Hiring a contractor to work in your home can be nerve-wracking. You have to find someone with the skills and knowledge to do the work well—and you want to make sure they’re dependable, trustworthy, and that they prioritize safety. These qualities become even more critical when you’re hiring a roofer.
What makes hiring a roofer complex? While any shoddy construction work is frustrating, poor roofing work could lead to leaks, and in turn, structural damage to your home. Whether you need someone to make a small repair or install a whole new roof, this article will help you choose the best person to hire.
5 best practices when hiring a roofer
Finding a roofer with the right experience and qualifications takes time. Even if the project is urgent, such as roof damage to your home after a storm, do your research before signing a contract. Follow these best practices during your decision-making process. Resist the temptation to make a quick selection, because hiring an unskilled roofer could cost you more in the long run.
Best practice #1: Research your options
If a friend or family member recommends a roofer, it’s a good sign—but consider other options as well. Spend an hour or two doing some online research. Check sites like Thumbtack, Google, and Yelp to find roofers who work in your area, and read their reviews. If multiple reviews mention a particular issue, such as delayed work or hidden costs, pay attention.
Make a list of roofers you’re considering. Depending on where you live, you may have limited options, but checking reviews can help you determine who does reliable work.
Best practice #2: Talk with the roofers you’re considering
Reach out to at least three of the roofers on your list with some information about your project. Ask them to schedule a call or an in-person meeting. Talking with them will give you a sense of how responsive they are and how well they communicate.
Before the call or meeting, make a list of questions to ask each roofer. Ask about their experience, their credentials, and whether they’ve worked on projects similar to yours. A roofer who is an expert at installing metal roofs might not be the best choice if your roof is slate tile. Ask for client references, and if possible, arrange to visit an ongoing project. A site visit will give you a sense of the roofing company’s professionalism, including how well they follow safety protocols.
Best practice #3: Reach out to the roofer’s references
When checking a roofer’s references, it might seem easiest to send a quick text or an email, but find time for a short call with each reference instead. A call makes it easy to ask follow-up questions if you have specific concerns. And if the client had any issues with the contractor’s work, they may feel more comfortable mentioning them out loud than putting them in writing.
Best practice #4: Get multiple quotes
Request a detailed estimate from each roofing company you’re considering. This allows you to compare not only the roofer’s pricing, but also the materials they plan to use and the proposed timeline for the project. Find out if they offer a warranty on their work.
Best practice #5: Finalize and sign the contract
Ask the roofer to send you a contract, and read all the details. The roofing contract should include the scope of work, list of materials, the planned timeline, and payment due dates. If there are any blanks on the contract, ask the roofer to fill them in.
Before signing the contract, ask the roofing company for proof of their workers’ compensation insurance, liability insurance, and insurance bond.
Don’t rush the decision-making process. Every roofing company is different, and you may find that each option has advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, you’ll have to trust your gut and make the choice that feels right to you—but the more information you have, the better equipped you’ll be to make a good decision.
