Tips for Choosing a Roofing Contractor for your Roofing Project

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit

A good roof is among the most crucial parts of your house, and it protects you and your family from harsh elements, such as the scorching summer sun and rain. So when planning a roofing project, you must find the right person for the job.

Whether installing a new roof or repairing an existing one, roofing projects are significant investments and costly. A new roofing system is a substantial investment because it is one of the most visible parts of a building and one of the few that is mainly constructed on-site and depends on accurate installation for its longevity.

The roof comprises various integral elements such as the deck, membrane, insulation, and flashings, which all need to work together perfectly. Any part of the system installed incorrectly will eventually break down, which is why contractor selection is essential to the roof system’s success over its service life. Here are some tips to help you find and hire the best roofing contractor near you.

Roofing Project Costs and Budget

Budget and cost are among the most critical factors for a roofing project. Request bids or cost estimates from different contractors for the work to be completed. If all other elements are equal and the offers are for the same materials, system, and application methods, then pricing should be the deciding factor. To make sure the low bidders didn’t miss anything in the bidding process, it’s vital to qualify their bids to confirm if the quotes missed something.

Pre-Qualify the Contractors

Pre-qualifying contractors guarantee that all bidders on the project are adequately qualified. This process is crucial before soliciting bids if cost is your primary criterion for choosing between potential contractors. Contractors who submit quotes should be comparable in competence, experience, and quality of work.

Work Scope 

A wide variety of materials and methods are available for your roofing project. Reroofing and new roof installations often cost more than roof repairs. Before requesting quotes from various roof contractors, it is best to detail the project’s scope, including the materials, technologies, and application methods.

If you don’t have a work scope, check that the contractors’ bids include a comprehensive work scope that specifies all materials, systems, and application steps. You can then compare the costs of different quotation items from the various contractors.

Request a recommended timetable from the contractor detailing the anticipated start and completion date. This will ensure that the project completion timeline matches your unique requirements.

Financial Capability   

Reputable roofing companies offer swift access to company financial records. Request for contractor’s financial records for a reasonable period to make sure the company is financially healthy and able to complete the job. The contractor’s financial records let you know their financial health.

The ability to cover costs is more critical for long-term projects. Finding a replacement contractor would be extremely difficult if the original one failed to finish the job. A replacement contractor is not likely to take on liability for any work it did not perform.

Level of Experience and Company History

The value of experience cannot be overstated. Companies with a long history in a given field provide potential clients confidence in their competence, assuming they would not still be in business if they did not produce satisfactory results. Validate the company’s history written on its marketing materials.

Verify that the company has always used the same tax identification number and business name. You should ensure that the contractor has a clean credit history with no unpaid tax or bankruptcy filings.

Service Record

The best roofing businesses offer maintenance and repair divisions to address issues like roof leaks and other minor damages. This is an important aspect to consider when choosing a contractor if the company offers a warranty.

For the warranty to remain valid, all manufacturers necessitate that the owner performs routine maintenance on the roof at least once each year. Choose a roofing contractor who can maintain and repair the roof after completion. Ask for the contractors’ service rates and find out how quickly they can fix a leak after you report it.

Company Reputation

Any reputable contractor worth hiring will gladly share references from previously completed projects. Get in touch with the contractor’s previous clients to make sure they were pleased with the results. Investigate the contractor’s reaction to setbacks on the job more thoroughly.

Construction projects usually face a wide range of issues. You can also check your local Better Business Bureau or Department of Professional Regulation to find out if any clients have filed complaints against the roofing company.

The Contractors’ Safety Record

The most important aspects of any construction project include safety training and on-site job safety. Safety is critical on roof projects because of the scope of work. Choose a roofing contractor with an established safety-training program and well-trained crew.

On most construction sites, it’s standard practice to have a daily pre-shift safety meeting in which everyone involved reviews the day’s safety procedures.

Insurance Coverage   

Look for a roofing company with a current Certificate of Insurance. Verify that the insurance coverage meets both your needs and state requirements. Verify that the insurance policy will cover the entire project period. The contractor must have the necessary insurance covering damage to the building, interior, and landscape. Since roofing is an intensive project, it may cause damage to your premises.

Licenses and Certification

Check that the contractor possesses the necessary licenses to operate in your state and verify that their license is up to date. Also, find out which roofing manufacturers’ materials the contractor is certified to install.

Before they certify a contractor, most manufacturers demand that the roofer has extensive expertise and the specific instructions needed to install the roof. Before approving them, they also conduct thorough checks on the contractor’s background, resources, and track record.

Pre-Construction Meeting

The pre-construction meeting is the last stage in the bidding process. It’s best to hold awarding the contract before a successful pre-construction meeting. This meeting allows you to discuss the project scope and establish communication channels.

The contractor’s project managers, superintendents, and foremen should be present during this meeting. Meeting agendas include:

  • Project Timeline
  • Materials to be used
  • Equipment staging sites
  • Working hours
  • Interior protection
  • Plan for working in occupied spaces
  • Emergency contact information

If you follow these guidelines, you should be able to choose a reliable roofing contractor who will complete your project for a reasonable cost and to your satisfaction.

Call the Best Roofing Contractor in Greenville, SC

Do you need a roofing contractor for your project but are uncertain who to choose? Consider asking for referrals from your neighbors or homeowners association for recommendations. Check reviews, references, and qualifications before awarding the job.

Lanier Roofing is among the leading roofing contractors in Greenville, SC. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional results that match our client’s needs. Our certifications with major shingle manufacturers show our expertise in handling a wide range of roofing materials.

Contact us to request a free quotation for your roofing project.

Latest Posts

LET'S GET STARTED WITH
YOUR FREE QUOTE​