The usual project process when searching and hiring a roofing contractor.
It might be tempting to take on a roofing project by yourself and seek online videos as your guide and reference. Although you can do it by yourself, it is important to bear in mind that it is the biggest investment you can have on your home or property and it is highly advisable to leave it to professionals to take care of projects of this magnitude.
Professional roofing contractors are well-versed in every type of situation that they might encounter when it comes to roof installation or repair. Local reputable contractors that have been in operation for quite some time would have built relationships with suppliers and could very well get materials at a reasonably lower price.
Hiring a roofing contractor can also ensure that all aspects of your roofing job will be covered, things that you might not have even thought of.
Convinced of hiring a roofing contractor instead of doing it on your own? Well, if you are and are now wondering how to go about it – there are few key things you should expect from a reputable roofing contractor.
The Initial Consultation
Every roofing contractor will offer a free initial consult or visit. This is the first, maybe most vital step for your potential contractor to base their evaluation from. This is also a good way to get to meet your prospects in person and get a gauge of their personality and manner of professionalism.
This step helps your potential roofer to determine the scope of work, the type of materials needed, and other pertinent data for them to compile together a formal evaluation and price or costing quotation of the job.
A Formal Assessment and Price Quotation
All the findings and suggested solutions or suggested actions to take based on the initial inspection and evaluation should be written down and presented to you, the client. You can also use this as a gauge of the company’s professionalism. Price quotes and assessments should be presented in a credible manner and not just some handwritten piece of paper, obviously haphazardly done inside their vehicles.
It should be a signed document, presented in a manner that is easy to understand and complete with all the information that you, as a client would need. It should include, the type of job, the scope of the job, their suggested solution, the costs of materials, costs of labor, and other added costs in relation to the job.
Open for Discussions and Queries
Now that you have received your formal evaluation. Do not hesitate to ask questions and have your potential contractor explain to you things that you don’t necessarily understand.
Contractors should be ready to entertain all your questions and leave everything open for discussion. Get all your questions out of the way, do not sign any contract unless the roofers have satisfactorily answered all your questions.
Cases might differ from one property to another but it always crucial to ask these questions before you go ahead and finalize the contract and go ahead with the project with a particular contractor:
- Ask their basic company information, like address, owners, years in operation, and so on…
- Make sure they are a licensed company, with all the proper permits to legally operate in your area
- Ask for names or a consistent contact person for you to refer to all throughout the duration of the project
- Ask for their warranties
These are just a few of the most important questions you need to secure to ensure you hire a reputable, professional contractor to work on your property.
Signing the Contract
This is both party’s protection from any legal liabilities that might arise during or after the job. At this point, all documents must be in order and in black and white. The scope of work and expectations must be clear and already agreed upon.
Remember that after signing the contract, you are both legally bound by what is defined in the contract. Make sure that the contract has outlined:
- The timeframe of the job
- The costs ( Materials and labor costs)
- The job description and processes
- Payment schedules or terms of payment
This will also serve as a legal document you can hold the contractor accountable if anything goes not according to plan or as agreed upon.
Advise You To Prepare For The Job
As soon as the contract is signed and the project commences, the contractor would usually start sending materials to the job site first. Make sure you have enough space for the arriving materials. Get your house or property ready for the work and workers that are upon you.
If you have valuable possessions that could potentially get damaged, put them away, or have them packed securely away from the area where the job is. Protect your gardens by covering them or designate pathways or areas to be considered as “work areas” that could prevent damaging certain areas of your property.
To avoid complaints from neighbors, let them know in advance that you are undergoing some work on your house.
On the Duration Of the Project
Contractors should always be available for their clients if ever they have questions or concerns regarding the work being done. A professional roofing contractor is always happy to answer their clients’ questions and put their concerns at ease.
If an unforeseen situation arises, it is the contractors’ duty to inform the client immediately and run through scenarios and offer viable options and solutions.
Hire Reputable Roofing Experts Only
Do not settle on the first roofing contractor that you come across. Shop around, ask around, check references, and ask for referrals from trusted people. Roofing repair or installation can be very stressful and hiring the right contractor can help turn the process into an easy, stress-free endeavor.
At Quality Discount Roofing & Construction, we provide exterior services to homes & businesses including roofing, siding, gutters & insulation. You will be professionally catered to from start to finish while we offer you the best quality at the most discounted prices. To get a free estimate roofing now, please visit our website.