A simple search of roofing contractors can send you down a spiral of confusion. Is it better to stick with a big name general contractor or an independent roofing contractor? How quickly can they get to my project? How much will it cost? Who has the best guarantee? Your choices can be overwhelming.
Here are a few tips to pick the best roofing contractor for your home:
Tip #1: Start With Online Reviews
The best place to start narrowing down your search is with online reviews and testimonials. Don’t be put off by one or two unrelated bad reviews if the majority of them are glowing; it’s not uncommon to find a customer who is unhappy regardless of the quality of the work. Be more concerned if several reviews are focused on one aspect of the company, such as timeliness, overall quality, or customer service. A pattern of bad reviews surrounding one or two areas of customer experience may be a good indication of a bigger problem with the company.
Tip #2: Pricing Should be Squarely in the Middle of Average
When it comes to pricing, everyone wants a bargain. Unfortunately, with roofing contractors, prices that are too good to be true…usually are. Heavily discounted services may cost you in different ways such as lower quality materials, sub-par craftsmanship, a lack of a warranty or guarantee, hidden fees, poor customer service, and slipshod project management. No one wants to pay too much for a roofing project, but beware of dealing with hidden pitfalls when choosing a “bargain” contractor.
There’s no doubt that a roofing project is usually an unwelcome and unexpected expense. Choose a contractor that offers a wide selection of financing options.
Tip #3: Make Sure You get a Comprehensive Written Estimate
You’re not counting nails, of course, but you need to be aware of hidden project costs. Make sure the company does a thorough inspection of your roof and can give you an honest estimation based on what they’ve found. You never know what unexpected issues the project may uncover, but having a thorough written estimate in hand gives you a good idea of the rough cost of the project. Make sure to get estimates from at least three companies before choosing the right one for your home.
Tip #4: Warranty and Guarantee
Check the fine print for the contractor’s satisfaction guarantee. What options do you have if you’re not satisfied with the work, or if you run into an issue after the project is completed? How long after project completion will the satisfaction guarantee last?
A warranty is a slightly different side of the same coin. A warranty specifically covers the materials used in the project, such as the shingles themselves. To get the most value out of a new roof, look for warranties lasting fifteen to twenty years that can be transferred to a new owner.
Tip #5: Independent Contractor or Roofing Company?
There are differences between independent contractors and roofing companies. Both will be able to complete your project, but a one is far better suited for it. Can you guess which one? Independent contractors will usually take longer to complete the project, may not have access to high volume discounts and high quality materials, and may not provide the guarantees and warranties a roofing company can. Independent contractors typically source materials from a local home improvement store, limiting your choices in everything from quality to color. In addition, independent contractors will most likely subcontract projects to complete them in an agreed upon time frame. There are advantages to using them for various home projects, but a large roofing project usually isn’t one of them.
PJ’s Roofing Checks all the Boxes
We provide residential roofing in and around Frederick County. With a large selection of materials and a history of satisfied customers and over two decades of experience, we bring you the styles, affordability, and solutions you need for any roofing project, large or small. Reach out to us and let’s talk about your needs.
