A GOOD CONTRACTOR SHOULD…

• Have credentials and licenses 

Before you decide to hire a roofing service company, make sure the contractor has the state and local licenses needed for them to operate in your area. In the case of the state of California, you can verify a Contractor License or Home Improvement Salesperson (HIS) quickly and easily. You can look up their license number, the name of the business, and the name of the business owner to make sure they have a current license to operate.

Don’t forget to ask about the warranties your contractor has to protect your property in case of any extreme weather eventualities if their work is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, and if they have workers’ compensation and safety insurance.

• Have proven experience

When choosing the team of people who will work on your home, an important aspect to consider is the number of years of experience a construction company has. Verify your contractor’s information on their websites or by contacting them directly. Ask about their experience working on different types of roofs, as well as other services they may offer if needed.

It is common for smaller companies to be able to perform minor repairs on your property, but a company with more time in the field can complete a project in less time, offer you different materials to choose from, and offer services such as insulation, skylight installation, and gutters. An experienced contractor will be able to determine if your roof needs repair or repointing, assess what your property needs, and offer you only the services you really need. 

• Have good references 

Take into account what past clients have to say about the contractor you are considering hiring. You can check the customer’s experience on different platforms such as Yelp, Top Rated Local, Google Business, and different social media platforms. A good practice to obtain references is to establish direct contact with people who have worked with the contractors you are evaluating, as well as with their suppliers, so you can learn more about the way they work, their timelines, and the way they solve your doubts. 

• Have written estimates and contracts

An expert contractor will provide you with a detailed cost estimate for your project. Before signing the contract, ask for a quote where you can compare the cost of materials, labor, and scope of work. Although an on-site visit is always a good option to evaluate the needs of your project, some companies carry out eco-friendly practices and make use of technology to offer you a fee for the services to be performed more quickly. Consult with the contractor about payment terms, financing options, project timeline from start to finish, and their warranty. A clear contract will prevent you from making verbal agreements that could result in misunderstandings, as well as evaluate the success of the project and have a backup for any clarifications before, during, and after the process.

• Have warranties and follow-up options

Make sure your property is protected even after the project is completed. A good roofing service can offer up to a 30-year warranty. Ask your contractor about the various warranties they can offer, including manufacturer’s warranties and those that the contractor themsleves handle. Before you begin any roof repair or replacement project, make sure you know you’re covered in the event of any damage. To do this, inquire about warranty coverage periods, as well as the support services they provide. 

When choosing the right contractor for you, a good way to ensure your peace of mind is to know if they are willing to provide ongoing maintenance and repair services to ensure the proper functioning of the installations performed. A good roofing contractor will resolve any questions you may have from the time of the quote until after the installation process is complete.

Keep in mind that when choosing the person who will accompany you in the renovation of your property must have an updated license, be able to manage all the necessary permits to carry it out, have the experience to support their work, make known the work they have done previously, evaluate the services you need and offer transparency in the costs of your investment.