Hiring a Roofing Contractor

One of the best ways to select a roofing contractor is to ask friends or relatives for recommendations. You can also contact a professional roofing association for referrals. Professional associations have stringent guidelines for their members to follow. The roofing association in your area will provide you with a list of available contractors.

Contact your state’s license board. Most states offer an online license check area to verify the contractor is licensed and to check the status of the license. You can also verify the contractor’s bond information, workers’ compensation insurance policy information, and if there have been any legal actions filed against the contractor.

HIRING A LICENSED ROOFING CONTRACTOR

Follow These Tips When Hiring a Roofing Contractor

• Hire only licensed roofing contractors.
• Get three references and review past roof work.
• Compare at least three roofing bids.
• Get a written contract, don’t sign anything until you understand the terms.
• Pay 10% down or $1,000, whichever is less.
• Don’t let payments get ahead of the work.
• Don’t pay in cash.
• Only make the final payment when you’re satisfied with the job.
• Don’t rush into repairs or be pressured into making an immediate decision.

Tips For Hiring A Roofing Contractor

Replacing Your Roof

The age of your roof is usually the major fact or in determining when to replace it. Most roofs last many years if properly installed and often can be repaired rather than replaced. The average life expectancy of a typical residential roof is 15 to 20 years.

Water damage to a home’s interior or overhangs is commonly caused by leaks from a single weathered portion of the roof, or from poorly installed flashing around chimneys and skylights. Also, seasonal changes in the weather are usually the most destructive forces. These problems do not necessarily mean you need a new roof.

Preserving Your Roof

Whatever the roofing material—composition shingle, wood shake, tile or metal—the best way to preserve your roof is to stay off of it.

Maintaining Your Roof

Homeowner maintenance includes cleaning the leaves and debris from the roof’s valleys and gutters. Debris in the roof valleys can cause water to wick under the shingles and cause damage to the interior of the roof. Clogged rain gutters can cause water to flow back under the shingles on the eaves and deteriorate materials.

Managing Roof Problems

If problems arise during or after construction, talk to your contractor. Usually he or she will make corrections willingly. If your contractor refuses to make corrections, you may want to file a complaint with your local licensing board.

What Do I Need When A Problem Arises?

• Gather all papers including contracts, change orders and canceled checks.
• Take photographs of the problems.
• Notify the contractor in writing of your dissatisfaction.
• Contact your local or state contractors state license board to get information on filing a complaint. The board will investigate and mediate your complaint if it falls within the board’s jurisdiction.

You’ve Chosen The Contractor, What About The Contract?

Make sure everything is in writing. The contract is one of the best ways to prevent problems before you begin. The contract protects you and the contractor by including everything you have both agreed upon. Get all promises in writing and spell out exactly what the contractor will and will not do.

Roof Permits

Your contract should call for all work to be performed in accordance with all applicable building codes. The building codes set minimum safety standards for construction. Generally, a building permit is required whenever structural work is involved. The contractor should obtain all necessary building permits. If this is not specified in the contract, you may be held legally responsible for failure to obtain the required permit. The building department will inspect your roof when the project has reached a certain stage and again when the roof is completed.