Do you need to find a trustworthy residential roofing contractor for your project? There are risks involved in doing so, which is why you must do your due diligence so you end up working with a team who’ll be a good match for your needs. That means knowing what red flags to look for. We discuss six of them below.
1. Are They Asking for a Down Payment?
Deposits are necessary for many home service projects, but be wary of contractors who ask for a large down payment for a roofing job. Small deposits to cover the cost of materials and services may be required. Any contractor asking for more than half of the total price before starting work will likely not give you all the information about the project.
2. Are They Offering a Roof Layover?
A roof layover is a cheap and easy way to cover existing shingles with new ones. However, many professional contractors do not recommend it. Overlapping can create long-term problems and lead to a more expensive roof replacement. Ask for concrete details about their proposed solution so you can decide whether or not they have your best interest in mind.
3. Do They Have Inadequate Credentials?
Be sure to ask your potential contractor for their license and other credentials. It’s important that they also have insurance so you won’t be held liable for accidental injuries or property damage that may occur during the project. Unlicensed contractors may provide cheaper estimates, but their lack of credentials can put your project at risk of problems caused by subpar workmanship and use of low-quality products.
4. Are They Out-of-Town Roofers?
If you’re looking to hire a residential roofing company to repair or replace your roof, make sure that they are local so that they have an established presence and reputation in your area. Out-of-town contractors may not be familiar with your area’s building codes or other regulations. Plus, tracking them down will be more difficult if problems arise after the job is complete.
5. Is Their Estimate Dubiously Lower Than Other Reputable Roofers?
When obtaining estimates from multiple roofers, be wary of those that are significantly lower than the others. The lowest bid might indicate a contractor is cutting corners or their workmanship is not up to par with other local contractors.
6. Are They Refusing to Provide a Written Contract?
Be sure to ask for a written contract and pay particular attention to the details. The contract should outline the scope of work, materials used, and payment schedule. Contractors should also be willing to provide documentation about your right to cancel if you are not satisfied with their services.
Although there are scammers out there, there is also at least one reputable residential roof company that you can trust. At Bone Dry Roofing, our Owens Corning Platinum Preferred roofers are ready to assist you with your residential roofing needs. Give us a call at 941-343-5622, or fill out our contact form to request a free estimate.
