Sometimes a good roof is hard to come by, but it certainly should not be. Everyone needs a roof that protects their home and property from the elements. A roof that has been installed properly will prevent the buildup of water and moisture that can lead to mold, erosion, and systemic leaks. A roof done right will keep the heat in when it is cold, and cool air in when it is hot. A roof that has been installed efficiently, with functionality, durability, and your sanity in mind, is what every homeowner deserves. And that is why the following five tips, guidelines by which a roofing contractor in Indianapolis must abide, are important when choosing a roofing contractor.
Tips to Help You Find the Right Roofing Contractor
● Is Your Roofing Contractor Licensed, Bonded, and Insured?
Whether you are in urgent need of roofing repairs, eager to get your new home finished, or have all the time in the world, verifying that your contractor is licensed, bonded, and insured is critical.
Roofing contractors who are licensed have demonstrated some level of expertise in their industry and are therefore legally allowed to work in their field. Having a license informs the public that the contractor is skilled and wants their clients to know it. Additionally, licenses can protect contractors who may be in dispute with clients who do not want to pay for services rendered.
A roofing contractor who is bonded has applied both for their license and, most often, a permit bond. Permit bonds serve as an agreement between governmental licensing agencies and roofing contractors, by holding them responsible for following the regulations established for their profession. If the contractor does not follow the laws of their profession, they may be fined by the government and in extreme cases, be disallowed from doing any type of contracting.
Insured contractors are those with up- to- date liability insurance that protects both the client and the contractor. This type of insurance is vital because mistakes are bound to happen from time to time. As such, contractors and clients deserve the proper protection this type of insurance can afford.
● Speak with previous clients
Word of mouth is a very powerful marketing tool. While working with a licensed, insured, and bonded roofing contractor ought to be a client’s initial requirement, it is also wise to speak with previous clients to determine how satisfied, or not, they were with the contractor’s work.
Questions for consideration include:
- Were the workmen dependable and did they arrive on site when they said they would?
- Did the roofing contractor maintain the safety of your home, to the best of his or her ability, while the project was in progress?
- Were the contracting crew polite and trustworthy?
- Did you feel comfortable with this group of workers in your home and on your roof?
Customer satisfaction involves not only the actual contracting work but the ways in which the roofing contractor and his/ her team get the job done.
● Do not base your decision on price only
Home repairs are costly and can put a major dent in your wallet. That is why choosing a low cost contractor can seem like the most attractive option available. This is not to say that all roofing contractors are out to get you, but sadly, there are those who are willing to offer cheap prices because that speaks, frankly, to the quality of their work. Do your research and make sure that you are getting what you are paying for, and that what you are paying for is in fact what you need.
● Make sure everything is in writing
This should go without saying, but alas, it needs to be said. No matter who you choose as your roofing contractor, and no matter how much work you need done, always, ALWAYS, make sure details of what the job entails, who will be doing it, how much it will cost, and roughly how long it will take, are all written and recorded in a contract that you have a copy of.
Choosing the Roofer That is Right For You
In order to ensure that you are getting quality services performed by skilled contractors, pay close attention to the tips detailed here. Remember that if you are ever in doubt about the services you are receiving, ask questions and make sure the answers you receive are ones you can trust.
