Things To Consider When Choosing a Roofing Contractor

05 Jul Things To Consider When Choosing a Roofing Contractor

When something goes wrong with your roof, it’s vital you choose a reliable contractor you can trust.

Repair work carried out by an unqualified, unreliable contractor could end up costing you a fortune in further repairs. Not only that, but incorrect treatment and repair of the roof could be really dangerous. So what things should you consider when choosing a roofing contractor?

References and testimonials

All good roofing companies will have a lot of testimonials and references. It’s worth checking out their reputation online. Consumers and businesses tend to leave online reviews of companies and contractors they have hired, so it’s a good way to see what others are saying about the contractor you’re considering.

Word of mouth is another great way to find out if a contractor is reliable. Do you know anybody who has used them before and would they recommend them? You can also ask for references directly. Any contractor who is reluctant to provide references should be considered suspicious.

Pay attention to what they recommend

When you’re getting a quote, it’s worth paying attention to what the contractor recommends. Are they suggesting a lot of temporary repairs? A good contractor will suggest minimal temporary repairs, opting instead for a more permanent solution. Temporary repairs are cheaper in the short term, but you’ll only need to pay out a lot of money later on for a more permanent solution. So if the contractor is suggesting a lot of short-term solutions, it could be a sign they’re trying to get as much money out of you as possible.

Avoid contractors who want full up-front payments

While it’s not uncommon to pay a little up-front for roofing repairs, most good contractors will request payment only once the work has been carried out. It’s a little like insurance for you. Cowboy contractors could just disappear without carrying out the full work. So always be wary of those who ask for full payment up-front.

Qualifications

It goes without saying the contractor should be fully qualified. Ask to see qualifications if there’s no sign of certification on their website. It’s equally important to ensure they have a lot of experience so always check how long they’ve been in business.

If you’re planning on having more than 50% of the roof refurbished, you’ll also need to ensure you hire a CompetentRoofer. This is a Competent Person Scheme run by the government, ensuring the contractor complies with building regulations.

Overall there’s a lot to think about before you go ahead and hire a roofing contractor. The above are the main factors to consider. Above all else, be sure you aren’t just choosing a contractor simply because they offer the lowest price. Cheap labour often equals a cheap, unreliable job.