When the time comes for a full roof replacement, one of the first things you need to do is find a good roofing contractor. This is easier said than done if you don’t know what to look for, however, as it takes more than just finding the nearest available contractors in your area. After all, you wouldn’t want to hire just anyone who claims to be a professional contractor either, and having experience in roofing isn’t enough to ensure your new roof is built with your best interests in mind.
To ensure your roofing project goes smoothly, you need to hire a contractor who knows how to listen. They should be a good match for your needs and preferences so that they can find the best solutions for your roof replacement. To help you find the right contractor, Ryan Construction Systems, Inc. shares what you need to do below:
Ask about their roofing experience. One of the most important factors in finding a good contractor is determining whether they have the right experience for the job. Besides directly asking your prospects, it also helps to check out their customer service reviews and previous projects so you’ll know whether they have a good reputation in the industry.
Keep in mind that not all roofing companies will be familiar with newer types of roofing installation methods. If they have a track record of poor workmanship, they won’t stay in business for long. Even if the company has been in the business for years, there could be a chance that they have new hires who don’t have the necessary experience. On the other hand, many newer companies can be good prospects, especially if they employ roofers who are already veterans in the home improvement industry.
Find out when they usually work. Most roofing contractors work around 40 hours a week. That’s eight hours a day, five days a week. As in any career in home improvement and construction, they’ll have periods where overtime is necessary. Assuming that they stay on schedule when working on your roof replacement, they’ll usually start early in the morning.
Depending on your HOA’s or local community’s guidelines, if your contractor starts too early in the morning, this may result in infractions or other problems. The noise from the construction can also disrupt your sleep schedule, not to mention bother your next-door neighbors who may still be asleep at that time of day. Before starting the roof construction, check out the rules and guidelines of your local municipality and HOA about working times and discuss with your hired contractor how they can minimize the noise (at least in the morning) during the roofing process.
Check their business license. While it does help to check a prospective contractor’s website to see if they’re legitimate, you’ll feel more at ease if they present you with their business license in person. If you don’t work with a licensed roofer, this can cause unwanted issues during the replacement process or even after its completion!
Professional roofing contractors always have their business licenses readily available as proof that they’re working in the state legally. Keep in mind that each state will have slightly different code requirements in order to get a business license, so not all states may require a roofing license. Make sure to research the code requirements in your local area, and if a license is required, work only with those who have one.
Check their insurance. Another way to prove that they’re a legitimate business is if they have insurance. This is crucial if you’ll be forced to shoulder the expenses should an accident occur during the roof renovation process. Most states will require at least two types of insurance for a contractor to operate legally. These are:
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General liability insurance. This covers the expenses in case your property is damaged during the installation. For instance, if part of your landscape or home exterior is significantly damaged while roof construction is ongoing, the contractor can make a claim and the general liability insurance will cover repairs. It also covers medical expenses if you or a family member gets injured during the roofing process.
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Workers’ compensation. This type of insurance takes care of any medical costs in the event a worker gets injured or sick on the job. Other benefits include ongoing care such as therapy, medical treatment and coverage of lost wages due to disability.
Ask about the roof removal process. Some roofers will insist on installing a new roof over your old one to save time and money. This may sound like a good idea, but it isn’t a good practice because the new roof won’t last as long as that of a brand new roofing system. A typical roof replacement involves a full tear-off of the old roofing materials, right down to the inner wooden components. Each material installed is brand-new to ensure the system fulfills its life expectancy. Make sure that your written estimate includes a full tear-off along with the total cost.
Get a detailed roofing estimate. Comparing estimates from prospective contractors is also a good way to make an informed decision. They must be detailed in writing so you’ll know the overall expenses of the roof replacement. This means it should include the cost of tearing off your old roof, each new roofing material and any additional costs that come with a typical replacement project (i.e. minor repairs, replacing rotten wood components, etc.).
Ask how they’ll protect your landscape. This includes any statues, fountains, trees, shrubs, flowers and other plants that you spent a fortune on to enhance your yard’s visual appeal. The patio furniture and other outdoor equipment are also part of your landscaping and are susceptible to damage as well if they’re not protected properly. Ask your prospects how they’ll protect your landscaping from damage during the roofing process. Usually, they’ll put cloths and tarps over the ground near your roof to catch any dust and debris that falls off of it.
Call Ryan Construction Systems, Inc. today for any roof repair or replacement need. You can reach us at (816) 741-1941 or fill out our convenient request form online!