What to Look for in a Local Roofing Contractor
Top 7 Factors in Selecting a Superior Local Roofer
When you suddenly are faced with the need for a roof repair, you don’t have a lot of time to wait around. Roofing problems are, by definition, automatically urgent. But you also want to ensure you get the highest quality job possible at a competitive price point.
That’s why it makes sense to be proactive when it comes to selecting the best roofer. Planning ahead so you know which local contractor to call before a roofing issue arises can save you time, money, and frustration.
Here are the top seven factors to consider when selecting the best roofing contractor to rely on:
1. A Reputation for Quality Workmanship
Your roofing is just too important to entrust to anything less than the best roofer in the neighborhood! Your roof, after all, protects everything and everyone below it from inclement Tennessee weather.
Only a contractor with a strong local reputation for solid workmanship should even make it onto your short list of potential contractors. A reasonable warranty, a longstanding presence in the market, and overwhelmingly positive customer reviews are some ways to gauge the likely quality of a contractor’s work.
2. A Company That Is Fully Licensed and Insured
Every state has laws governing the licensing and insurance requirements for all manner of contractors. This helps to ensure that contractors have at least a minimum of relevant training and experience.
Don’t be afraid to ask to see a contractor’s license and to inquire if they are fully insured. The best roofers are not going to mind these kinds of probing questions, but will welcome them.
3. Someone Who Is Familiar With the Best Roofing
If you are looking at re-roofing your home, then you want to be able to “pick the roofer’s brain” as to which is the best material to use.
What is the best roofing for one homeowner may not be the best for everyone, however. You want someone fully familiar with the various types of materials on the market today. This includes asphalt shingles, sheet metal roofs, clay tiles, and more. It also includes “accessories” like felt underlayment, water and ice protection for the roof valleys, drip edge, and other flashing.
4. A Roofer Who Always Puts Safety First
Look for contractors with a high level of safety training and who adhere to all state and local safety regulations. The last thing you want is for an accident to occur on your property.
If roof tear off is being done, it should be indicated where old shingles will be thrown off the roof. End of the day and end of the job clean-up is also important for safety. And roofers should communicate with homeowners as to when and where and how the job will be done so that children and pets are not in the yard when work is in process.
5. Someone Who Is Honest With His Customers
The best roofer will believe that “honesty is the best policy.” This goes beyond just upfront prices and avoiding “surprise fees.” It also means making the customer fully aware of what to expect.
For example, a good roofer will honestly explain when new roof installation may be necessary and when a simple repair will be adequate. And he will explain the pros and cons of each type or roof material and let the customer decide if those pros are worth any extra cost.
6. Look for a Roofer Who Takes “Emergency Calls”
While all roof projects are urgent, they are not equally so. There are times when your roof is leaking badly, a tree has busted a hole in the roof, or some other roof emergency demands immediate attention.
The best roofers generally take short-notice emergency calls and will work with you to get to such a job as quickly as possible. They may even have a special emergency call number.
7. Be Sure Your Contractor Offers Roof Inspections
There is more to choosing a roof contractor than just how well they can fix roof leaks or install new shingles. You also have to think about an annual roof inspection and other roof maintenance concerns.
Look for a roofer you can rely on for an annual roof inspection so you can be constantly aware of the condition of your roof. Your roofer should also give you some key pieces of advice on roof maintenance. The overall effect can be to extend the life of your roof by several years or more.
Deciding whom you will trust with your roof, not only once but again and again, is a big decision for a Tennessee homeowner. It can save you money by preventing damage to your home’s interior from a roof leak and by extending the life of your roof.
If you are looking for a great roofer in the Nashville Area, including in Brentwood, Green Hills, Franklin, and Spring Hill, be sure to contact Underdog Roofing!
Contact us today and ask for a free quote and/or estimate!