When it comes to one of life's largest single investments—a home—it's unwise to procrastinate or "roll the dice" when unexpected repairs pop up. Whether it's a refrigerator that needs work, or your air conditioning unit that sputters to a halt during the summer, there's nothing more inconvenient.
Most savvy homeowners go the extra mile to coordinate regular maintenance and inspections with professionals who can spot a repair long before it becomes catastrophe. Your roof is the ideal candidate for this sort of pre-emptive thinking. But finding a quality roofer is critical.
The same level of caution and quality should be taken when repairing or replacing your roof. But often times, it's easier said than done when searching for a qualified and trustworthy roofing company to do the work. To help you with your search we've put together some tips on how to find and evaluate the best local roofing contractors in your area.
Go Local
While there are some very qualified national brands that operate local offices, we always recommend locally-based professional to get the best results. In addition to the obvious advantages of investing your money back into your local economy, picking a local, reputable roofing team will have other benefits as well, including:
- They're more familiar with building codes and requirements. Hiring a roofing contractor who is familiar with these aspects will give you peace of mind that you won't have to rip off a new roof due to non-compliance issues. It's the roofer's responsibility to ensure your roof is up to code.
- They have first-hand knowledge about which roofing materials work best in the local climate. Not all roofing materials are created equally, nor do they all withstand the brutal Arizona sun to the same extent. Depending on your aesthetic goals and price point, a local roofing company will help you determine the best kind of material for your house and local climate.
- You'll have one point of contact. Having a single number to contact will help streamline communication and resolve any issues, should they arise. This is especially important for roof maintenance and warranties. Working with a local company will give you easier accessibility when contacting the company.
During your search, be sure that the contractor you end up choosing will be around if something goes wrong down the road. You will want to work with a roofing company that is established, reliable, and executes great craftsmanship, and has a solid reputation for post-sale customer service. Below are a few ways to help you find the best local roofing company.
Review Sites and Word of Mouth
This is usually the first step most homeowners take when searching for a qualified roofing company. Online review sites, like Google Reviews and the Better Business Bureau, are great places to start. Keep a sharp eye out for the quality of reviews, how long the company has been in business, and how much experience the company has in both residential and commercial roofing. Although the commercial aspect isn't as important to homeowners, it shows the breadth of their knowledge and expertise working on larger roofing systems.
If you see a roofing company in your neighborhood, don't be afraid to ask them questions about their company or work. Be sure to also check with friends and family as well to see if they have any recommendations for you. Some roofing companies offer referral programs that help spread the word of their work, so it could be a win-win for you and your friend!
Prepare a List of Questions
We have a whole dedicated blog to the importance of this step. Once you've narrowed down your search to a few roofing companies, be sure to ask some probing questions to ensure they're qualified. Some of the most important ones to ask are about their level of roofing insurance, the warranty on their work and products, and their full name, address, and phone number. Read more about these and other important questions here.
Licensing and Certifications
Licensing and certifications are two more crucial aspects picking the best local roofing company for your job. While an unlicensed contractor might offer cheaper services than a licensed one, you truly get what you pay for. Licensed roofing contractors know the industry in and out, they offer the best warranties, carry insurance, will never ask for illegal payment methods, and generally require and provide some sort of professional training for their staff.
We hope these tips will help you find a qualified roofing contractor in your area. If you’re worried about your roof, or are seeking peace of mind, we invite you to contact us to schedule a free, no obligation roof evaluation.
