A roofer in most general terms would be simply someone who repairs roofs. Now if we are talking about the roof then the term roofer applies to more than just the repair of roofs. It also refers to the repairing of any sort of roof that is part of a building. So this includes repairing of the roof, but also including fixing anything that may damage a roof, such as chimneys, gutters, downspouts, fascia, skylights, and many other things.
So when you hire a new roofing company, you want to make sure that you know what you are hiring them for. The best way to make sure of this is to ask for references. If they refuse to provide you with references, then you should move on to another candidate. So what do you need to do to find a good roofer? Here are some things that you can do to find a great roofer:
Prepare a Business Plan – This is a very important part of the search process. Most roofing companies will prepare a business plan for you, and this is a very good thing. Your business plan will show potential employers how well trained and experienced you are, and it will outline exactly what you plan to do in the future.
Ask References – One of the best ways to hire a roofing contractor is to ask around. Most everyone in your town has either had a bad experience with a roofer, or they have a general idea of what you should be looking for when hiring a roofer. Find out who has worked for the roofer you are considering, and talk to their supervisor. Look for signs of quality control at work, such as how the roofer demonstrates his skill by performing simple tasks such as installing the tiles. A good roofing contractor will have no problem explaining how his work is completed to you.
Talk to Previous Employers – If you already know that you want to hire a specific roofing company, call up some past coworkers to see if they would recommend them. Ask them about the type of work that was done, if any problems were encountered, and if they would choose them again. Of course, this works best if you are able to contact former employees before the new employees arrive. Most people would rather recommend a company to someone else than to completely replace their roof. A recommendation from a previous employee can go a long way towards convincing a potential client that you are a reliable company. Once you receive positive feedback from a former employee, make sure you ask the employee to give you references from other past employees as well.
Interview Roofers – The most important thing when it comes to finding the right roofing company is getting along with your roofers. If you don’t get along with your roofers, chances are you will have problems with your roof in the future. So, ask the roofing contractor plenty of questions about their experience and background. You want to know how long they have been in business, how satisfied their customers are, and what types of roofing services they provide. A quality, reputable roofing company should be willing to provide you with at least three references so you can compare them side-by-side.
Get Roof Warranty – When comparing roofing companies, one of the things you should compare is the type of warranty they offer. Most reputable roofing contractors offer lifetime warranties on their shingles and other roofing materials. Other companies may only offer standard warranty coverage. It is important to find a roofing company that offers not only a warranty but also a discount on their other services should you ever need them.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions – When hiring a roofing contractor, don’t be afraid to ask any question you have. If the contractor makes you feel uneasy or you are not completely satisfied with their services, simply move on to your next option. There are many great roofing contractors out there just waiting for you to give them a chance. Take the time to do the research and find one that fits your needs and the needs of your home.