One's home is perhaps one of the most costly investments they will make during their lifetime. When damage occurs, it is important to find a contractor who is capable of repairing the problem with a level of quality that can be relied upon. There are a few tips every homeowner should know about comparing residential roofing companies in order to get the best results.
The most important thing is that they not hire anyone that is not legitimately qualified to perform the work. A contractor should provide a prospective client with a copy of their business license, state required credentials as well as proof of adequate insurance for both liability and workers compensation. A professional will also have no problem providing warranties on the materials and the quality of work.
Each state may have different requirements for this type of contractor's license. If a homeowner is unsure of what the guidelines in their area are, they can find out by contacting their local licensing board or Department of Professional Regulation. Legitimacy may be further verified by requesting their tax ID number, business address, website, email and telephone number.
People like friends, co-workers, neighbors and relatives are great resources for finding good contractors. A surprising source of information may be talking to those in the insurance field, such as agents and adjusters, to get their take on certain businesses. Contacting a few of each company's former clients to inquire as to the quality and efficiency of the work they had done is also a very wise move.
Associates, insurance representatives and former clients are just a few of the ways one may discover the reputation of a particular contractor. If any formal complaints were ever filed against a company, they will be on file with the Better Business Bureau, however this is not a fully accurate depiction since favorable events will not be mentioned. A more complete range of reviews will be found on websites that encourage actual homeowners to share their personal experiences in matters such as these.
Comparisons should always be made prior to committing to any contract. Prior to permitting a company to look at the issue, verify whether or not there is a charge for the estimate, though most will offer this service at no charge. Request that everything be put in writing, including any promises made by the inspector, the materials to be used, the time work is expected to last and all possible costs.
Homeowners should insist on a clear and concise contract which states the expected duration of the project and the times at which the workers will begin and end each day. It should spell out exactly what materials will be used, what their safety procedures and clean up methods are, , as well as a payment schedule. Never pay more than 1/3 of the total up front, only use checks or credit card and hold the final payment until a thorough inspection is completed.
One thing to remember when comparing estimates from roofing companies is that the lowest bid does not always save money, it is equally important to consider the quality of the contractor's work. The time spent researching one's options could very well be worth the effort. The homeowner should also insist upon, and carefully read, a warranty that guarantees the materials used as well as the quality of workmanship performed.
The most important thing is that they not hire anyone that is not legitimately qualified to perform the work. A contractor should provide a prospective client with a copy of their business license, state required credentials as well as proof of adequate insurance for both liability and workers compensation. A professional will also have no problem providing warranties on the materials and the quality of work.
Each state may have different requirements for this type of contractor's license. If a homeowner is unsure of what the guidelines in their area are, they can find out by contacting their local licensing board or Department of Professional Regulation. Legitimacy may be further verified by requesting their tax ID number, business address, website, email and telephone number.
People like friends, co-workers, neighbors and relatives are great resources for finding good contractors. A surprising source of information may be talking to those in the insurance field, such as agents and adjusters, to get their take on certain businesses. Contacting a few of each company's former clients to inquire as to the quality and efficiency of the work they had done is also a very wise move.
Associates, insurance representatives and former clients are just a few of the ways one may discover the reputation of a particular contractor. If any formal complaints were ever filed against a company, they will be on file with the Better Business Bureau, however this is not a fully accurate depiction since favorable events will not be mentioned. A more complete range of reviews will be found on websites that encourage actual homeowners to share their personal experiences in matters such as these.
Comparisons should always be made prior to committing to any contract. Prior to permitting a company to look at the issue, verify whether or not there is a charge for the estimate, though most will offer this service at no charge. Request that everything be put in writing, including any promises made by the inspector, the materials to be used, the time work is expected to last and all possible costs.
Homeowners should insist on a clear and concise contract which states the expected duration of the project and the times at which the workers will begin and end each day. It should spell out exactly what materials will be used, what their safety procedures and clean up methods are, , as well as a payment schedule. Never pay more than 1/3 of the total up front, only use checks or credit card and hold the final payment until a thorough inspection is completed.
One thing to remember when comparing estimates from roofing companies is that the lowest bid does not always save money, it is equally important to consider the quality of the contractor's work. The time spent researching one's options could very well be worth the effort. The homeowner should also insist upon, and carefully read, a warranty that guarantees the materials used as well as the quality of workmanship performed.
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