Choosing A Roofing Contractor

Research cannot be overly stressed when looking for a roof contractor. Like every industry, roofers can vary in quality and experience, as well as specialization, so it is important to thoroughly vet your roofing contractor before employing him. The chances are that your roofing contractor will be with you nearly as long as your roof, so choose carefully. Research will also give you an understanding of who charges what for what type of work. By familiarizing yourself with this you'll ensure that you are paying the right price to the right person and getting value for money.

Whilst choosing a contractor might take time, it isn't difficult. In fact, you might be swamped for choice. Here are some tips for refining your search to exactly the parameters you need.

Online databases offer literally hundreds of contractors for you to choose from. Similarly, you can get in touch with your local merchants' association for a list of roofers working in your area. Don't put all your eggs in one basket either, make a short list of about three contractors before you make your final decision.

The first thing you should check is that the contractor you are contacting has a legitimate address and telephone number for their business. Contractors are required to provide customers with this information. No contact information is usually a clear sign that the contractor is not above board and you should remove this contractor from your list of possibles.

Once you're confident that the contractors you are interested in are legit, check out their reputation. Online reviews are very helpful. These give you an idea of the timeliness of the contractor's work, as well as their skill level. Checking out opinions at your local hardware is also advisable, as these people have usually heard day-to-day stories about contractors. They can give you advice and will quickly tell you if you're barking up the wrong tree.

At this point it's time to start meeting face to face with your contractor-to-be and getting quotes for the roofing job you require. Don't be afraid to get specific about the type of roofing your want. Remember that some roofers will be better suited to tin roofs, whilst others will be better suited to slate roofs. Be straight with your contractor from the get-go so that you can make the right choice. It's best to always choose a contractor who has at least some past experience on a similar project. Not only will this give you peace of mind that they will be able to complete the job efficiently, but it will mean that their quote is more accurate too.

Last, but not least, make sure you talk about both labor and material expense for your roofing project. Most quotes will be written in two parts. One will be an estimate of the cost of labor involved in the job, including details of how many people and how many hours the job will take to complete. The second will be a material costs estimate, which should be listed with accurate pricing and quantity.

Following these simple tips will give you the edge on choosing a contractor that's capable and efficient.