The number of roofing contractors like Roofing Boulder has increased dramatically over the past few years. As a result, finding a legitimate roofing contractor is not only difficult but expensive as well. To help homeowners avoid falling prey to unscrupulous contractors, it is important for consumers to research the backgrounds of prospective roofing contractors. Here are some key signs that a roofing contractor is not an established professional:
When you begin looking for roofing companies in your area, start by asking friends and family members for recommendations. If they have recently hired a contractor, ask if they can make a recommendation for them. Asking around helps give you a wider scope of potential contractors and gives you a better chance of hiring a quality roofing companies.
It’s important to choose roofing companies with some sort of proven track record. If no one you know can recommend a particular contractor, start by searching on the Internet. Type in a search engine the name of the roofing companies in your area and look at the results. At the top of the list should be a link that points to the website of the Better Business Bureau.
A growing trend in roofing companies is purchasing roofing materials from different vendors and doing the installation themselves. In doing so, they may not have a clear understanding of roofing materials, which is why a professional roofer is recommended. Also, the experienced roofing contractors know what roofing materials will hold up in extreme weather conditions. For example, shingles that are designed for hurricane protection may not hold up well in the rain. By choosing a reputable contractor who uses quality roofing materials, homeowners can reduce the chances of having to spend money on roofing repairs in the future.
Another sign that a contractor may not be fully qualified to perform the job is if they ask you to bring in samples before they start. Ask several questions, such as whether or not the samples were done wet. Wet measurements are critical to the strength and durability of the roof. Another sign that the roofing contractor may not be right for your home is if they are charging you extra for the estimate. A professional roofing contractor will generally give you a free estimate. They will also let you know upfront how much they expect to charge for roofing materials and repairs.
If you decide to work with a specific roofing companies, another important factor to consider is whether or not the insurance company will accept them. Some insurance companies may not cover work that has been done by non-certified professionals because it falls under the category of “fake” work. Always make sure you get a quote from the insurance company before starting work. This way you will be sure that you will be paying for roofing costs that meet or exceed your deductible.