If this is the first time that you’re having your roof repaired or replaced, finding the right roofer to hire can be a bit challenging, at times, even confusing. You may also be tempted to just hire the local neighborhood handyman just to get the job over and done with. However, roofing projects are not as easy as they seem. In this post, you’ll see why hiring a professional roofer is the wiser choice to make, and learn about the qualities that you should look for in picking out a contractor that’s worthy of your trust and business.
Pro Roofer Vs. Handyman
It can be hard to choose between a handyman and a professional roofer, especially if you are under a strict budget and would like to be able to skip some parts of the process of hiring a roofing contractor. Furthermore, if you have already become acquainted with a handyman in your neighborhood who swears that he can also deliver your roofing requirements, it can be really easy to just hire him as he’s probably already performed minor work in your home before.
However, roofing jobs are not quite minor. After all, the roof is an important aspect of your home in terms of protecting you and your family against the elements and related damage. Roof repair certainly is not as simple as changing dead lightbulbs in a chandelier.
Of course, if you really want to, you can hire a handyman, particularly if:
- You’re okay with potentially haphazard work.
- You want to save on costs and are okay working with materials that aren’t guaranteed.
- You’re cool with working with inadequately insured workers.
- You’re prepared for the costs related to premature roof damage.
On the other hand, you should hire a professional roofer if:
- You want guaranteed quality workmanship and materials.
- You want time and cost efficiency
- You want peace of mind.
If you want to make the most out of your investment and make sure that the job will be done right the first time, the clear winner here is the pro roofer.
What Makes a Good Roofer: The Qualifications You Should Look For
Deciding to hire a professional roofing contractor is the first step towards ensuring the success of roof repair or replacement. Now, the next step is finding the right roofer to hire. Read on to know the qualifications and qualities that you should look for in a roofer.
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They are local.
You need to check if the company has been operating in your area for a significant period of time already. You also need to verify if they have a physical local office with working contact numbers.
This is because you wouldn’t want to deal with storm chasers: unscrupulous roofers who would appear at your doorstep after a storm or similar weather disturbance, feeding on your vulnerability and talking you into allowing them to inspect and work on your storm-damaged roof. Typically, these types of roofers will insist on their service, knowing that you absolutely need it and need it now. So, they press their advantage without giving you the time you need to think about the deal first. Storm chasers usually do not have local offices as they go around from town-to-town or state-to-state hoping that they’ll find an unsuspecting homeowner to hire them.
Furthermore, you’d want to work with a local roofing company. This way, when something goes wrong with the work, you can easily find them to undo any mistakes. It will be easy to verify other info about them, too, if they live within your community.
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They are insured.
Roofing jobs are one of those home improvement projects that are high-risk, particularly because they require workers to climb up and down the roof. Furthermore, the risk is not only in terms of people falling; your home is also at risk for exposure to weather and related problems while the job is in progress. Insurance coverage will keep you safe from liabilities related to these risks. If the roofer is adequately insured, you will not be liable for the costs related to the following:
- Damaged items and property
- Unpaid contractors and subcontractors
- Other accidents
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They are manufacturer-certified
Manufacturer certifications can be considered as “badges of honor,” as having them means that the roofer:
- Has passed stringent manufacturer certification requirements
- Continuously undergoes training to stay up-to-date with the latest industry techniques and advancements
- Can offer and install the products made by the manufacturer
- Can extend the comprehensive warranties that the manufacturer offers together with their products
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They are properly licensed and possess all required permits.
Of course, you need to work only with a roofer that is permitted to perform roofing jobs in the first place. You need to check and verify their contractor licenses and business permits to make sure that they can do the contracting jobs and operate a business.
Now that you know the qualities to look for in a roofer, ensuring the success of a roofing project is easier. Once you find the ideal roofing company, you can rest assured that your investment will be in good hands.
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Author Bio:
Founder Crystal Anderson spent 13 years in the storm damage restoration and roofing business, so she learned through the first-hand experience that not all storm damage contractors are reputable, or even local. Seeing a nationwide need for an honest contractor, Crystal founded Olneya Restoration in 2007 to help consumers who are struggling with storm damage and general home improvement woes. As a woman-owned business, Crystal provides her customers and employees with a level of sensitivity and personal attention that other companies fail to match. Since their opening, Olneya has been providing professional restoration and roofing services. This has prompted our recent expansion efforts to open operations in these areas. In 2015, they expanded operations to Palm City, Florida.
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