5 Steps to the Right Roofing Contractor

The average cost to replace a roof easily begins at the $5,000 range and only goes up from there. That's why getting the right roofing contractor at the right price is important to your roofing systems lifespan as well as your budget. By following these simple five rules to hiring a roofing contractor you'll be sure to protect your investment and get a roofing system that you and your family will love and be protected from the elements for years to come.

Going Local

Getting a local roofing company to bid on your project ensures that you get a good deal. After all, the less the materials and workers have to drive to your site, the less they will charge. It also helps to go local because local roofing organizations tend to know much more about local building codes and practices as well as have a repertoire with local building inspectors and officials.

Asking for References

Before you receive any bids, it's in your best interests to do a little background research on your prospective roofing contractors first. This can easily be done by asking the contractor for multiple references. If you don't get at least three positive references, then that contractor probably isn't the best to hire. References can also come from friends and neighbors who have worked with previous roofing contractors in the past and have enjoyed their work.

Checking Documentation

It's important that your potential roofing contractor is up to your standards as well as local, state and national codes. With a quick call to your local building department, an official can tell you if your prospective roofing contractor is licensed and insured to work in your area. They can also update you on the permitting process and prices that are required whether you're replacing your old roof or starting from scratch.

Comparing Bids

Always be sure to get multiple bids. This can help you to find out why one companies prices are higher than another's. If one contractor's price is very high and another's is low, it may be a sign that one contractor is forgetting an important part of the project. Get a cost breakdown list of labor and materials so you can easily compare bids to ensure you're getting exactly what you pay for.

Warrantees and Guarantees

Knowing how long your roofing system is going to last is very important. After all, you don't want to replace it every few years; you want it to last. A warrantee or guarantee on materials and labor can help to ensure your roofing systems lifespan lasts as long as they claim. Always get any guarantee or warrantee in writing and have it signed by both you and the installer.