There are nearly 82,000 roofing contractors in the United States today, so it can be difficult to find the best one to service your home. It is important to do thorough research before deciding on a roofing contractor, as the wrong one can do you more harm than good.
If you are in need of a contractor for your roofing project, then read on for a few helpful tips and tricks on how to find the best one.
1. Look at Their Past Work
One of the best ways to get a good idea of how skilled a contractor is is to ask for samples of their previous work. Many contractors have portfolios on their website for you to browse through or physical copies of photos for you to look at during your consultation.
If they don’t have samples on their website, then you may be able to ask for a list of previous clients and reach out to them for pictures or information on how happy they are with the final outcome of their roof.
2. Make Sure They Are Licensed and Insured
Your roofer should hold both a license and insurance. If the roofing contractor is licensed, then they have passed multiple tests, have a certain amount of experience, and comply with the state laws.
Your roofing company should also carry insurance for all of its workers. This will cover them if somebody were to get hurt when working on your home. Carrying insurance will also protect you as the homeowner from being held liable for any injuries.
3. How Long Have They Been in Business?
Before you hire an Illinois roofing contractor, you should figure out how long they have been in business. Practice makes perfect, so a contractor with a lot of experience may do a better job than a brand new company.
Choosing a roofing contractor that has been around for a while is also a good way to ensure that someone is there to perform maintenance on your roof after the project is done.
4. Compare and Contrast
Don’t just choose the first roofing company that comes up when searching online. It is essential to choose a contractor that is best for the specific job you need done. Look for contractors that specialize in what you are looking for.
If you need a metal roof, look for companies that specialize in metal roofs. If you simply need a roof repair, look for a company with good reviews on roof repairs. Make a list of five to ten different companies and do some research on all of them.
5. Don’t Automatically Go With the Lowest Price
Some roofing contractors have a price that seems too good to be true, and it probably is. Going with a cheap option may get you a cheap job. A roofing project is not something you want to be done incorrectly or without much effort.
Instead, get multiple quotes from many different companies. If some are way higher than the rest, then they may be trying to overcharge you. A good rule of thumb is to go with a company that has an average price- not too high, but not too low either.
6. Will They Tear Off Your Old Roof?
If you need a full roof replacement, then something needs to be done with your old roof. Some roofers will just place new shingles on top of your old roof, but this can just cause more problems in the future.
Typically, the best option is to get rid of your old roof, and you will want to make sure your contractor is willing to do this. Ask your potential contractors what their plan of action is with your existing roof.
7. Browse Online Reviews
Most Illinois roofing contractors will have online reviews. You can typically find reviews either on the company’s website or right on Google. Customers usually want to talk about their experience, whether it is good or bad, so online reviews are a great way to get a true picture of the contractor’s work.
If you choose to look at reviews on Google, then you may even find a few pictures of previous projects to help you decide whether or not their work would be a good fit for your home. If you want to check out our reviews, then take a look at our website.
8. What Happens After the Job?
Sometimes, the job isn’t done after your roof is finished. You will want to ask about post-work cleanup. Make sure your contractor will clean up after the project and won’t leave you with a giant mess in your yard. Make sure you get all of these agreements in writing as well.
Another thing you will want to make sure you have is some sort of warranty for your roof. You can ask about a workmanship warranty, which will protect you against any installation mistakes. You can also inquire about a manufacturer warranty, which covers any problems with the roofing materials.
Hire a Roofing Contractor Today
So, if you are on the hunt for a roofing contractor, then follow these tips to choose the best one for your home. If you know what to look for, then you are sure to find a company that will complete the project to the best of their ability.
The experts here at Mid-State Construction and Roofing are here to help you with all of your roofing needs. If you want to learn more about our services, then feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns.