Hiring any contractor to do work around your home can be a challenging task. When it comes to hiring a roofing contractor we have compiled a list of tips to make the selection process simpler.
Insurance: Contractors that do not come bearing insurance should not be allowed to do any work on or around your home. Insurance is a must when hiring a professional. Ask for proof of insurance from all contractors interested in being hired. Professional contractors should have copies of both their worker’s compensation policy and liability insurance policies. Part of the cost in hiring a professional to complete work on your home is the security of knowing that they are covered if an accident should occur while they are working around your home.
Local vs. National: When it comes to hiring a contractor it is always best to look to hire someone with a locally operated, established company with a reputable reputation within the community. Hiring big chain contractors can end up disastrous. You aren’t hiring an individual and their specific skill set you are hiring a crew that is contracted by the large chain. This means that each time work is to be done around your home a new crew may be sent. There is no continuity in the work that is performed. Whereas using a local contractor you are dealing with one specific contact for projects throughout your home. Another bonus is that local contractors also vouch for one another and are able to refer specialists when needed for different projects.
Price: The cost should never be the driving factor on your decision to hire a roofing contractor. A lot goes into creating a bid and each contractor may bid projects differently. Some contractors bid the job low by leaving out incidentals like nails, caulking and roofing tar; items that are necessities for the project to be complete but add to the bid. Look at the bid in its totality. Ask questions when looking into exactly what is covered by the quote and what extra expenses you can expect to incur.
Everything in Writing: You should be in control of the job from start to finish. The home belongs to you, the money is coming out of your pocket and the end result is yours to live with. Be sure that you never pay in full for a job that is not one hundred percent complete. If you are unhappy with any aspect of the project you need to communicate in writing a clear and precise agreement with the roofing contractor to establish a procedure for the job to be completed to the specifications in the contract.
All communication between the two parties should be in written form to protect both of them from misunderstandings. Don’t forget to ask for a detailed quote that includes specifics from materials to costs and quantity. It is imperative to have details in your contract regarding the amount of time that the job is expected to be done in and the size of the crew that is intended to be on site each day. Contracts should also detail the hours that work will be completed.
Hiring a roofing contractor, or any contractor, for that matter doesn’t have to be a hassle or a nightmare. Be sure to follow the tips above to ensure you find a contractor that meets your needs now and in the future.
Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of roofing services throughout Brighton, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Fenton and Commerce Township, including installation of shingle roofs, metal roofing and roof repairs. You will find them at http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.