How To Choose The Best Roofing Contractor For Your Next Building Project:
When the time comes for a new roof, one of the first things to do is call a roofing contractor. But who do you call? Indeed, there are multiple roofing companies in your area, but choosing between them is not always easy. You could call the first name in the phone book or pick the company with the flashiest website, but you’re rolling the dice with either of those methods. Instead, we recommend learning as much as you can about a few different roofing companies. Then, use what you know to choose the best roofing contractor you feel most confident hiring.
Here are the key sources of information to turn to when vetting roofers.
Word of Mouth
Do you have any friends or family members who recently got new roofs? Ask them who they used – and don’t stop there. Ask about the roofing process, whether they are happy with the results, and if they would recommend the company to a friend. If you notice any new roofs in your neighborhood, you can always stop and ask the homeowners about them. When customers are happy, they’re usually glad to gush about their roofers.
Reviews
Online reviews can be a great way to learn about roofers, but you do need to approach them carefully. Don’t just look for a company with high “star ratings.” Take the time to read what former customers have to say. A negative review here and there is not necessarily the red flag you might think it is. Read those negative reviews, and ask yourself whether or not the issue would affect you if it happened on your roof.
Pay attention to specifics when reading positive reviews, too. The reviewers may have a different kind of roof than yours, but you can still assess things such as whether the roofers were on time, whether they communicated clearly, and whether the roof they installed is sound and secure.
Certifications and Awards
In the roofing industry, we rely on certifications for two reasons. First, through certification programs, we learn more specialized skills that we can use to benefit our customers. Second, certifications prove that we know and can apply those skills. As a potential customer, you can look at the certifications that other roofing companies and we hold and use them to choose a roofer with the expertise your project requires.
In Florida, roofers have to be Certified General Contractors and Certified Roofing Contractors. That’s the bare minimum; don’t hire anyone without those certifications. However, there are additional certifications that really show a roofer’s expertise. If energy efficiency is a priority, and it should be, look for a company that employs Certified Energy Raters. If your roof was damaged in a storm, you probably want a Certified Mold Remediator, too. For an older home, a Certified Asbestos Remediator may be required.
If a roofing company has won any awards, that is also a good sign. Not only does it show that their work outshines the competition, but it also shows an interest in improvement. Companies who compete for awards don’t want to just install roofs; they want to be the best at installing roofs. There’s a big difference.
Portfolio Examples
Once you have a short list of companies you’re considering, dig deeper into their work and look at some profile examples. Many roofing companies share examples of their work on their websites. But if you can’t find examples, feel free to call and ask for them.
When looking at portfolio examples, there are a few things to consider. First, focus on looking at homes with roofs and structures similar to your own. Do you like the aesthetic the roofers created? Does the roof appear to be secure and sound? Second, assess the variety you’re being shown in the portfolio. A company that shows you many different types of roofs in a variety of styles is likely more talented than one that shows you three nearly identical shingle roofs.
Quotes
Finally, once you’re down to two or three options, it is time to get quotes. Throughout this process, remember to assess more than just the bottom line, and dollar value estimate.
Choose The Best Roofing Contractor
Consider the scope of work that each roofer wants to do, the quality of the materials they recommend, and how soon they can get to your project. Don’t be afraid to ask questions at this stage; how your roofers respond can tell you more about them. Once you get quotes, one company often emerges as the clear front-runner and your best choice.
If you work your way through the process above, you should have no trouble finding an excellent roofing company to work on your home. Contact All Phase Construction if you’re looking for roofers in Florida. We’d love to tell you more about our certifications, services, and portfolio.
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