Finding the best roofing contractor is a challenge and roofs are a huge personal investment. Choosing the right contractor makes all the difference to ensure you get a quality roof and peace of mind. Here are 4 simple steps to finding the best roofing contractor for you.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

Take charge! If you want the best contractor then take the time to find the best one. This is your investment and you don’t want it going to waste. Spending time online to research different companies, looking at the reviews, and calling around is well worth your time, energy and effort. Requesting pictures of previous jobs or past customers will assist you in finding top quality work. Find a company that’s willing to give references…customer satisfaction you are looking for.

Be sure to check the physical address of the company. If you can’t find them or are only given a post office box, then request the street address. You want to be absolutely certain that the company exists and is easily accessible.

It is also beneficial to check the age of the company. The difference between a young company and an experienced company (20 plus years) comes in the form of reliability and quality. Older companies are also better equipped and qualified to provide further references for other jobs you may need contracted.

CHECK LOCAL REFERENCES

Asking friends, family, and other local contractors is one way to find the best roofing contractor for you and your needs. When you speak with those you trust, you are leading yourself down the path of success. Previous customers can provide their personal insights and describe their experience. Then you can decide whether or not that’s the experience you want. Be sure to speak with several references before making your final decision. You want to be sure to judge the company on their overall performance and not just their worst or best clients.

Local contractors who have stood the test of time in an area have the experience you want. Check to see if their contact information (address and phone number) are local. Local contractors have the ability to ensure that your job gets the attention it needs and gets done in a timely manner.

Beware of contractors who show up after a major storm. Just like the Weather Channel , there are a whole slew of “storm chasing contractors” who make a living of being there during an emergency and then are gone for good once the hurricane or flood has passed. You want to make sure you are dealing with someone who cares about their community and reputation.

ASK QUESTIONS

Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Be sure to ask ALL the questions you want. You don’t want any loose ends or fine printed fees to be the difference between having a good experience and a bad experience. 

Good questions to ask of the contractor: 

  • Is the contractor properly and adequately insured?
  • Does the contractor have a proven reputation?
  • Is the contractor factory certified?

Good questions to ask for your roofing job: 

  • Who do I contact and deal with directly regarding the job?
  • Can I get a written estimate before signing a contract?
  • Is there a written contract? If so, what does that contract include and not include?
  • What products does the contractor use?
  • Are the products AND the labor covered under warranty?
  • How much do you charge?
  • How long will it take to install? 

READ THE PAPERWORK

If you don’t understand something then ASK. It is challenging as a customer to sift through warranties, licenses, certifications, and insurances. You want to be sure that the contractor you hire has adequate insurance, the right licenses and certification, and a warranty. Verifying that everything is up to date will help ensure the quality of the contractor.

Always remember that an estimate is just that, it is an estimate. Estimates come before an official contract and can be changed/modified/altered before the job takes place. This also means that you are not tied down to using that contractor for your job. Getting several estimates is highly recommended for guaranteeing you get the best price for your job. If you have questions about the estimate, ask the contractor and find the answer.

After reading all of our tips on picking a great roofing contractor, we hope you would consider working with BB Roofing! As one of the longest operating single owner roofing companies in the Lowcountry , we are uniquely positioned to deliver amazing service with the longevity to stand by our workmanship for the duration.