When getting estimates on a new home roof, what should we look for from a roofer?
This is a great question and there are a few things that I believe are important for homeowners to consider before hiring a roofing business to install a new roof on your home. Installing a new roof, especially if it is not being paid for by your insurance company, can be a major purchase and you want to make sure it is going to be done right.
First, make sure that the roofing companies that you are getting estimates from are licensed and insured. This is a must, and you should get their information on these and call to check the information for verification and your peace of mind.
The industry has had past issues of scams of unlicensed and uninsured roofers that have tainted the industry. However, there are reputable and fully insured and licensed roofing companies that care about their business and your trust.
Secondly, make sure you understand how your roofer expects to be paid. At my company, our policy is to only get paid after the job is completed. Some expect payment before any work begins.
Make sure you are comfortable with the payment arrangements up-front and get it in writing.
Also, look at photos from projects completed by the roofer and get 3 homeowners as references that you can call and ask how they liked working with them.
Checking references, getting the payment arrangements in writing before agreeing to hire the roofer and verifying their insurance and licensing will help give you peace of mind as you embark on a major home project like installing a new roof.
Jody Jones is Founder and Co-Owner of Extreme Roofing & Construction. You can submit a roofing question to Jody for his weekly column by sending an email to [email protected]. Disclosure: Extreme Roofing & Construction is also an advertiser in The Gardendale News.
