be the only factor you select your contractor on, but it is still a good indicator. Choose an experienced company and ensure that the company specializes in the type of roofing you desire for your home.
5. Insurance
You shouldn’t even consider hiring a roofing company that does not have both worker’s compensation and liability insurance. If one of the trades people get hurt while working on your home or if a neighbour’s property gets damaged during the installation of your roof, you can be labile if your contractor doesn’t have the proper insurance to cover the incident.
6. Warranties
There are two types of warranties you should inquire about and get in writing before you sign a contract for your roofing replacement project. These are the manufacturer’s warranty which cover the materials used, and the workmanship warranty which covers the labour and the installation of the material. Your roofer may offer a comprehensive warranty that covers both. Understanding what is covered under the warranty and what potentially is not covered is important for your own peace of mind.
7. Subcontractors
Chances are before you sign a contract to have roof replaced by a contractor, you have met with a sales person and perhaps the owner or a project manager. You have built a report and trust with the individuals representing this specific company. To see a different company come to your home to complete the project may be a surprise and even a trust buster. Asking if the contractor completes all jobs in house or if the subcontractors will help you make your decision and let you know who to expect on the day of the project.
When selecting a contractor to complete any job at your home, you ultimately need to go with your gut feeling. Asking the right questions and completing some due diligence will help you make a decision based on the contractor you feel will do the best job with the best value.
