Choosing the Right Roofing Company After a Storm
A severe storm has just passed through the area. Now you are standing outside to inspect the damage. As you examine the roof, you see shingles are missing. Some are out of place. You need to find a roofing company and fast.
Installing or repairing a roof can be expensive. Here are a couple of tips to help you find a professional company that best meet your needs. We are confident that you’ll be calling Elite Remodeling Services at (904) 657-8383 after educating yourself here.
Do You Have Storm Damage? Here’s What You Need to Know
Avoid Storm Chasers
Don’t hire a roofing company just because it is convenient. That includes the ones that knock on your door immediately after a storm and offer to repair your roof. These “companies” are known as storm chasers. They drive to afflicted areas and secure repair jobs simply because they are in the right place at the right time. Sure, your repair process will be quicker, but you will sacrifice much more in the process.
Storm chasers typically do not have roots in the community. This lack of accountability means they can use lower-quality building materials and rush through the job. That way, when their repairs fail, you won’t be able to track them down.
There are other reasons to avoid them too. The crew turnover is high, their training is typically subpar, and there is little familiarity with local building codes.
Find a Reliable Company
Use a source like Angie’s List or the BBB where you can find reputable roofing companies. We recommend considering at least three different candidates for your roofing project.
Get referrals whenever possible. Having personal recommendations will go a long way to ascertain both the quality of work and overall experience with the roofers. Also, find client testimonials; these will illustrate what you can expect when working with the company.
If you want to go above and beyond, get references for each licensed contractors. This outside perspective allows you to see how they operate and how trustworthy they are. It is an obvious red flag if the company hesitates to provide you with a reference.
Ascertain Licensing and Insurance
Make sure their credentials are in order. For instance, a high rating on the BBB is a promising sign of quality. Roofers also need to maintain a certain level of customer satisfaction to maintain their certification.
Insurance is a must. The law requires it. The company should have licensing papers on hand and be able to show them to you. You can double check licenses online to ensure they have proper liability coverage and the necessary state credentials.
Research the Planned Materials and Repair Work
You don’t have to be an expert, but understanding the basics will go a long way. Working with the roofing company will be much easier if you can speak the lingo and are familiar with what the materials you want.
Doing some background research will also deter a roofing company from taking advantage of you. While most roofers are honest, some will try to charge you more if they think you do not understand roofing.
Understand the Terms of the Contract
You should be confident in the entirety of the contract before you sign your name. Be meticulous when going over the details. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if something is unclear. A good roofing company won’t mind if you take your time looking at the terms. They should welcome the opportunity to sit down with you and explain anything.
Finally, you should know what to expect. Five years is a standard guarantee for workmanship. Depending on what you purchase, the materials are guaranteed anywhere from 20 to 40 years.
Summing Things Up
Finding a roofing company can be stressful, especially if you are doing so after a big storm. Having patience and doing your research are both important when it comes to the quality of the roofers you hire, the materials they use, and the price you pay. When you follow this checklist correctly, you should be happy with your roof for decades to come. Call Elite Remodeling Services and talk to one of our roofing specialists today at (904) 657-8383.