How-To: Choosing a Roofing Contractor
MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE
Your roof is one of the most important components of your home. If it fails, it can lead to disastrous results for the house and the people inside it. Consequently, choosing the right roofing contractor to replace your roof is a big decision. When making your decision, follow these steps our team has put together to ensure you make the right choice.
TALK TO YOUR FRIENDS
No matter how strong a roof appears, it generally needs to be replaced every 25 years. Factors including climate, material type, and installation quality all play a role in the lifespan of your roof. While regular maintenance may extend the life of your roof, most long-time homeowners have had to replace a roof at least once or know someone who has. Talk to friends and neighbors and see if they have any roofing contractors they would recommend.
READ ONLINE REVIEWS
Your friends can only provide anecdotal experiences with a company. Their experience could have been one good one in a sea of complaints. Checking reviews is a great way to view the broader picture of how satisfied customers are with the company's work. It's important to remember that every company has at least one disgruntled customer. In fact, a company with all five-star reviews might raise a red flag in terms of authenticity.
VISIT THE WEBSITE
If you find that most reviews about the company are positive and there are no alarming complaints, it's time to get additional information. Some companies will include general information about pricing, while others will try to push you to request a quote instead. Calling or emailing the company to get a quote might seem like a hassle, but it's an excellent way to experience firsthand what their customer service might be like. This can help you make a more informed decision before moving forward.
CHECK QUALIFICATIONS
You may have found the perfect company that can check off all of the above, but don't sign the contract just yet. You need to check their qualifications. Are they licensed in your area? Do they have the proper insurance? Are they bonded? They may come highly recommended and produce great work, but accidents happen. In the unfortunate event of an accident or a mistake, you shouldn't be stuck with the bill or the liability.
To be a licensed roofer in California, they must pass an exam. Before they can even apply for the exam, they must have at least four years of experience. Hiring a licensed roofer ensures that your work is performed by someone with knowledge and experience in the roofing industry. It is also beneficial if the contractor is bonded and insured. With a bonded contractor, you can rest easy knowing you won't be left with a half-completed project and a full bill. If any damages or accidents occur, a bonded contractor will be able to compensate the homeowner. Lastly, always go with an insured contractor. If the contractor is not insured, you will likely be responsible if anyone on the crew gets injured on the job. Instead of the company handling it, the claim will be filed against your homeowner's insurance.
Getting your roof replaced or even a repair can be stressful on its own, don't add to that stress by hiring an unqualified roofing contractor.
If you are looking for a roofing contractor in San Diego, check out Resilient Roofing. We have been serving the San Diego area for over 50 years, and we are still one of the most trusted roofing companies in Southern California. Find out why!