It is extremely important to compare contractors before making a financial commitement toward any roofing project. You should solicit at least two or three bids from prospective contractors-bids based upon the same building specifications, materials, labor and time needed to complete the project.
Discuss bids in detail with each contractor,making certain you understand the reasons for any variations in the prices. DO NOT automatically choose the lowest price. One contractor's bid might be higher because the materials used are of better quality or because the work will be especially thorough and, therefore require more time and labor.
Ask the roofing contractor for local references and find out if these customers were satisfied with the contractors work. If possible, vist and inspect thier completed projects.
Find out if the contractor is a member of a professional association like the NRCA(http://www.nrca.com/) which has standards or a code of ethics for roofers.
Contact your better business bureau (BBB) to learn how long a contractor has been in business and if the firm has been reponsive to any complaints filed with the BBB.
Another important matter to consider before before hiring a contractor deals with insurance. Ask the contractor if the company is insured against claims covering workers compensation, property damage and personal liability in case of accidents. Then call to verify contractor's insurance coverage after obtaining the name of the carrier and agency.
Finally, check with your state, county or city housing authority to see if the contractor must meet certain licensing and/or bonding requirements in your area. If so make sure your contractor is properly licensed and bonded. NEVER PAY a contractor for the entire job in advance and avoid paying in cash whenever possible.
Roofing is not an exact science. Expensive hidden problems can be uncovered once work has begun. Do your homework and you will be happy with the results.
:
Credit to the: Better Business Bureau
Discuss bids in detail with each contractor,making certain you understand the reasons for any variations in the prices. DO NOT automatically choose the lowest price. One contractor's bid might be higher because the materials used are of better quality or because the work will be especially thorough and, therefore require more time and labor.
Ask the roofing contractor for local references and find out if these customers were satisfied with the contractors work. If possible, vist and inspect thier completed projects.
Find out if the contractor is a member of a professional association like the NRCA(http://www.nrca.com/) which has standards or a code of ethics for roofers.
Contact your better business bureau (BBB) to learn how long a contractor has been in business and if the firm has been reponsive to any complaints filed with the BBB.
Another important matter to consider before before hiring a contractor deals with insurance. Ask the contractor if the company is insured against claims covering workers compensation, property damage and personal liability in case of accidents. Then call to verify contractor's insurance coverage after obtaining the name of the carrier and agency.
Finally, check with your state, county or city housing authority to see if the contractor must meet certain licensing and/or bonding requirements in your area. If so make sure your contractor is properly licensed and bonded. NEVER PAY a contractor for the entire job in advance and avoid paying in cash whenever possible.
Roofing is not an exact science. Expensive hidden problems can be uncovered once work has begun. Do your homework and you will be happy with the results.
:
Credit to the: Better Business Bureau
