As with any home improvement project, replacing your roof can sometimes be an overwhelming process. That is why it is so important to find a roofing contractor you can trust. There are many Jacksonville roofers to choose from; finding the best is a matter of doing your due diligence before signing any contract. Let’s take a look at the keys to finding the right roofing contractor.
Local Roofers
First, formulate a list of local roofers. The initial qualification to look for is whether or not they are fully insured. They should hold both a general liability policy and worker’s compensation insurance. In the event that an accident were to take place during the replacement of your roof, you may be held liable if your contractor is not fully insured. If the contractor does not hold the necessary insurance coverage, they cannot be trusted to work on your home. During the time that you accept bids for your project, ask each company to provide paperwork that proves these credentials. If they balk at this request, you have the clearest indication you need that they are not the right contractor for your job. As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
On the Web?
A great way to find out if that the roofing contractor you are considering is dependable is to check if the company has a substantial web presence. Do they have a website? Can they be found on social media sites? If the answer is yes, it goes to show that the company has invested both time and money to establish an online profile. In 2014, it should take no more than a few keystrokes to find a business and investigate their activity on the web. Regularly maintained social media sites indicates a level of transparency that the company is comfortable courting. While these should factors should not be the only consideration you make, they are great measures of a company’s reliability.
Warranty Provided
A warranty, when boiled down to its base, is quite simply a promise or guarantee. When you purchase an automobile from a dealership, it is common to be protected from major mechanical malfunction for up to 100,000 miles. Jacksonville roofing companies should offer the same peace of mind. Additionally, most materials used in the installation of a new roof are covered by a manufacturers warranty. Find a roofer who offers at least a one-year warranty, as that is the time when any issues that may arise usually happen.
Company Accreditation
As a consumer you can also rely on a roofing company’s accreditation. Whether it is through the Better Business Bureau or nationally recognized manufacturers, this vote of confidence should go a long way in formulating your final decision. The Better Business Bureau provides an easy forum to check for complaints against the company and more importantly, how those complaints were answered. They also rate companies on an A thru F scale, so as a consumer you can be aware of their recorded performance. Often times, roofing material manufacturers such as GAF will acknowledge a company for their exemplary service by designating them as a preferred roofing contractor. It takes consistent attention to outstanding service and customer support to gain this distinction.
Call a Past Customer
Lastly, find a roofing contractor who isn’t scared to give you references. While you can often times find reviews of these companies on websites such as Yelp, you are better served contacting past customers directly. Any reputable company will happily provide a list of references who have agreed to be available for such an occasion and who would be happy to offer their honest opinion.
If you check off this list of things to look for, you can be sure that your roof replacement project will be done well. Ultimately, never hesitate to asks questions and question those answers!