Common mistakes to avoid while choosing a residential roofing contractor

A well-maintained roof is vital to safeguard your property and loved ones. Further, it is crucial for enhancing your home's aesthetic and market value.Hiring a roofing contractor is a bothersome task. Hence, one needs to consider numerous factors when hiring a roofing contractor.

Sadly, most homeowners cut corners when making a choice and end up losing a lot of money. In this blog, we are sharing common mistakes that you should avoid when selecting a roofing contractor for your roof repairs or restoration project. 

Keep these in mind and avoid regrets later!

Key mistakes to avoid when hiring a roofing contractor

When hiring a residential roofing contractor, make sure you avoid these common mistakes:

• Not researching the roofing company’s market experience.

So, you noticed a leaky roof in your home and decided to get a roof repair job done. Hastily, you searched, “roofing contractors near me” on Google and contacted the first one on the list. This is one of the biggest mistakes most homeowners make. 

It’s OK to choose from the list that appears on the first Google search page. But thinking that the company that tops the list would be the best is a fallacy. There are many techniques (such as Adwords) to be seen on the top of Google search lists, but believing them to be the best can be risky. 

Instead, choose a few roofing companies from the list, and check their websites, testimonials and Google reviews. Also, check out their social media pages for comments, reviews and customer feedback, if any. 

A key thing to remember here is, do not hire door-to-door roofing companies. Make sure the company you choose has a physical location from where they operate. Further, avoid companies that are new to the business. Roofing is a challenging job and demands experience and expertise. Ask the companies you shortlist about their track records and successful projects. 

If needed, connect with their past customers and ask them about their experience with the company. And then, make a thoughtful decision based on your research. 

• Neglecting certification and licensing requirements,

Many states/provinces require roofing contractors to have specific certifications and licenses to run their businesses. Make sure the roofer you hire is properly certified and licensed by the relevant state/province authority before making the final deal. 

Doing this will help to ensure they are qualified to take on the project and protect you from any legal complications in the long run. You can check your local government office to know more about the required roofing certifications and licenses. 

• Not getting enough quotes. 

In most cases, homeowners hire the first roofing contractor they come across. They don’t ask for multiple quotes from different companies. However, this is essential to do because there are often hidden costs you may not know about until the project starts. So, initially, the project that you thought was “affordable” may cost you much more at completion. 

To prevent such trickery, getting quotes from at least three to four roofing contractors is advisable. This will help you compare the prices and offers and determine if you are being priced genuinely. Accordingly, you can choose the roofing company that fits your needs and budget. 

• Not hiring a local roofing contractor.

Hiring a local roofing contractor is far better than finding some from another placer. That is because the local roofer will be aware of the compliance requirements and building codes relevant to your region. Moreover, they will also know about any documentation that might be required during your roofing project. 

Also, they will have a good idea about the external factors, like weather conditions, environment, etc., which will help them better plan your roofing project. 

For example, a roofing contractor in Melbourne would be able to better handle your roof repairs or restoration project amid the unexpected harsh climate. 

• Making a price-based selection 

Not all that glitters is gold, and not all that comes cheap is worth your trust! Another common mistake most homeowners make is by choosing a roofing company that offers the cheapest quote. While it’s good to stick to your budget, making decisions solely on price isn’t wise. Instead, you should prioritise the quality of workmanship you will get from the roofer. 

Some roofing companies may offer you lower prices since they probably use low-quality materials and may cut corners while doing the work. So, even if you could save some bucks on hiring the contractor, you may need to spend again on getting a rework soon due to poor quality material and work. 

• Forgetting about warranties and insurance

The roof is a huge investment for homeowners, which, if maintained well, can last longer for up to 30 years. Hence, it should be covered by some kind of warranty. Ask your roofing company about the warranty policy or guarantees in case of any issues. 

At the very least, they should agree to inspect and take the required actions if something seems wrong with the roof. 

• Not capturing everything in writing

Another common mistake when hiring a roofer is falling into the trap of “guestimate”. It offers an opportunity for conscientious roofing professionals to inflate expenses and employ poor-quality roofing materials. 

Prior to starting the work, it is essential to request a thorough and explicit written estimate. Ensure the roofer furnishes a comprehensive, signed contract that outlines all aspects, including materials, labour, and overall expenditure.

• Skimping on materials

Using the right quality roofing materials is crucial for a successful roof repair or restoration project. Unfortunately, homeowners often forget to enquire about the type or products to be used when hiring a contractor.

Ask the roofing company what type of material they will be using for your roof and if the products are designed according to your region's climate. Also, it’s a good idea to do some market research and ask other contractors about the quality of the material and products your contractor will use for your roofing project. 

Conclusion 

Choosing an experienced and reliable roofing contractor is imperative to guarantee a seamless roofing process. By steering clear of the errors discussed above, you can ensure that you receive the best value for your investment while maintaining a high standard of service. 

Dedicate ample time to thorough research before finalising any agreements. This will enable you to make an informed choice regarding the professionals entrusted with your roofing project.