Contractors roofing businesses offer online listings that let consumers input their information and find a roof repairer who has the skills and experience needed for the job. An experienced contractor is one who has the skills and knowledge necessary to fix roofs that have been damaged from storms or other natural disasters. Since the roof is responsible for protecting a home’s interiors, it’s important that homeowners use a licensed contractor when hiring out roof work.
Some homeowners may want to save money by fixing the roof themselves. However, since most homeowners don’t worry about the state of their roof until a problem has already manifested, the repair process is usually beyond the skills of the amateur home repairer. The cause of leaks, damaged flashing, and missing or broken shingles or roof tiles can be deep rooted and need the skills provided by a roof professional. A free estimate and repair assessment is beneficial when hiring a roofer and can help answer any questions before the repairs begin.
Traits of a Qualified Roofer
One complaint some homeowners have is the difficulty experienced when trying to get multiple contractors roofing bids. Some contractors never return phone calls and others skip out on appointments. A serious roofer who takes his job seriously will make an effort to return phone calls and schedule an estimate briefing promptly. But remember that a contractor is judging a potential client just as much as the client is judging the contractor. It’s just as important for the client to return phone calls and keep appointments as it is for the roofer.
When a potential contractor shows up for an estimate, that’s the time to ask any questions and survey their qualifications. Some of the important questions include: Is the contractor licensed? Does the contractor have proper insurance? Will the contractor be subcontracting out the work? What sorts of warranties are available for the work done? Does the roofer have references of past clients they will share? Does the contractor provide a written estimate that includes warranty and repair information along with the estimated cost? Once the different roofers answer all questions and inspect the repairs needed, it’s time to choose one for the job.
Contract Specifics
The contract is different from the estimate because the contract lays out all the details of the job. The estimate is just an approximate cost of a project. The contract is the specifics of a project, such as the beginning and ending dates, type of repairs needed, and the expense. It’s important to go over any confusing terms or misunderstandings before allowing any work to begin. Once work begins, the contract is in effect and will hold up in court. Contract disputes are easily avoided by understanding all of the terms.
Contractors roofing work that goes unpaid can cause a lien on the homeowner’s property. Depending on the state the work is performed in, any contractor working on the property can place a lien on the home for unpaid work. For this reason, homeowners should look closely at the terms laid out regarding any subcontractors on the project. To avoid payment issues, a homeowner may want to pay a subcontractor directly or have the main contractor furnish proof of payment to the sub before writing the final check. The contract should also cover the warranty information and provide details about the materials used on the project. Once these details are hammered out, the contractor can begin work.
