Getting your roof repaired or replaced is a major project. On average, to replace your roof, you can expect to pay anywhere from $5,700–$16,000 – depending on the size of the job. With such a significant investment, assessing roofing companies to choose the right contractor is key to making sure the work is completed efficiently and lasts many years into the future.
With no shortage of roofing companies in most areas, it can be hard to pick the right one. Many offer their own guarantees and payment plans, and chances are you’ll get a wide range of quotes and bids from each contractor. Roofing companies often tend to make similar claims when it comes to workmanship and quality, but the truth of the matter is all roofing companies are not created equal. So how can you be sure you’re hiring the right roofing company for the job? At Elite Roofing & Solar, we understand that choosing a roofing contractor can be difficult, but as professionals in the industry, we have insider knowledge that can help make your decision easier. So today, we’re offering a thorough guide on how to evaluate each company and bid – so you can be confident in your new roof for years to come.
Get to know each company
When it comes to hiring a contractor, in any industry, trust is paramount. That’s especially true for roofing companies. When beginning your search for the right contractor to work on your roof, the first step is to get to know each company’s reputation, values, and personality.
Look for local roofing companies first
It’s important to consider local roofing companies first and foremost. There are a few different reasons for this, but the first is accessibility. If anything happens to your new roof down the line, it’s far easier to re-hire a local company to do the repairs than to reconnect with a roofing company from miles away. Also, it tends to be easier to learn about local companies firsthand than it is for one farther away. You can ask neighbors for recommendations and check out their work in your community. And as a final, practical benefit, it’s generally cheaper to hire a local roofing company as they won’t have to bill you as much for transportation costs.
Find out how long each contractor has been in business
Generally, you’ll want to hire an experienced contractor when making a major investment in a new roof or a roof repair. It’s true that all roofing companies start somewhere, of course, but opting for a more experienced contractor helps you rest easy that they can do the job and do it right – as they’ve done it many times before. Experienced companies also have more of a track record, which makes it easier for you to…
Check out their past work and reviews
Every company makes big claims about the quality of their work – this is true no matter what industry you’re researching. So, just like with any other industry, reading through reviews is essential for determining which companies standout from the competition. This is also a good time to check that they’ve done work similar to what you need. Some roofing companies are more specialized than others – and while this is great news for the right customer, you may not want to hire a roofing company whose work is 90% commercial for your residential roofing project.
Communication is key
This last one is simple, but vital for building trust with a roofing contractor: how communicative are these roofing companies? If you’ve had trouble getting some contractors to answer your emails and follow up on phone calls, this is a major red flag. If they’re unresponsive before work has even started, what happens if a problem arises during the project? And will you be able to get in touch with them weeks later if you need further support? A professional roofing company is a communicative one – listen to your gut if you’re unhappy with the response time from a contractor, it’s best to explore other options.
Sift through the gritty details
Once you’ve picked out a few local, trustworthy companies, it’s time to start getting quotes and going through the details. What should you look out for at this stage? Here are a few things.
Pricing – how much, what’s included, and when do you pay?
For every bid you receive from a roofing contractor, there will be a price tag attached. But it’s a mistake to just pick the cheapest one. You instead need to take a close look at each bid, and follow up if necessary. Sometimes a low price is disguising hidden fees – if they’ve estimated the labor costs only, for instance, but not the cost of roofing materials. Don’t immediately dismiss higher bids, either. The pricier roofing companies may have a good reason for quoting a high figure. For example, if they have much more experience than the competition, or if they’re including factors in the price that other companies are trying to hide. It’s important to stay within your budget, but make sure to take a close look at the bids you receive and examine them beyond the total dollar figure. Ask about payment plans and roof financing, as well. Many roofing companies offer multiple options to pay for your roof.
Length of time to complete the project
Whether it’s due to a greater amount of skill or a larger team, some roofing companies are faster than others. Be sure to ask each contractor for an estimate of the time it will take them to complete your roofing project. You’ll be glad you checked in with each company to make sure your family won’t be left with an incomplete roof to keep out inclement weather and/or the winter chill. You can’t always control when you need to replace your roof, but we recommend fall as the best time for these 7 reasons.
Licensing and credentials
It’s no secret that roofing can be a dangerous endeavor – that’s why we always advise people to leave roof repairs to the professionals. But it’s also a good idea to ask each contractor you consider about the safety measures they take, along with licensing and insurance. Sadly, we’ve heard stories of some companies trying to cut costs by forgoing necessary credentials – and leaving homeowners with the bill in the event of an injury on their property. Double-check with each company you talk to and make sure they’ve got the licensing to protect both your family and their crews.
Ask the tough questions
So, you’ve found reputable companies, gotten a handful of quotes, and are now you’re trying to decide between a few finalist roofing companies. How do you make the final decision? It might come down to their answers to some specific questions, such as…
Who will perform the installation?
It’s unfortunate, but it’s a reality: some roofing companies don’t send their own workers when it comes time to get started with a roofing project. They get hired for the job, then outsource the work to third parties you’ve never spoken to previously. This can also affect manufacturer’s warranties that are only available to those who hire roofers who are qualified installers of your preferred material. So before making your final decision, confirm with each company who they’ll be sending to properly complete the work.
How do you handle unplanned repairs or complications?
With any home improvement project, mistakes and complications are almost expected, even with reputable companies. The difference-maker here is how these companies deal with problems. Whether it’s accidental damage to some part of your home or a surprise hidden underneath your old roof, experienced roofing companies should have a plan for every contingency. Be sure to ask each contractor what their strategy is for dealing with such complications. Will they consult you before proceeding, or fix the problem and surprise you with the bill later? Professional roofing companies should be prepared to either pay to correct or repair any errors caused by their own crews and be prepared to clue you in should they discover any existing issues.
Do you offer a guarantee or warranty?
To this point, you’ve probably received a lot of verbal promises – but the best roofing companies back up their words and stand behind their work with a guarantee. Ask each roofer for the details of any guarantee or warranty they offer. Follow that up with questions about manufacturer’s warranties as well to make sure that your roof is covered for years to come.
Elite Roofing & Solar: Leader Among Roofing Companies
At Elite Roofing & Solar, we’ve worked with countless homeowners and businesses to help them decide on the best plan for their roofing projects. While we understand we’re not the only option when it comes to roofing companies, our team is proud to be leaders in our industry, and we always prioritize professionalism, communication, and craftsmanship. Whether it’s a bid, a minor repair, or a whole new roof, Elite Roofing will put its best foot forward and help you be confident in your roofing decision. Contact us today! Let us show you why we’re the best roofing company for your next project.
