Having a successful roofing project is not a small investment, and neither is hiring a roofing contractor for the job. To acquire a top-notch installation, you need to work with an expert and reputable contractor. Before signing the roofing contract, take your time and vet contractors using the following questions.
Although everyone starts somewhere, you must be keen on your home exterior. The last thing you want is to be a guinea pig. In the construction industry, words spread fast; the roofing contractors in Ypsilanti who offer poor quality work can last for long unless they are willing to change. The more the years of experience, the higher the likelihood that the company can handle any situation and do a good job.
In addition, a positive rating with other expert affiliations, Chamber of Commerce and manufacturer certifications can show the credulity of a roofing contractor.
This question might sound strange, but it’s pretty crucial. In some instances, some illegitimate roofing companies may try to carry out business away from their post office box rather than their actual physical location.
Consider engaging a business that has a physical presence in your location. Ensure roofers has a mobile number and local address to make it easier to reach them if you have concerns or questions. It will also assist you in avoiding “fly-by-night” work that is working for your today and the next day they are gone, and you can’t track them down.
Insist on seeing the roofing contractors’ proof of insurance. The roofing contractor should have insurance, not only for protecting their company but also to protect you in case an accident happens during construction. If a contractor doesn’t have insurance, you might be held responsible for medical expenses if an employee gets injured while working on your property.
All roofing contractors should have employee compensation and general liability insurance at the bare minimum before the commencement of work.
Viewing before and after pictures on a roofing contractor’s website can grant you a sense of the contractor’s type of work. Although it might be challenging to assess the quality of work if you have little or no knowledge about roofing, roofers willing to showcase their work, including images and details on their website, indicates that they are transparent.
A reputable roofing expert will not shy away from sharing pictures and projects done previously on their website and social media.
In Michigan, it’s a requirement for roofing contractors to be licensed. If your contractor has a license, consider checking their records at the local licensing office to learn about their credibility. A roofing license is quite different from a standard business permit. If the roofing contractor you are interviewing doesn’t have a roofing license, they aren’t qualified to handle your roofing project.
One of the best ways to determine companies’ reputations is by checking their references. However, these testimonies can be interfered with when only specific company reviews are indicated. To avoid this pitfall, ask for references from the most recent three jobs done.
References also assist in getting accurate information on their current business dealings. For instance, a contractor might have delivered outstanding results during start-up periods but may now offer low-quality services due to management changes.
Before signing the contract, ask for a detailed estimate, take your time and go through it. The estimate should include the cost of everything from removing the existing roof to installing a new roof and any other cost or work that may arise in the process, like the need to replace non-functional plywood decking.
The written estimate should incorporate a detailed outline of the project, materials to be used, and a breakdown of labor. There should be approximate project commencement dates and completion dates, including how the payment should be handled.
Edge metal is an aluminum piece placed at the roof’s edge under a shingle. It helps water run-off flow in gutters protecting the roof and fascia from water.
Some contractors might omit it when installing the new roof to save cost and time if you fail to point out on edge metal.
We hope this checklist is helpful as you continue counterchecking your choices working with a roofer in Ypsilanti.
Ready to work with a professional roofing company? Give us a call at (833) 766-3734 to schedule a free estimate, and get started on your next home exterior project today!
