Step 1. HOW TO FIND A ROOFING CONTRACTOR – Initial Search
There are numerous ways to begin your search. However, you do not want this search to consume your life. I recommend that you go online and research local roofing contractors. For example, log into Google and search for “roofing contractor, any city, any state.” References are often a reliable source. I would ask family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues for any tips, recommendations, or contractors they have used in the past and would recommend. You should also check with your local Better Business Bureau, state and local licensing authorities. You can also call local building supply companies. However, I would be cautious if you used this approach. Keep in mind that the contractor is buying from the supplier. Most entrepreneurs don’t want to “bite the hand that feeds them.” Therefore, the provider may give them a good review in an attempt to gain or retain their business.
You can check with your local Chamber of Commerce to see which roofing contractors are involved in the community. You can also visit websites like Angie’s List. Most of this information can be obtained through the Internet.
Step 2. HOW TO FIND A ROOFING CONTRACTOR – Gather Information
Now is the time to thoroughly research your list of potential roofing contractors. He must do this with all roofing contractors before inviting them to his house. Remember, he is exposing his most valuable possessions to a complete stranger. Call the roofing contractor and introduce yourself and explain what his intentions are. For example: Hi, I’m Joe and Suzy Homeowner, and we’re interested in having your company look at some roofing issues we’re having. However, we would like some basic information about the company before hiring a roofing contractor. Upon receipt of this information. Just tell them you’ll call them back to make an appointment. If they can’t provide you with the information you requested, simply call another roofing contractor who can.
Information to obtain:
Business Information: Obtain the full legal business name. A corporation will have a legal name and a business name. For example, XYZ Roofing Contractor doing business as XYZ Roofing and Construction. Obtain business address (physical and mailing), office phone number, toll-free number and cell phone number (when available), business fax number, and email address. Ask who the owner(s) is.
Licenses: What is your state license number? What is your local license number?
Bonding: Have you been bonded in the past? Have they successfully completed all the jobs that have been linked? Who is your bail bond agency and what is their phone number?
Insurance: Who is your general liability insurance company? Who is your Workers’ Compensation carrier? Get the name and phone number of your insurance agent. Also ask for their policy number.
References: Get at least three references. Also ask about some properties you can stop by to see their work.
Website: What is your web address?
Credit references: Can you provide a credit reference from your bank and/or supplier?
What is the date your business was established?
Warranties: Can you provide a sample of your warranty?
Maintenance schedule: Do you provide one? Can they give you some information about it?
Contracts: Do you use a standard proposal form? Is it detailed?
Training/Experience: What are their skills, qualifications, what type of work do they do, how long have they been doing this type of work? Ask this to the owner and workers.
Manufacturer/Approved Applicator: Most roofing systems require special application experience and manufacturer certifications.
I recommend requesting that all of the items listed above be sent to you by fax, email, or US Postal Service. Remember, a legitimate company will have no problem providing you with this information.
Step 3. HOW TO FIND A ROOFING CONTRACTOR – Research
Verify that all the information provided to you is true and correct
Licensing: Call state and local authorities.
Permits – Also check with local building authorities to see how many permits the contractor has obtained and whether they have successfully passed inspections.
Insurance: Call the insurance agent or insurance company to verify. What are the limits of your policy?
References: Call each reference.
Website: What do you think of their website? He is professional? Do you have photos of finished work?
Credit references: Call and check
How does it rank with the Better Business Bureau and various websites like Angie’s List?
Step 4. HOW TO FIND A ROOFING CONTRACTOR – Schedule an Appointment
Now that you have confirmed all the information, you need time to schedule an appointment.
Do you offer free quotes? If not, what is your rate?
Did they answer your phone?
Did it go to voice mail? If so, how long did it take to call you back?
Was the office staff or person who answered the call professional?
Did they answer your questions and schedule an appointment to your satisfaction?
Step 5. HOW TO FIND A ROOFING CONTRACTOR – Get a quote
You have scheduled an appointment. Now ask yourself?
Did you arrive on time for your scheduled appointment?
Do they look professional?
Were they well informed?
Did they provide you with a detailed written estimate?
Did they take the time to explain the process in detail?
Did they tell you how soon they can start the job? Once started, how long will it take them to complete it?
Will they put it in writing that the crew working on your roof will not start other work until your roof is complete? For example, you don’t want your roof to start and a homeowner calls your roofing contractor demanding that he start his work immediately. In an attempt not to lose that demanding homeowner business, the roofing contractor postpones his work until a later date.
Did they provide their guarantee in writing?
Step 6. HOW TO FIND A ROOFING CONTRACTOR – Understanding the Quote/Contract
Buyer beware: get everything in writing, don’t accept a verbal agreement.
The contract also known as budget or proposal must contain the following information.
Products and Materials: what will be used, how many of each item will be used, what brand will they use, what colors
Start and completion dates: When will you start and when will you finish the total work? What is your plan for weather delays? How will you protect your home?
Working hours: What time do they start and what time will they end each day?
Site preparation: How will you protect the plants, shrubs and grass? How will they clean the debris from the roof?
Warranties: What is the manufacturer’s and labor warranty?
Payment: What are the payment terms? Do you provide a lien waiver upon receipt of full payment?
Right to Cancel: What is your right to cancel the contract? Usually it is three days from the date the contract was signed.
Step 7. HOW TO FIND A ROOFING CONTRACTOR – Additional Vital Information
Be skeptical of the lowest offer. That’s usually an indicator that the roofing contractor is cutting corners somewhere. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
Hire locals. Where will the out-of-town contractor be in case he has a leak?
Make sure that the material you were given is the one specified in your contract. For example, a roofing contractor may tell you that he is installing 30-year-old shingles when he is actually cutting corners by installing 25-year-old shingles or the supplier may have delivered the wrong material.
Beware of roofing contractors who use post office boxes and cell phones. Most legitimate businesses will have a local mailing address and local phone number. He works from the back of his trucks.
Links: Ask the contractor to tell you the supplier of the roofing materials and if they are subcontracting their work. The provider and subcontractor can file a lien on your property if the roofing contractor does not pay them. To make sure the supplier is paid in full, you can ask your roofing contractor for a receipt or you can pay the supplier directly for the roofing materials. You can also have the roofing contractor and subcontractor provide you with a final lien release and lien waiver.
Do you know what is expected of you as an owner? Do you need to move vehicles to allow access to the roof? Do you need to protect valuables inside the house?