Choosing the Best Residential Roofing Contractor for your home is one of the most important steps. A contractor is the individual who makes sure that it is properly installed while adhering to all the security procedures. Not just that, a contractor also makes sure that it is long-lasting.
Understanding what is the nature of your project can solve half of your problems. Depending on what your project is, it can change the contractor selection criteria. Despite your project's nature, when it comes to roofs, it is essential to hire an experienced contractor. Then it is your task to conduct your own due diligence for selecting a contractor.
Whether you are setting up a roof for your new home or just need to carry out a few patches for your old roof, this guide will make sure that you make the right choice.
Selection Process of a Roofing Contractor
The steps towards selecting the Best Residential Roofing Contractor are outlined below.
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Initial Screening
The first thing you need to do is to explore the local vicinity. This is because a locally hired contractor is a cost-effective option. For that, you need to do extensive online research. The reviews available on online platforms will help you understand the contractor's competency.
Doing this will help you in shortlisting the possible candidates for your Roofing project.
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Credentials Verification
You need to verify the credentials of the shortlisted candidates. This includes proper licensing issued by the recognized Institute. In addition to that, you also need to check for insurance coverage.
If a contractor is associated with the National Roofing Contractors Association and is insured, then this assures their professionalism.
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Experience Evaluation
You can get better results from an experienced roofing contractor. So, ask how much experience they have with residential roofs and, preferably, your material choice.
You should also inquire about the length of time that their company has been in business and the number of projects they have done that are of the same nature as yours.
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Demand Rigorous Estimates
You need to demand comprehensive cost estimates for your roofing project. Demand detailed estimates from the contractors. Note that it is crucial to at least get three sets of estimates. This will allow us to compare the pricing and scope of each set of estimates. These estimates must include the following details:
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Roofing Takeoff Services for materials & labour costs
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Timeline
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Payment plan
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Professionalism Assessment
During the estimation process, you need to assess how well they communicate. This will provide you with an idea about their level of professionalism.
A professional contractor is the one who can address all your concerns efficiently. So, it will demonstrate that they are truly concerned with removing any sort of confusion. This will also help you gauge their ability to work with others.
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Technological Aptitude
You must know that the contractor you are choosing has ample technological aptitude. It means that they have a basic understanding of the relevant estimating software.
The software that can lead to the Best Residential Roofing Estimating Services are:
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PlanSwift
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Bluebeam
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Xactimate
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STACK
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On-Screen Takeoff
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RS Means
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ConEst
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Warranty Understanding
Warranty in roofing refers to the coverage of all the work. There are two types of warranties, which are as follows:
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Manufacturer Warranty
This Warranty covers any defects of any kind in the materials. The usual range of this warranty is 20 to 50 years.
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Contractor's Warranty
Also known as a workmanship warranty, it is provided by a contractor for any kind of labour and installation errors. The duration of this warranty is up to 5 years.
It is essential that you get the warranty and writing from a contractor, and understand what can nullify it.
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Knowledge of Permits and Regulations
It is equally important for you to inquire if the contractor is aware of permits to be procured for your individual roof installation project. This ensures that you do not encounter problems in the future due to the laws that govern such projects.
While regulatory compliance ensures that the roof installation is done in accordance with the regulations.
Protips to Adopt
Doing all of the above can significantly help you in making the right choice, but you also need to be wary of the following:
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A contractor demanding a large payment sum upfront
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Unnecessary delays in providing you with the roofing Construction Cost Estimation
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Asking you to wait for the insurance documentation
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Keep imposing decisions that contradicts with your vision
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Provides ambiguous references or client testimonials
After adopting all of the above and choosing a contractor, you need to create a contract. You will then go through the contract to ensure that everything is as you have planned and hoped to achieve. Every detail from start to finish, to completion and description of services rendered, is covered. You should also make sure that the contract contains information regarding how any amendment in the scope of work are handled and what would occur in the case of unexpected damages during the project.
Final Decision
The difference a good contractor can make when undertaking a roofing job is immense. Take your time, studying every option available. Further, this article is crucial in the way it provides you with key information to help you make this otherwise daunting selection process much easier. Either you can adopt and implement this detailed guide, or you can go with Universe Estimating, which will help you optimize every aspect of your roofing project.