Proper Roof Care Adds Value to Your Home
Proper care for your roof is directly related to the value of your home. In fact, a bad roof can devalue a home by as much as 10%. If your roof shows signs of aging or has sprung a leak, then you’ll want to find a roofing company ASAP.
We know it can be intimidating when it comes to finding a contractor for something as pivotal as roof repair. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide that will show you exactly what to look for and questions to ask.
Start Locally
Begin your search with local referrals. Ask any friends or family that you know who has had their roof done in the Bay Area. This is better than just blindly picking up the phone and responding to ads in the paper.
You can use this opportunity to gather feedback and any advice from those close to you so you can avoid any missteps.
Check the Credentials
Don’t do business with any roofing company until you see their proof of insurance for all workers and subcontractors. You don’t want to hire anyone who is running off of faith or “track records”. Your cousin Tom might be very talented, but he’s human, so if something went wrong on your roof, you’d be liable.
Same goes for state licensing. Most states require a license to do business, so if you are caught using an unlicensed contractor, you could face fines. Just make sure they provide you a copy of their license online or in-person.
Look for Extended Warranties
A roofing company that can offer a warranty of at least ten years after installation is one that has full faith in their work. This isn’t common practice in the industry, however, so those that go above and beyond will be worth pursuing. Most roof issues after a repair or new installation take months, if not years, to show up.
Beware of ‘Storm Chasers’
A storm chaser is a contractor that goes out of their way to find, target, and bargain with people who have just been hit by a storm. They know people will be desperate to get their lives back to norm and repair their roof.
Now, this isn’t inherently bad or poor practice, of course. The problem is that with the rush to get the roof fixed, these companies can hide any unsavory or bad history. Just take your time researching companies, never sign anything before you buy without reading everything.
Get Everything in Writing
After it’s all said and done, you’re responsible for what goes into the contract. Make sure all the steps and jobs that need to be complete are in writing. If anything is missed or neglected, you’ll be able to argue against paying until all work is done.
Make sure you research common roofing issues, so you’re not confused by any lingo or procedures on paper.
A Trusted Roofing Company
You should always get multiple quotes and estimates as possible before deciding. Even if your neighbors, friends, or family have already recommended contractors to you.
You can get your free estimate with us. We’ll talk you through the process and break down every fee and cost, so you know exactly what you’re getting.