Hiring a roofing contractor can be stressful. Re-roofing your house is one of the biggest maintenance jobs you’ll ever have to undertake, and is also one of the most expensive. Naturally, you want to make sure that the contractor you hire is going to be able to offer great service and install a roof that will last for years to come.
But how can you be sure that the company you hire is up to the task? How can you guarantee that you’re getting a fair quote and that the work will be done well? This definitive checklist can help you find reliable contractors you can trust on your roof.
1. A History of Service
As with any industry, companies who do good work tend to stick around. When considering a contractor, the first thing you should look at is their track record in your community. How many years have they been in business? Have they worked on roofs in your neighbourhood? Can you find reviews from satisfied or unsatisfied customers online?
Anyone with a truck and a set of tools can call themselves a roofing contractor, so make sure the person you hire has an established reputation for good service.
2. Experience with Your Type of Roof
Not all roofs are the same, and fixing a steep-pitched cedar shake roof is totally unlike installing a new metal roof or flat roof. A contractor shouldn’t just have general roofing experience, but experience with roofs that have the same style and use the same materials as your roof.
Location also matters. If you’re looking to get a flat roof repaired in Toronto, you’ll want to make sure you find a contractor who has experience both with flat roofs and with Toronto roofing. This is one of the best ways to ensure a contractor can offer the service you need.
3. Itemized Pricing
Like many large home maintenance jobs, installing a new roof involves a lot of expenses. Material and labour can run to thousands of dollars on even a simple roof, and once the work begins, there is always the possibility that unforeseen costs will arise if there is damage to the roof deck or insufficient ventilation.
Unfortunately, unscrupulous contractors often use this as an excuse to pad out their quotes and overcharge you. Asking for itemized pricing will help you see exactly what you’re paying for, and can help you sniff out inflated expenses.
4. Good References
A good contractor is proud of their work and will be happy to provide at least three references from recent clients who can attest to their professionalism, transparency, and skill. If a contractor doesn’t have references or seems unwilling to share them with you, take this as a sign that they don’t deliver quality work.
According to one Ontario study, more than a fifth of all complaints to the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services had to do with roofing. After all the stress of having a new roof installed, the last thing you want is to discover that you have been overcharged or become the victim of shoddy work.
Before you sign a contract, use this checklist to ensure that you are dealing with professional roofers who will treat your home with the respect and care it deserves.
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