It is never a wise idea to attempt installing or repairing the roof by yourself. This is because it’s not only a complicated task, but it can be dangerous as well. If you notice a leak in your roof, you need to attend to it right away, because ignoring the problem will only lead to crippling damage in the future. Fortunately, you don’t need to burden yourself with the idea of fixing your roof—you can simply contact professional Roofers San Rafael to get the job done!
Roofers San Rafael: Finding the right roofing contractor
Although there are so many roofing contractors out there, some of them don’t have the experience needed to handle any kind of roof repair or maintenance projects. But, finding the right commercial roofing contractor can be easy if you know exactly what you need to look for. Below is a checklist prepared by Roofers San Rafael to guide you when hiring commercial roofing experts.
Finding a Good Roofing Contractor
Finding a contractor that’s honest, trustworthy, and professional sounds like a huge task—but that’s where Roofers San Rafael comes in. Below are 10 important tips homeowners can use to ascertain whether the roofing company they hire is reputable and trustworthy enough to protect their home and their pockets.
Get Local Referrals
The chances of you falling into potential scams or encountering problems is a lot less when you choose a contractor from your own community. Not only are local roofing contractors more familiar with local rules, codes, and regulations, they also have established relationships with area crews and suppliers.
Check for Manufacturer Designations
Manufacturer designations are considered a source of pride for contractors because they need to pass certain minimum requirements to be factory-certified (and some manufacturers have stricter requirements compared to others).
Check out Better Business Bureau (BBB) Ratings
Some contractors move in after a tragedy such as a storm looking for work so it would be wise to look them up on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website to see if they have a good score. Try to avoid contractors who do not exist on BBB.org.
Ask for Extensive Warranty
Not all contractors provide manufacturer warranties that also cover the contractor’s workmanship. If a contractor improperly installs the roof, it can take months or years for the damage to show up—and in most cases, insurance won’t cover it. If the contractor refuses to ix it (or goes out of business), the only thing you can do is to find another contractor to fix the problem. Roofers San Rafael provides one of the longest workmanship warranties in the market. You certainly won’t go wrong with them.
Prioritize Safety
It may not be a good idea to hire contractors without training or safety programs. Roofers San Rafael has a dedicated team of properly trained roof repair craftsmen. Not only are they able to fix any problems with your roof but they are also trained in safety and proper roof installation.
Check for Licensing and Insurance
It is important to look for a contractor that provides insurance for all their employees and subcontractors. They should also be able to provide a copy of their insurance certificate for verification. Not having enough insurance could result to possible litigation between a contractor and homeowner if a roofing employee ever gets injured while at work. Most states insist on licensing for contractors, but this does not deter unlicensed contractors from offering roofing work. If you live in a state where licensing is required, make sure the contractor you hire provides you with a copy of their license and confirm their status online.
Pay Your Deductible
If a contractor claims that they can take care of any roof issue without having you to pay their insurance deductible is not only committing insurance but also endangering the homeowner at the same time. It is the insured’s responsibility to pay the insurance deductible, and the contractor should show that in the quote without them hiking up the estimate to cover most or a small of the deductible.
Manage Your Own Claim
Beware of contractors who say they are a “claim specialist” or that they can “take care of your insurance claim”—they may be breaking the law. It is illegal, in most states, for contractors to act on behalf of the homeowner when it comes to negotiating an insurance claim. Any contractor that opens the door to any illegal activity is not acting in your best interest.
Don’t Give Way to Pressure
Be on the lookout for contractors that pressure you to sign a contract before the insurance company has given you an estimate on the damage. Some contractors will tell you that they can work with whatever your insurance company settles upon. But the homeowners need to make sure that it’s not just any amount, but the right amount. The contractor must perform a thorough inspection of the home and make sure that their insurance adjuster did not overlook any damages.
Know What Materials to Use
Contractors that do not provide you with different shingle options is definitely just after the money they can get out of the job—they don’t care about what’s good for you. The style and color of the shingles you install in your roof can have an impact on your home’s resale value. If the insurance company is paying for the new roof, it woud be wise to make a change and upgrade to a better and more unique style that suits your taste. Roofers San Rafael provides a wide range of design and color options for your home. Ask their roofing specialists for choices so you can get ready.
Conclusion
It’s always a great idea to set everything down on paper—to prepare a written contract. The contract doesn’t need to be complicated, just write down what you and your contractor agree with and both sign it. With this, you’ll have a record of what kind of work you expect to receive, and how you expect it to be done. This should serve as a protection for both you and the contractor. This should be considered a standard for all types of jobs—large-scale or small-scale. Most reputable roofing contractors will issue a contract as a standard prior to starting any type of work.
