Whether you have a simple leak that you don’t want to turn into a full-blown problem or you’re in need of a new roof once your original hits the end of its life, choosing a quality roof can be a daunting task. Knowing who you can trust with one of your biggest home improvement projects can be a challenge. We have some tips on what makes a good roofer so you know what you’re looking for.
Before you look online for roofing companies or in your local telephone book, consider some of these things when deciding how to choose the best company for the job. You won’t regret doing your due diligence before trusting someone with your home and its roof. Roof replacements may return up to 85% of the investment back to the customer should they decide to resell in the future, according to a recent study by Home 365.
1. Recommendations and Reviews
Rather than just looking online or picking a couple of companies randomly to come out and give you an estimate, consider asking your family and friends. Making a post on social media or on neighborhood home improvement sites can provide you with a number of personal references for a quality roofer.
It’s much better to do business with a company that you know somebody else has used before and had a wonderful experience with. Trusting a company that you know nothing about can be risky. Online reviews can also be a great way to get to know a company through the lens of a client. With the cost of roof repair and especially roof replacement, you don’t want to roll the dice on a random roofing company that you know little to nothing about.
2. High-Quality Materials
Choosing the cheapest estimate of the few that you receive is not always the best strategy when attempting to pick a roofer. Cheap estimates may be an indication of cheap materials being used. Having a shoddy job done on one of the most important aspects of your property‘s well-being can lead to further problems down the road.
It’s common for a roofer to replace a roof during warmer, nicer weather. Suppose they use cheap materials and do a poor job installing your new roof. Winter comes and suddenly the rain or snow shows you that your new roof wasn’t installed with the right materials. You’re then left hoping that the roofer you chose lives up to whatever warranty they gave you at the time of installation. Be choosy about the company you decide on for roof work by knowing what materials they use.
3. Great Communication Skills
When you’re scheduling estimates for your property’s roof repair or replacement, pay attention to the communication styles of each company. If one or more have a difficult time responding to your calls, emails, or texts, this may signal a communication problem.
There should be open lines of communication before, during, and after the roof replacement or repair process. If you cannot get the company you hired to communicate easily, this can make for a frustrating experience during the roofing work and afterward, should communication be necessary.
4. Plenty of Experience
You should look for a reputable, experienced roofing company when trying to decide who to hire for repair or replacement. Nobody wants to be a brand-new company’s first attempt. While it’s admirable to want to help others and give a small, newer company a chance, that’s a risky venture.
When you decide to have a number of estimates done for your roof replacement or repair, ask for a sample of their work. Most companies should be able to give you some information about past projects they’ve completed. Be it pictures or contact information for previous satisfied clients, it’s important to get something from them proving that they’ve done enough jobs that will make you feel comfortable trusting your home in their hands.
It’s important to do your homework when deciding who to trust with the biggest home improvement project you may face in the time you own your home. The next time you need a qualified roofer to work on your property, use the tips above. Then consider giving Tri-County Roofing & Sheet Metal a call. We have decades of experience, excellent communication skills, high-quality materials, and a collection of reviews and photos of our past work. Contact us today!
