Buying a new roof is an important investment. To ensure that you get the kind of results you want – a quality roof at a fair price – carefully evaluate the roofing contractors who may be doing the work.All roofing contractors are not alike; insist on working with a professional. How can you tell a qualified contractor from an unqualified one? The following guidelines will help you to choose a contractor who will get the job done right the first time.
1. A Permanent Place of Business
Confirm that your contractor is well-established with a permanent place of business, telephone number, tax identification number and business license.
2. Proof of Insurance
Insist on seeing copies of the contractor's liability and worker's compensation coverage. Make sure the coverages are in effect through the duration of the job, and that the liability coverage limits are adequate for your project. If your contractor is not properly insured, you may be held liable for accidents that occur on your property. Many homeowners and building owners have been dragged into litigation involving uninsured roofing contractors.
3. A Proven Track Record
Look for a roofing contractor with a proven track record that offers client references and a list of completed projects. Call these clients to find out whether they were satisfied.
4. Licensed and Bonded
Check to see if the roofing contractor is properly licensed. The State of Utah requires all roofing contractors to have a contractor's license. You can verify that a contractor has a current license by going to http://secure.utah.gov/llv/llvIn addition, some contractors are able to obtain bonding from surety companies, while others are not.
5. Financial Stability
Make sure the company is financially stable. A professional roofing contractor can certify the financial strength of the company by providing a “bank letter” from its financial institution.
6. A Written Proposal
Insist on a written proposal and examine it for complete descriptions of the work and specifications, including payment procedures.
7. Professional Credentials
Ask the contractor if his company is a member of the National Roofing Contractor's Association and the Utah Roofing Contractor's Association. Involvement in a professional organization enables a contractor to be better informed about the latest developments in the roofing industry so that he has the knowledge and resources to meet your needs.
8. Better Business Bureau Rating
Check with the Better Business Bureau to receive their rating of the contractor and to see if complaints have been filed against the company you are considering doing business with.
9. Application Expertise
Ask the roofing contractor for a list of the roofing manufacturers with which they are approved applicators. The installation of most roofing materials requires training and special application expertise to provide a quality roof system that will last. Insist on having experienced, trained, professional craftsman install your new roof.
10. Project Supervision
Have the contractor explain his project supervision and quality control procedures. Request the name and phone number of the person who will be in charge of your project, how many workers will be required and the estimated amount of time needed to complete the job.
11. Warranties
There are two categories of roofing warranties: the contractor's warranty, which covers workmanship, and the roofing material manufacturer's warranty. Be sure the contractor offers a warranty that covers his workmanship, and will be in business in the future to back up his warranty. A manufacturer's warranty alone will not protect you if the roof is improperly installed. Carefully read and understand any roofing warranty offered and be aware of provisions that would void it.
12. Consider All Factors
Carefully consider all factors when selecting a roofing contractor. Keep a healthy skepticism about the lowest bid and those that are considerably lower than the others for the same work. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. A very low bid may seem attractive, however, often a contractor offering such a low bid is uninsured or performs substandard work. Remember, price is only one of the criteria for selecting a roofing contractor. Professionalism, experience and quality workmanship should also weigh heavily in your decision.
Source: http://www.amcoroof.com/pickingaroofer.php
