As a homeowner, you know how important it is to work with only the best company possible on your new construction or home remodeling project. This is especially true when it comes to your roof! A faulty roof will create countless issues down the road including damage to the structure of your home. This is something that should be avoided at all costs.
How do I choose a roofing company? Today, we are sharing everything you need to know about choosing a roofing company. These helpful tips will give you insight into the steps to take when choosing a roofing company. We will also cover qualities you should look for in any professional roofing company that you hire to work on your project.
10 Things to Check when Finding a Roofing Company
1. Are they knowledgeable about insurance policies?
2. Check Online Reviews
3. Word of Mouth References
4. Ask if their Roofs are Warrantied and for How Long
5. Look at Their Previous Work (Ask for Other Houses they’ve Roofed and References)
6. Make Sure they are a Roofing Company With Values
7. Ask them to Walk You Through Their Roofing Process
8. Ask About Roofing Materials that Will be Used
9. Ask if They Offer Long-Term Support
10. Make Sure they are a Professional Roofing Company that is Licensed and Insured
11. Agree Upon a Roof Completion Timeline
By choosing the right roofing company for your project, you are making an investment in the longevity of your home. In addition to the quality of your home, you are also investing in the safety of everyone who lives there. A professional roofing company who takes pride in their work will provide you with the confidence in knowing that the roofing project was done correctly the first time around. This will save you from the inconvenience and unnecessary cost of repair work.
When you are needing to contract a roofing company to complete a new construction home or a home remodel project, the options are many. How do you determine which roofing company will provide you with the most quality for the investment? How do you see through false marketing claims to find a roofing company that truly values their customers? The tips shared below will be of great assistance in making this important decision.
How to Choose a Roofing Company
1. Knowledgeable About Insurance Policies
A professional roofing company should be knowledgeable about the roof insurance policies and procedures of your area. Working with a company that is uninformed about the necessary steps to working with insurance companies could get you in serious trouble. If you are talking to a roofing company that is unaware of the necessary steps to working with insurance, or if they are suggesting steps that seem shady, it is likely best to move on to a more professional roofing company. Replacing or repairing a roof is enough of an investment without adding unnecessary charges or fines to the process.
2. Check Online Reviews
Online search engines such as Google are another excellent place to read reviews for the roofing companies in your area. If for example you live in the Tulsa area you would do a Google search for “Tulsa Roofers.” Under the maps section of the search you would find Google reviews for area roofers. These reviews from real-life customers will give you insight into what working with that particular roofing company is like. You can also check to see if the roofing company utilizes social media platforms such as Facebook. These platforms also provide a space for customers to leave reviews which may be of value to you.
3. Word of Mouth References
Word of mouth is one of the best ways to receive recommendations on the best roofing companies in your area. Asking your friends and family if they have a roofing company they recommend is a great way to begin your search! In addition to friends and family, you may also ask for references from other contractors you have worked with in the past. They may have no personal experience in the roofing industry. However, they have likely worked with several roofing companies in the area. Because of this, they can advise you on which roofing companies to consider and which ones you should avoid.
Once You’ve Narrowed Down the Field
4. Ask if their Roofs are Warrantied and for How Long
A new roof is a considerable investment. In addition to the initial investment, it is crucial that your roof remains in excellent shape for the longevity of your home. Because of this, it is important that you work with a roofing company that offers a generous warranty on the roofs they install. A 50-year warranty will give you peace of mind in knowing that any damage that occurs from weather that is outside your control will be repaired at no cost to you.
5. Look at Their Previous Work (Ask for Other Houses they’ve Roofed and References)
Before you hire a roofing company to work with, you should always ask to see examples of their previous work. Seeing pictures of the work they have done for other satisfied customers will give you a better idea of what your new roof will look like once it is completed. Real-life examples of the work they do as a company will help you avoid working with a company that promises more than they can fulfill.
6. Make Sure they are a Roofing Company With Values
Every company has a culture and values which are unique to them. If the owner of the roofing company values making money over everything else, it is likely that the employees will follow in that example. Unfortunately, this often leads to a poor work ethic and a poorly done job. In the same way, there are many roofing company owners that value their customers and community above all else! In these companies, the employees will take great pride in their work. This results in individuals who always seek to do their best on every job site.
Choose to work with a roofing company that has strong morals and company values. In doing so, you will ensure that your new roof exceeds your expectations entirely. In many cases, you will also find that roofing companies that have strong morals also charge less for their work. This is because they know that honest pricing, along with strong character, will build a better business than overpriced services ever will.
7. Ask them to Walk You Through Their Roofing Process
There are times when you need a new roof immediately. However, if your roofer can properly plan for the installation of your new roof, the process as a whole will go much more smoothly. Avoiding rainy seasons or seasons when there may be bad weather will provide for a much faster process. If the roofing company you select fails to replace your roof while the weather is pleasant, you may be left with a roof installation process that takes much longer due to rain and weather delays. This will be both inconvenient and may end up costing you more money in the long run.
8. Ask About Roofing Materials that Will be Used
Whether you are looking to have a new roof installed, have your current roof replaced, or simply repair a damaged area, it is wise to educate yourself on various roofing materials that will be used by your roofer. Knowing the type of product, from the decking to the shingle, you are looking to use will allow you to have valuable and constructive conversations with the various roofing professionals you meet with. This will also save you from falling into the trap of working with a roofing company that is pushing a less than satisfactory product simply for their own benefit.
9. Ask if They Offer Long-Term Support
Even if you choose to work with the best roofing company in your area, damages happen that are outside of your control. It is wise to find a roofing company that values its customers. One of the best qualities to look for is a company that provides its customers with long-term support. This will be highly beneficial in the event that you need assistance down the road. Having a company that is able and willing to repair your roof will also guarantee that any repaired areas will completely match your existing roof. This provides you with a professional-looking roof that you are proud of.
10. Make Sure they are a Professional Roofing Company that is Licensed and Insured
Many people say that they offer roofing services as part of their organizational services. However, this is an easy claim to make. When you are hiring a roofing company to install or repair the roof on your home, be sure that they are a professional roofing company that has been properly licensed and insured in your state. A company with roofing as its sole focus will provide you with a much better outcome than a company that simply offers roofing as one of their many services. This is because a professional roofing company takes great pride in their specific line of work and has dealt with any roofing dilemmas which may arise on your project.
11. Agree Upon a Roof Completion Timeline
Although it is not entirely in your control due to changes in the weather, it is important to discuss and agree upon a completion timeline for your roofing project. Discussing a realistic timeline will both provide you with an idea of how long the project will take. In addition to this, it will hold the roofing company accountable for completing your project in a timely manner. Keep in mind that many things could influence this timeline. However, a professional roofing company should take those potential delays into account when providing you with an estimated timeline.
Additional Tips for Finding the Right Roofing Company
There are several key qualities that set a professional roofing company apart from the rest. Working with a roofing company who displays these qualities will guarantee that your new roof exceeds your expectations and that the entire process goes as smoothly as possible.
1. Locally Owned Roofing Company
It is always best to work with a professional roofing company that is locally owned. Doing so will guarantee that the company will be available to assist you in any of your roofing needs down the road. A locally owned roofing company will also already have any necessary state or city licensing. This is something that they will need to work on your roof legally. Supporting a locally owned business is one of the best ways to support your local economy and the community in which you live.
2. Handles Business Like a Professional
When you are investing in something as large as a new roof, it is important to work with a company that handles their business professionally. It is nice to work with a company that instantly feels like family. However, that can also land you in some tricky situations if it is the companies only good quality. Working with a professional roofing company will provide you with the great customer service you are looking for while also keeping every interaction professional.
Some of the ways you can look for this in a roofing company is the way they conduct their meetings and the atmosphere of their office. The way in which they deliver your proposal and contract will also be a good indication of how they run their business. These interactions should all be done in a professional manner which gives you confidence in the way in which they run their business.
3. Practices Safety Protocols
A professional roofing company will be concerned about the safety of their employees while on your roof. This is important because it will minimize the potential for injury on your property. Before you hire a roofing company to work on your home, be sure to ask about the safety protocol they follow as a company. It is also important to verify that the roofing company has extensive insurance policies in place for their employees and their company. Working with a company that doesn’t insure their assets properly could cause you to be held responsible for injury or damage to property.
4. Doesn’t Pressure You Into a Contract
You should never feel pressured into signing a contract with any type of company. This also applies to roofing companies! If you are discussing a project with a roofing company and feel pressured into working with them, choose to work with someone else. A professional roofing company will never pressure you into signing a contract with them. Choose a roofing company that provides you with answers to your questions in addition to any other information you request. Doing so will provide you with a much more pleasant overall experience.
5. Communicates Clearly During Roof Installation
A professional roofing company will communicate clearly throughout the entire roofing process. This includes providing you with updated completion timelines, project updates, and any changes to the project estimate. Working with a company that fails to communicate clearly could potentially lead to surprising charges. It could also cause a drawn-out project due to circumstances that you were not made aware of.
When to Hire a Professional Roofing Company
Roofing companies are responsible for handling any situation which may arise with your roof. There are a few times when it is both appropriate and necessary to hire a professional roofing company.
New Construction Roofing
If you are in the process of building a new home, you may need to hire a professional roofing company. Although some building contractors may include this in their services, some may not. In addition, you may wish to hire a company on your own. Doing so will ensure that the roofing company that is installing your new roof truly takes great pride in their work.
Existing Roof Repairs
If the roof of your home was installed by a company that did not offer a warranty, you may need to hire a professional roofing company. This may also be the case if you are unable to track down the information due to a change in ownership. A roofing company that specializes in roof repairs will be able to match the shingles on your roof seamlessly. This provides you with the finished look you desire.
Roof Replacement
Even the best roof wears out over time. Although most roofs are under warranty for between 20-50 years, yours may be due for a replacement! Some homeowners simply decide to replace their roofs due to cosmetic preferences. Whatever the reason, a professional roofing company will be able to replace your roof easily and efficiently. Replacing your roof before it absolutely needs to be done is a great way to save yourself unnecessary frustration and stress in the event of a large storm that causes damage. A roof that is well-maintained will be able to withstand any elements that nature sends your way.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a roofing company can be an involved process. However, it is absolutely worth all the work that is required. Choose a professional roofing company to install, replace, or repair your roof. By doing so, you will save yourself both time and money down the road. A roofing company with strong morals puts its customers and community first. Because of this, they will provide you with the customer service you desire while also installing a roof you can count on. Choosing a professional roofing company that takes great pride in their profession is the best way to invest in the longevity of your home.
A roof that is installed with excellence protects the investment you have made in your home. In addition to this, it also guarantees that you and your loved ones are safe. Invest wisely in your home by choosing to work with only the best professional roofing company!
