The roof is one of the most important parts of a house. It protects a home from the elements, helps keep it well-insulated, and adds to the curb appeal. Being that it’s constantly exposed, it also takes quite a beating. When it comes time to get your roof repaired, you shouldn’t just choose the first contractor you see. In fact, there are some out there who prey on under-informed or vulnerable homeowners. Here are a few tips on avoiding these “bad apple” roofing contractors.
First off, here’s something to keep in mind during any negotiation. If a contractor is being pushy or rushing you into making a decision, don’t be afraid to tell them no. Unless you’ve signed a contract, you owe them nothing more than common courtesy. You certainly don’t owe them your business.
One of the first things you should ask any contractor for is references. If they don’t have any or refuse to give them out, then that’s a red flag. It either means that they don’t have much on-the-job experience or they have a history of doing shoddy work. That’s not to say that a contractor who is just starting out can’t do a good job, but it’s something to consider along with all the other factors.
The sad truth is that you can’t always rely on references to give you an honest appraisal. It’s not all that common, but there are contractors out there who will hand out bogus references. They’ll point you towards friends or family members who have agreed to talk them up. That’s why it’s important to do your own independent research. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is one resource you can use here.
It’s best to use local roofing contractors, as they will be the most familiar with local regulations and building codes. This will also ensure that you’re able to get in touch with the contractor should anything go wrong. There are a number of “storm chaser” contractors out there who follow severe weather outbreaks knowing that many homeowners in the area will need roof repairs. The bad ones do a terrible job and then quickly disappear, leaving the homeowners with no idea how to contact them.
Safety should always be a primary concern during any kind of construction or renovation. Ask a contractor about their safety standards and how much safety training they give their workers. If they balk at the idea then you definitely don’t want them anywhere near your home.
A good contractor will be fully licensed, have insurance for all of their workers, and be able to provide you with copies of all the relevant paperwork. You can’t just take a contractors word here. Specifically ask for a copy of their license and proof of insurance. Most contractors will be happy to oblige you. If they are too lazy to do even that, then they are not someone you want to be working with anyway.
Most contractors out there want to please their clients and do the best job they possibly can, but there are always bad apples in any bunch. As long as you keep these tips in mind you won’t have to worry about ending up with a bad contractor. If you’re currently in the market for a roofing contractor, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at All-Nu construction. You can contact us today to discuss your issues or to receive a free quote.