Hiring a roofing contractor can be stressful. Here are six major factors you should consider when hiring for your project:
- Is the contractor fully licensed and insured? It is a class 1 misdemeanor to hire a non-licensed contractor. Also, if anything goes wrong, you have zero legal protection. If a contractor lacks General Liability or Worker's Compensation, you would become liable for any damages or injuries incurred on your property and subject to lawsuits. Reject any contractor without proper and adequate insurance or any contractor who is not licensed.
- Is the contractor permanently established with credible time in the industry? It is proven that 80% of roofing contractors go out of business within the first two years and 95% within the first five years leaving you and your home without protection. Holloway Roofing is proud to be in business past the 5-year mark! We are here to stay! Reject any contractor without a permanent place of business. If the contractor is not permanently established, how can you be confident they will complete the work, or be in business if the work needs service in the future?
- Is the contractor highly recommended? Ensure your contractor is highly recommended and has several local references of like kind work. Reject any contractor without consistent, positive reviews or testimonials. Organic review such as Google reviews will provide an honest perspective of what to expect.
- Does the contractor offer warranties? Reject any contractor with unbelievable warranties or no workmanship warranty. Do your research. Not all roofing contractors are certified alike - contractors with higher certifications are able to offer premium warranties.
- Are you settling directly for the cheapest quote? Choosing the cheapest estimate almost always costs the most in the long run – from cutting material quality to improper employee training and management. Reject any contractor with quotes that are significantly cheaper than the majority. Focusing on price alone can leave you subject to cut corners.
- Is the agreed upon work in writing and is final payment due after completion of work? Capture all details and promises in writing. Too often we respond to homeowners left abandoned with poor workmanship and no legal writing of fine details or warranties. Reject any contractor who demands full payment prior to complete job satisfaction. Any reputable contractor will NOT ask for upfront payments in full.