Checklist For Selecting the Best Roofing Contractor
There is no fool proof method for selecting a professional, but there are a number of things you can do to help you make the best decision possible when evaluating contractors:
- > Check for a permanent place of
business, telephone number, tax
I.D. number and where appropriate,
a business license. A professional
will have these readily available. - > Ask for proof of insurance. It's a
good idea to insist on seeing
copies of both the roofing
contractor's liability coverage and
his workers' compensation
certificates. Make sure all
insurance coverage runs through
the duration of the job to
avoid litigation involving
uninsured roofing contractors.
If a contractor is not properly
insured, the owner may be liable
for accidents that occur on
the property. - > Check to see if the roofing
contractor is properly licensed
or bonded. - > Make sure the contractor is
financially stable. A professional
roofing contractor can provide
current financial information. - > Ask for client references and a list
of completed projects. Call these
clients to find out if they were
satisfied with the roof systems,
services and work they received. - > Get it in writing. The written
proposal should have complete
descriptions of the proposed work
and specifications, including
approximate starting and
completion dates and payment
procedures. - > Since most roofing materials require
special application expertise to
achieve a quality, lasting roof
system, ask for a list of roofing
manufacturers that the contractor's
firm has licensed or approved
applicator agreements. - > Have the contractor explain his
project supervision and quality
control procedures. Request the
name of the person who will be
in charge, the number of workers
that will be required and the
estimated time of completion. - > Ask if the contractor belongs to a
regional or national industry
association such as National
Roofing Contractors Association
(NRCA). - > Carefully read and understand any
roof warranty information offered
and watch for provisions that
would void it. - > Choose a company committed to
safety training and industry
education for its workers. A
roofing contractor is only as good
as the workers who actually
install the roof. - > Price is important, but so is
professionalism and quality
workmanship.
