IF your city has recently suffered a major storm, chances are your roof is in need of repair.  Before you rush out and hire the first contractor that comes knocking on your door, Beware!  Many of these individuals might be considered, “Storm Chasers or Gypsies.”  On an average day they might never repair roofs, but now that there is big demand, they have decided to join the game and become “Roofing Contractors.”  Since you are looking for a veteran, you need to do a little homework and it’s easier than you might think.  Here are a few key things to look for in order to weed out the rookies and find the qualified roofer you are searching for.   Try Angie’s List.

1. A Serious Guide
Qualified roofers are serious guides to all things pertaining to the roof.  They should be able to tell you when they can start the job, how long they should expect it to take, and anything that might impede the process.  Also, qualified roofers will know exactly what materials are needed and how much they should cost.  Any qualified roofing expert will be able to assess the damage relatively well from looking at your roof.  In addition, they should be able to give you detailed descriptions of what specifically is wrong with the roof, not just, “it’s damaged.” Many estimators carry digital cameras and can take photos of the damage on-the-spot. Then as a service, show you the damage from your living room couch while he discusses the project. This is especially helpful for the elderly or disabled who cannot climb up on the roof for a first hand look.

2. Credentials
A qualified roofer will have legitimate credentials.  Check them out to make sure they are accurate.  These credentials are important because it ensures that they have a license to work and that they have familiarity working with local businesses and authorities.  Do not hesitate to ask for references to make sure that the contractor has successfully helped clients in the past, preferably in your area.  This is a standard, and it should give you some peace of mind.

What credentials are important?  Here is a short list of items to consider:

A.  Is He Licensed in your state?

B.  Does He Carry Workman’s Comp Insurance?   Covers his workmen if they get hurt on your property.

C.  Does he have Liability Insurance?   If he falls through your ceiling or puts a ladder through your picture frame window.

D.  How many crews does he have available?   If he can’t get to your project for three months or more, this may be a problem!

E.  Is he approved by the Better Business Bureau?   Whether a local contractor or not, if he is from out of state, check his status there.

F.  Are his workers legal laborers or illegal immigrants?   Kind of spoils your day when the Border Patrol shows up and takes his crew away!

G.  Has he done work for a neighbor or friend in your area?   Great way to gain a level of certainty about the contractor.

This list will give you a good start.   Try Angie’s List.

3. Trustworthy
Make sure you hire a contractor you feel like you can trust.  The last thing you want to do is end up with a damaged home.  Instead, protect yourself, and hire the person you feel like you can trust the most.  I know this is may not be the, “Judge Judy” way of discerning the best contractor but if your gut feeling is good, this may serve you well.  A sincere roof estimator who takes interest in your project and cares about how he or she will serve you, goes a long way in determining if the representative cares about you or is just hustling another deal.  One other thing, as a good friend of mine told me about business negotiating, “You Must Be Ready To Walk Away From The Deal.” If something just doesn’t feel right about the person or proposal, pass on the contractor.

When I was an estimator working in the Denver Market,  I remember the Arvada hail storm in 1984 and the immense influx of, “Roofing Contractors” from far and wide.  As an estimator working for a legitimate company, it was frustrating to see many of these contractors bidding the same projects at 20% or more under my price.  Many of the homeowners who hired these “Lowest Bid” contractors called me to fix the problems and clean up the mess these other guys created.  Many of these roofs leaked worse after the “low bid” contractor finished the project.  This is not to say that all “Storm Chaser” contractors are bad, it’s just to say, Do Your Research!

4. One Last Thing

In Closing, I have one other “Golden Nugget” for you.  When your roof is complete, be sure your contractor gives you a lien release from both he and his supplier of roofing materials.  It is standard practice for roofing material suppliers to pre-lien the project once materials are ordered for your home or business address.  If the contractor does not pay the supplier for the materials they delivered to your project, the supplier will lien your property until the material bill is paid in full.  I’ve seen situations where homeowners had to pay twice for the materials delivered to their home.  Once to the roofer and again to the supplier after the roofer failed to pay the supplier.  Worst case scenario is the supplier can initiate foreclosure proceedings on your property as leverage to get their money.  Any legitimate contractor will kindly provide these documents upon final payment for the project.

I hope this information provides some value for you and gives you some confidence as you reroof your home or building.

To help others find this story and to share your experiences good or bad, Please leave a comment or visit our Facebook business page at www.Facebook.com/TheRoofingHub….Thanks

Warm regards for a successful project,

Tony

PS: Find thousands of unbiased ratings on services for Roofing, home improvements, car repairs, and more. Try Angie’s List.