What to Look For in Roofers

The lifespan of a roof averages fifteen years. Any time period beyond that, the roof might require repairs or even replacement. 

While some might think repairing or replacing a roof is a walk in the park, figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics say otherwise. According to a study by BLS in 2009, the fatality rate of roofers is 29.4 per 100,000 workers. The death rate of roofing contractors is greater than that of police officers. This is why it is important to hire legit roofing contractors when in need of repair of replacement.

With the power of phones and the Internet, finding a contractor with affordable roofing in Brooklyn is a click away. It is important, however, to take some considerations into account.

George Parsons Roofing, repairing roofs since 1972.

 

Test of Time

How long has the contractor been in business? Reliable roofers have withstood the test of time. As roofing is considered a high-risk job, it is important to deal only with contractors who know what they’re doing. If the company is fairly new to the business, research online about its credentials and see if its previous customers recommend its service. Recommendations from friends also help.

Legal Credentials

Each state has different regulations for buildings and contractors. Homeowners should consult licensed and accredited roofers only. It’s important to know the state’s guidelines on building permits and other legal matters before starting the job. The contractor must also have insurance to protect the homeowner should any untoward incident happen.

Contact Information

Do local directories have the contact information of the roofer? Does the contractor have a physical address? A contractor without contact details and a physical address is suspicious.

Contract

Before finalizing the deal, the homeowner and the contractor should sign a contract that contains all details about the project. These include the time frame, the cost of labor and materials, and the warranty should the service have one.

It is important to consider two or more candidates when choosing a roofing contractor. This allows you to compare their rates and save more money. To find an affordable roofing service provider in Brooklyn, search directories and online sources.

Things You Should Look Out for in a Roofing Contractor

 

DIY roof repairs  might not be the most effective solution to the problem. 

Hiring a professional contractor is more advisable.

Deciding to conduct a DIY project on a roofing job is fine albeit high-risk. Doing so might not be the most effective solution to the problem. Hiring a professional contractor is more advisable. Knowing what a professional would do and wouldn’t do should provide you with the necessary knowledge to find a reliable roofing service provider. 

 

Here are some of the things that you should look out for when searching for a trustworthy roofing contractor:

Of legalities and insurance

Licenses and insurance are necessary in this business. If your contractor doesn’t have the necessary licenses to operate in your area, stop the deal. The same goes if your contractor isn’t insured. Roofing is a high-risk job. There is always a chance that the contractor could damage your property. Accidents could happen too.

Of clienteles and marketing

If your contractor does door-to-door selling, start doubting. Good contractors have an established clientele. If the contractor has years of experience and a good reputation, posting advertisements would have sufficed, thus removing the need for door-to-door selling. 

Of inspections and bidding

An inspection is necessary before making any bid. If your contractor already suggests a price before even checking the roof, consult another contractor. There are many things and damages that are hidden from plain sight. Any contractor wouldn’t want to undercharge for their service. 

Thus, make sure that the contractor inspects the area before naming the price.

Also, contractors shouldn’t charge a large amount up front. The largest upfront payment a contractor could ask is 50% of the total cost. 

Of contracts and writing

A contractor who doesn’t want to write a contract is suspicious. You, as a homeowner, and the contractor should agree on every detail of the project. These include the materials, the duration, the work order, and even to the cost. A contract-free job deprives you of security about the project.

As long as these factors are taken into account, looking for a reputable roofing contractor is easy. For more information, research online for roofing contractors.