A roof is a big investment. Ranging anywhere from $450 to $700 per square foot, a new roof is no small expense. When searching for a roofing company, you need to make sure they are reputable. What types of things indicate a reputable roofer? We’re glad you asked!
Things to Look for in a Good Roofer
- Licensed. Although not all states require roofing companies to have a license, a license is important to ensure all employees are properly trained. Be sure to ask for proof of licensing before any work is done.
- Insured. Always ask for proof of insurance and make sure the insurance covers not only their employees or contractors but also any potential damage to your home or surroundings as a result of the roofing work.
- Bonded. Being bonded ensures that a company takes its responsibility to its customers seriously. As with licensing, bonding is not a requirement in any of the states, but it does help to indicate the integrity of the company.
- Good online reviews. In the age of technology, it is now easier than ever to check the satisfaction rate of customers. However, keep in mind that some people are never satisfied. Check multiple reviews. Read them thoroughly, don’t just check star ratings.
- BBB. Check their Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating. The BBB website is a fantastic resource to find information on local companies, even if they don’t have a website. If the business has a low rating on the BBB, don’t use them.
Signs that you might have found a Bad Roofer
- The roofer tells you to get your own permit. This is a huge red flag. A roofer who tells you to get your own permit is probably not insured or licensed. Once you, the homeowner, get the permit yourself, you are completely liable for the job, and you are left holding the bag if anything goes wrong.
- The person or company can’t provide proof of insurance or license. As discussed above, a roofing company that cannot give proof of insurance and licensing may be trying to skirt around regulations and should not be trusted.
- The roofers don’t inspect the attic. It is critical to inspect the underside of the roof (if possible) to get a complete and accurate estimate. After all, the roof sits on the attic.
- They don’t give a “presentation.” The average homeowner only needs to replace a roof once or twice during their entire lifetime, so they don’t know the finer details of the roofing process. A roofing company that does not give you a presentation may not actually know what they’re doing, and you could end up with much greater roofing problems.
- They want cash only. This is another huge red flag. If the roofers only want cash, they may be trying to avoid having a paper trail. Always keep a paper trail for your own records, such as receipts, quotes, contracts, and bids.
Conclusion
When looking for a roofer, you have to consider their reputation. If they don’t have a good reputation, you can bet that they will not provide quality work. In addition to that, you’ll be out a few thousand dollars and stuck with a bad roof. A good roofer will be reputable, licensed, insured, and bonded.