Choosing The Right Roof Repair Company
Your roof is one of your home’s most critical assets, so you don’t want to trust its care and repair to just anyone. But… where to start? It can be challenging to know who to hire and if they’re the right fit for the job, so if you’re looking to hire just the right roof repair company for your next home project, here’s a few things to keep in mind:
Consider Roofing Contractor Qualifications
Before you hire just anyone off Craigslist, keep in mind that roofing contractors and companies are required to meet specific criteria for the county, city, and/or state in which they operate. In California, for example, roofing contractors must have a license if they are hired to work on any roofing project that exceeds $500. In order to get said license in California, a prospective roofing contractor must pass an exam and have at least four years of experience. But, in Connecticut, there’s no state license requirement at all, simply an annual registration fee to list with the Department of Consumer Protection.
So, do your research, and make sure to check your state’s roofer qualifications before signing a contract.
In general, you’ll want to hire a contractor or company that:
- Has provable experience
- Is adequately licensed or registered in your area
- Carries insurance and is bonded
- Will provide estimates and references
Not sure if a prospective company can or will provide the above? Make sure to specifically ask for documentation before moving forward with a project.
Assess The Pros & Cons of Contractors vs. Companies
When you’re ready to hire a roofing contractor, there are often two different professionals to consider: independent contractors and roofing companies. Typically contractors are a solid option for smaller jobs and repairs as long as they are licensed and have the necessary experience. However, independent contractors are usually small shops with just a few people on deck, which means work may take much longer to complete. Roofing companies usually have more resources to work with which means they’re better able to complete bigger jobs (like complete roof replacements) with much more speed. They typically offer free consultations and are usually able to cover their work via manufacturer warranties. However, there may be many different people working on your property, and crews may rotate.
Ask About Their Services
Not every contractor or company may offer the same services, so you’ll want to inquire around what types of projects they’re willing (and experienced enough) to work on.
Typical services include:
Roof inspections
- Making sure gutters are in good shape
- Evaluating the health of shingles, roof materials, and weatherproofing
- Assessing ventilation and framework
Roof installation or replacements
- Replacing a large portion or an entire roof
- Installing skylights, solar tubes, or solar energy panels
Roof repairs
- Replacing shingles
- Sealing or fixing broken weatherproofing
- Treating or painting wood/metal roofs
- Fixing leaking skylights or solar tubes
Weatherproofing and cleaning
- Pressure washing mold, mildew, or buildup
Do Your Homework
After you meet with a few contractors or companies make sure to request a quote from each. Then, make sure to do some due diligence. If they have a website or Yelp page, make sure to read a few reviews. Alongside the quotes and required information around licensing, insurance, and experience, the reviews can help you make a final decision about who your best candidate may be.
When in doubt, make sure your prospective candidate:
- Is licensed according to state requirements
- Has proven experience
- Offers the service needed
- Provides clear cost of service
About Christian Roofing
We offer full roofing consultation and estimate services. Call us today to request a free consultation. While we love roofing, we believe true excellence and service starts with a thorough consultation and inspection. For our customers to truly be happy, we need to understand their goals, budget, insurance, and the status of their existing roof.
We have all heard the saying fail to plan, plan to fail, and we believe this to be especially true in our line of work. Rest assured, our contractors will be with you from start to finish, ensuring you are completely satisfied.
While we live in the sunshine state, we recommend that you don’t wait until it’s too late — don’t let the next rainy day leak be the catalyst for your call!
Contact us for a free estimate and we’ll schedule a roof replacement or repair!
