A home is valuable investment that needs to be properly maintained. When something major needs to be repaired, that job should only be trusted to a contractor who can perform the duties with responsibility and dedication to quality. When checking out possible roofing companies, there are a few things every homeowner should be aware of.
Perhaps the first thing to stress is to only hire a company that is properly qualified. A legitimate contractor will provide the necessary documentation to prove their legitimacy, including any credentials required by the state, a valid business license and current proof of liability insurance and workers compensation plans. Their warranties should cover both the products they utilize as well as the work they perform.
Each state may have different requirements for this type of contractor's license. If a homeowner is unsure of what the guidelines in their area are, they can find out by contacting their local licensing board or Department of Professional Regulation. Legitimacy may be further verified by requesting their tax ID number, business address, website, email and telephone number.
People like friends, co-workers, neighbors and relatives are great resources for finding good contractors. A surprising source of information may be talking to those in the insurance field, such as agents and adjusters, to get their take on certain businesses. Contacting a few of each company's former clients to inquire as to the quality and efficiency of the work they had done is also a very wise move.
There are a few additional ways to get an idea about a particular company's work performance. If one were to contact the Better Business Bureau, they would be able to see if any complaints were filed against a contractor, however it is important to remember that this will not reflect how many positive interactions they have had. A fabulous online resource is the bevy of websites that are set up to allow actual homeowners to post reviews of their experiences service providers.
If at all possible, a homeowner needs to do some comparison shopping before signing any contracts. Most contractors will provide free estimates though one should always inquire as to whether or not there is a charge prior to allowing any representative into the home. This document should be a written account of any verbal promises made, as well as contain details on the materials used and the pricing.
Homeowners should insist on a clear and concise contract which states the expected duration of the project and the times at which the workers will begin and end each day. It should spell out exactly what materials will be used, what their safety procedures and clean up methods are, , as well as a payment schedule. Never pay more than 1/3 of the total up front, only use checks or credit card and hold the final payment until a thorough inspection is completed.
One thing to remember when comparing estimates from roofing companies is that the lowest bid does not always save money, it is equally important to consider the quality of the contractor's work. The time spent researching one's options could very well be worth the effort. The homeowner should also insist upon, and carefully read, a warranty that guarantees the materials used as well as the quality of workmanship performed.
Perhaps the first thing to stress is to only hire a company that is properly qualified. A legitimate contractor will provide the necessary documentation to prove their legitimacy, including any credentials required by the state, a valid business license and current proof of liability insurance and workers compensation plans. Their warranties should cover both the products they utilize as well as the work they perform.
Each state may have different requirements for this type of contractor's license. If a homeowner is unsure of what the guidelines in their area are, they can find out by contacting their local licensing board or Department of Professional Regulation. Legitimacy may be further verified by requesting their tax ID number, business address, website, email and telephone number.
People like friends, co-workers, neighbors and relatives are great resources for finding good contractors. A surprising source of information may be talking to those in the insurance field, such as agents and adjusters, to get their take on certain businesses. Contacting a few of each company's former clients to inquire as to the quality and efficiency of the work they had done is also a very wise move.
There are a few additional ways to get an idea about a particular company's work performance. If one were to contact the Better Business Bureau, they would be able to see if any complaints were filed against a contractor, however it is important to remember that this will not reflect how many positive interactions they have had. A fabulous online resource is the bevy of websites that are set up to allow actual homeowners to post reviews of their experiences service providers.
If at all possible, a homeowner needs to do some comparison shopping before signing any contracts. Most contractors will provide free estimates though one should always inquire as to whether or not there is a charge prior to allowing any representative into the home. This document should be a written account of any verbal promises made, as well as contain details on the materials used and the pricing.
Homeowners should insist on a clear and concise contract which states the expected duration of the project and the times at which the workers will begin and end each day. It should spell out exactly what materials will be used, what their safety procedures and clean up methods are, , as well as a payment schedule. Never pay more than 1/3 of the total up front, only use checks or credit card and hold the final payment until a thorough inspection is completed.
One thing to remember when comparing estimates from roofing companies is that the lowest bid does not always save money, it is equally important to consider the quality of the contractor's work. The time spent researching one's options could very well be worth the effort. The homeowner should also insist upon, and carefully read, a warranty that guarantees the materials used as well as the quality of workmanship performed.
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