Choosing A Roofing Company
If you are worried that you might not get the best quality in workmanship for your home, think about the following questions when you are selecting a professional roofing contractor:
Can they provide you with a list of good references?
If a company has a record of quality workmanship and professionalism it will be indicated by their ability to provide a list of references. But don’t be duped by a list of happy customers that the company has selected while leaving out a multitude of unsatisfied customers. If the contractor says he has a high number of customers, ask for the reviews from all of them or ask for permission to contact some at random.
How is roof inspection completed by the contractor?
South-west Roofing provides a free inspection report of your roof with your cost proposal, and maintains inspection procedures throughout the project.
Will there be subcontractors on your roof or employees of the company you hired?
Speaking of insurance – is the contractor’s liability insurance in good standing?
Are their workers adequately trained?
Almost anyone can hang out a sign saying they are a roofing contractor. However, inexperienced site personnel result in leaks or damage to your house. We employ a vigorous in house training program “ticketed” roofers. Talk to your contractor. Is he confident in his knowledge, or does he go with “good enough to get paid attitude? Is he knowledgeable of industry standards and resources available such as RCABC? A good roofing contractor has connections and resources throughout the industry and is typically involved with these resources on a regular basis.
Do they have quality customer service?
Most people look at their roof and are more concerned with the product than with the people they are hiring to actually do the job. Look for someone with a history of being there when something goes awry. If they won’t be there when you need them, then you don’t need them.
How varied are the choices you can make?
Anyone who has researched available roofing materials can likely relate to feeling overwhelmed by the options available. New products abound, yet the tried and true products still survive. At South-west we recommend that choices be limited to products and systems with a proven track record of 20 years plus. Many products have come and gone over the years and the new ones typically have one thing in common. Failure. Very few “new” products will be around 10 years from now, leaving their “lifetime” warranties of little value. Even manufacturers of traditional materials come and go, leaving failures behind.
Call us for information on what materials have a proven track record and which ones are known for leaving owners in the lurch.
Will they stand by their work?
Is the contractor you are contacting difficult to deal with? If so, you can almost be certain that they will be difficult to deal with should a problem arise after the work is completed. Don’t be fooled that just because a contractor provides a written guarantee of their work means they will take care of you after you have paid for their services.