Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Comparing Roofing Companies For Contract

By Nelda Powers


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.

Every state has different types of requirements for being issued a roofer's license. To find out what is required in one's local area, check with the Department of Professional Regulations and licensing board for more details. It may also be prudent to request their tax identification number, business website, email, address and phone information.

Relatives, co-workers, neighbors and friends are all reliable sources for contractor recommendations. Another suggestion is to speak with insurance agents and claims adjusters about which businesses they would either use or advise against. One should not hesitate to contact former clients of each company considered and get their personal experience opinions.

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.

Whenever possible, doing comparison research prior to signing a contract is highly advisable. Estimates are often offered for free, though just to be sure, a homeowner should make sure to verify this before they allow a company's representative to look at the work to be done. Request this document to be in writing and to include any promises made orally by the contractor as well as a detailed list of materials and prices.

Contracts that clearly spell out vital information such as how long the job will take and the specific hours the crew will work each day, should be completed prior to anyone getting started. This document should also precisely list the company's safety protocols, clean up routines, complete list of materials and detailed payment schedule. Never submit more than one-third of the full amount as a deposit, and always use either credit cards or checks for other remittances, holding the final installment until the finished product has been met client approval.

Comparing roofing companies is a balance of quality, reputation and reliability because the lowest bid is not necessary always the best option. Researching all of these aspects is how one finds the best contractor for the job. Demand a warranty and read it carefully in order to ensure it covers all of the work done as well as the materials that were used.




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