5 TIPS TO CHOOSING THE RIGHT ROOFING CONTRACTOR
Today’s guest post comes from blogger Evelyn Paulson. Evelyn blogs about home improvement, home renovation, and interior designs.
It always pays to hire a reliable roofing contractor when you’re in need of roof repairs or planning a complete overhaul of your house. Sure, you can try doing everything on your own. But when it comes to your safety and your home’s stability, it’s best to leave the work to professional roofers.
But how do you know if you're choosing the best contractor for your needs? Here are a few things you can do to make your search worth it.
Ask around town
If you want to lessen the risk of getting cheated out of your money, choose a contractor based in your area. Reputable roofers foster good relationships with clients, local suppliers, and other contractors in the city. They also already know the state's building code, so you don't have to worry about accidental violations.
Check for credentials
By now you probably have a list of roofing contractors that you want to approach. The rule of thumb in the construction world is to gather at least three contractors for you to get bids from.
You'll want to check if they have an updated state license. But don't settle for what they tell you. You can also do an online search. The Idaho Bureau of Occupational License has a database of registered professionals and businesses that's worth checking out. They also have a list of licensed roofing contractors with registration numbers, addresses, and contact numbers.
Make sure the roofer's team is insured too. It will save you from potential court cases and spending more money if an accident ever happens on site.
Look at their previous projects
A good roofer shouldn't just be skilled but experienced too. That should show in their work. If you aren't satisfied with just seeing a portfolio on their website, you can ask the previous clients themselves about the quality of the roofer's services. If the contractor's a big enough name, chances are they've got a handful of online reviews and testimonials that you can check out.
Here's a tip though: never completely trust a company that constantly has full five-star ratings. More often than not, they're too good to be true.
Compare the prices
Replacing or repairing is not a cheap endeavor, so it's important to make sure you're getting your money's worth. But remember, high-priced doesn't always mean high quality.
Before finalizing your decision, carefully compare and contrast the quotations that the contractors submit to you. Depending on the size of their house and the materials, the average Idaho homeowner can spend between $5000 and $7000 on new roofing. This still excludes taxes, permits, and other miscellaneous fees by the contractor. You should be cautious of estimates that seem too cheap or too expensive.
Prioritize Safety
Roofing, or construction work, for the most part, has plenty of health hazards. For instance, you're more exposed to the elements, you can slip and fall off, or the roof can completely give out under you.
A responsible roofer should be conscious of OSHA guidelines and show concern for their employees. They're well aware of the dangers of the job and should have a properly trained and equipped crew. They'll also be willing to postpone any work on the roof if it's raining or snowing since this increase the chances of slipping.
Choose Your Roofer Wisely!
Aside from picking a local roofer because they have a license, impressive portfolio, reasonable price, and complete equipment, you should also go for one that responds quickly. You won't want to deal with a contractor who takes their sweet time answering your inquiries or submitting estimates. And you definitely won't want someone who doesn't handle emergencies promptly.
So take a moment to do some research, and don't be afraid to ask your contractor questions. In the end, it'll be worth the reward of having a great new roof!
Author Bio:
Evelyn Paulson is an ardent blogger who loves to write about home improvement, remodeling, restoration, and repair. She is currently working with Weathertight Roofing, one of the best Idaho roofing companies, which offers exceptional roofing services for both residential and commercial properties.
Disclosure
Boise, Idaho roofing company Weathertight Roofing was Evelyn’s source of professional information for this article. A link to their website was included in the article. If you live in the Boise area and are in need of roofing services, feel free to click thru and conatact them. Interior Design Toronto does NOT receive any renumeration for this article or roofing services.
