The best way to choose a roofing company is to gather information so that you can make an informed decision. It is wise to obtain at least three bids in order to evaluate price, level of quality and service. Jon Tallman of Carrollwood Roofing shares his knowledge on how to navigate this process and make an informed decision before hiring a roofer in Tampa.
Installing a new roof is expensive, so it pays to make sure you do your own due diligence beforehand. Tallman recommends that you find a company with several years of experience. “My family has been in the roofing business for almost 50 years. Most of our clients are from word-of-mouth and our reputation is important,” he says.
A company’s integrity can be measured by consulting with the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed. You can also check out Angie’s List, a consumer-driven site with unbiased reviews. “We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and received Angie’s Super Service Award twice,” Tallman states.
Your neighborhood is a good place to start when seeking out a quality roofing contractor. Consult with your neighbors and try to obtain the name of at least three roofing companies. Be sure to ask questions about the nature of the job, such as: Was it done in a timely manner? Was the roofing company easy to work with? Is the workmanship and quality of the material holding up well? Also, your neighborhood is a good source of information to help you select the roofing material that best fits in with your style of house.
Once you’ve narrowed down your choice of roofing contractors, be sure to ask the contractor questions about his experience, background, warranty, repairs, and workers. Tallman states, “Make sure they are fully licensed and insured, and have liability and workers compensation. Liability insurance insures you from any kind of damage that might occur. This insurance protects the homeowner from being sued if a roofer is injured while working on your property.”
Also, says Tallman, be sure to ask for a written bid detailing all expenditures involved in your project. If at any point the contractor is unprofessional or evades your questions, take note. This is a working relationship, and you want it to go smoothly. A negative experience early on may signal communication issues down the road.
Remember, a new roof is a costly investment, and you don’t need to be treated poorly. If a roofing contractor satisfies your initial requests in a positive way, chances are that your roof is going to be installed well and will protect your home from the elements.