If you’re having some work done on your home, they will probably allocate a large portion of the budget to the roof. Choosing a roofing contractor involves one of the most important decisions a homeowner can make. While many excellent roofing contractors are dishonest and unscrupulous, roofers will rip off homeowners when they least expect it. If you hire the wrong roofer, this could cost you thousands of dollars in repairs that aren’t covered by your insurance policy. Before hiring a roofing contractor, consider several things, including cost, insurance, and warranty. You’ll also want to get a good idea of the material of your new roof. Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in Vancouver, but that doesn’t mean they’re suitable for every home. For example, if your home features a complex design, metal roofs may be more aesthetically pleasing and durable. Also, when your old roof is removed, proper ventilation is critical to prevent moisture buildup and structural damage.
We’ll Cover these Essential things to Consider before Hiring a Roofing Contractor.
Hiring a roofing company is one of the most critical decisions. This guide will help you plan and execute your roofing project.
The Hiring Process
When hiring a roofing contractor, you need to ensure they’ll do the job right. Here are some questions to ask before you hire them:
- Are they licensed? In many states, roofing contractors need a license and insurance. Ask to see those documents.
- How long have they been in business? It’s best if they’ve been around for at least a few years, so you know they’re not going anywhere.
- Do they offer you a warranty? If so, what does it cover? What kind of warranty do they offer? You want a guarantee that their work will last for years to come.
- Can they give references? You want to hear from previous customers about their experiences with the company. Call them to confirm their identity and ask how satisfied they are with the work performed. Ask to see photos of completed jobs similar in scope to yours if possible. Please don’t rely solely on online reviews; they can be easily faked.
Project Planning and Budgeting
Every roofing project is unique. This guide will help you plan and execute your roofing project with the help of a licensed contractor.
- Consider your Budget
Your budget is one of the most important factors to consider when planning a new roof. The cost of materials, labor and waste removal are just factors that affect the total cost of a residential roof replacement. Re-roofing can cost anywhere from $4,500 to $15,000 or more, depending on your roof’s size and pitch (steepness). Consult with a professional contractor who can provide an estimate for your specific needs.
- Selecting a Roofing Style
The style and pitch of your roof will affect which types of shingles you can use. A steep-slope roof has a pitch greater than 3:12 (14°), while roofs with less slope are called low-slope roofs or flat roofs. Different roof styles require different installation techniques, so ask your contractor about what products best suit your home’s style and climate.
Contract Negotiation
If you hire a contractor, you will need to sign a contract. The contract is essentially your project outline and should clearly describe the scope of the job and the payment schedule.
The contract should include:
- Project summary with estimated timelines and milestones
- A list of all materials to be installed with associated costs
- A payment schedule based on significant milestones (e.g., 20% upfront, 40% after tear-off and decking, 40% upon completion)
- References for any materials or products used in your project.
- If applicable, a 5-year warranty on material and labor includes a hail warranty (most hail warranties are only one year).
- Ask for two copies of the contractor’s insurance certificate for workman’s compensation and liability (ask for two copies for your records and one for your homeowner’s association if applicable).
- Contractor’s license number from your local licensing authority (if required by law).
Other essential items to include in your contract:
Never pay a contractor more than 50% of the total cost before work begins. If you are paying cash for all or part of the project, be sure to only pay by check and get a receipt from the contractor. If possible, try to pay through an escrow account so that.
Protecting Yourself During Construction
In addition to general liability insurance, ask for worker’s compensation and product liability coverage. The last thing you want is to be held liable for an injury suffered by one of the workers on your property or a defective product that causes further damage. If a contractor is unwilling to provide coverage, look elsewhere.
The most extensive mistake homeowners make when hiring a roofing contractor is doing so based on price alone. When it comes to your home, you want to hire a professional who will install a quality product at a reasonable price. Choose a company that provides different roofing materials, knows the code requirements for your area, provides a warranty on their work and has plenty of references from satisfied customers.
