Are You Looking For a Qualified Contractor to Help With Your Roof–Here Are Some Steps to Help You
You hop online and begin to type in the search bar…”roofers in Memphis, TN”. Suddenly you start to realize there are tons and tons of roofing companies and you ask yourself, where do I start and how do I know which company is the best and gives the best price? Here are some tips to help give you direction in your search and to help you decide on which company is best for you.
When Do You Need to Find a Roofer?
A few reasons homeowners start looking for a roofer: they are needing installation or replacement, a repair, or yearly maintenance or inspection. There are other factors that go into why you would need a full roof replacement and those can be found on our website by clicking on the Residential tab.
How to Hire a Roofing Contractor?
- Find a Dependable Roofer
Most people want to start with looking on the internet, but what we suggest is asking your local friends, neighbors, and coworkers, first. From there you should have a few recommendations and names of companies or contacts. Next, start your internet search by looking up the referrals first. You can use sites such as HomeAdvisor, Angie’s List, BBB, or even just reading the reviews on Google. Be sure to make sure they are licensed, bonded, and insured. - Talk to the Contractors
You should talk to several roofing companies so you can use your intuition on as to an honest and reasonable price range. After calling and asking some questions, narrow it down to about three professionals. Have them come out and inspect your roof and give you an estimate. This way you can get a feel of how well you interact with them. Compare the estimates and remember that price is just one component of the project. Use caution if one seems remarkably low or excessively high. You don’t want to make your decision on a couple of hundred dollars for a project that costs thousands of dollars. - Research their Credential
Again be sure to check and make sure they are license, bonded, and insured. Licensing and Insurance requirements vary by state so check your state’s website, click here for Tennessee’s requirements. - Check References and Experience
When contacting and interviewing the roofing company ask for three references, verify those references, and then follow up on them. If you are installing a particular color, designer, or high-end shingle, ask them to recommend previous projects they have done so you can drive by and see what it will look like. If the professional hesitates or refuses to share references, keep looking. A skilled professional will complete your job on time (pending weather circumstances), to code, and without mistakes. Hiring an inexperienced roofing contractor to save money can lead to additional repairs, extended deadlines, and incorrect pricing. - Review the Contract and Warranties Closely
When given the estimate or contract, read over it carefully and thoroughly before signing. Any questions or clarifications you need to address with the contractor before signing. They will not be annoyed by your taking the time to understand the terms to the agreement, and most will be happy to communicate with you and make sure everyone is one the same page and understanding.
When it comes to the warranty of your new roof, it is important to have follow-up information in case of an emergency. All materials and workmanship should be guaranteed for at least 5 years and the material itself should come with a 20-to-40 year warranty. Also with the material warranties, make sure all the components are installed to receive that warranty.
NOTE: Material warranties are more common than contractor work guarantees. If the professional doesn’t offer a work guarantee, don’t worry. They could still be trustworthy. Ask your professional other ways to keep the roof safe.