What are the Best Roofing Contractors for Your Next Project?
Are you looking for a roofer to help with your roofing project? If so, there are different recommendations you should keep in mind; some include:
- Ask your friends and neighbors for recommendations on a roofing contractor.
- Check the requirements for roofing contractors in your area and search reviews.
- Call two to three roofers in your area and schedule consultations.
- Compare bids and review the qualifications.
Finally, negotiate the final price. Learn the details of choosing the right roofing company for you and your budget.
Qualifications of Roofing Contractors
Roofers must meet all requirements set by their local municipality. Before hiring, make sure to check the qualifications and directories of your state’s roofing contractors.
The following are qualities you should look for in good and professional roofing contractors:
- Experienced
- Licensee in your region
- Has excellent reviews
- Has the right equipment
- Insured
- Provides warranties for the service
Services provided by a professional roof contractor
The services offered by roofing contractors vary. Ask your potential roofers what kind of services they provide. However, these are some of the most common services for roofing:
- Roof inspections
- Leaks
- Maintenance and repairs
- Replacement or installation
- Weatherproofing
- Insulating
- Ventilating
- Pressure washing roofs (pressure washing off mildew, mold, and other buildup).
- Painting, sealing and treating wood or metal roofs.
- Removal of debris
A good time to inspect your gutters is when you are repairing a roof. There may be roofers that also provide gutter, siding, and window services. Ask local professionals if they offer other services. Having roofing and gutters done at once can help you save money, as the contractor is already on the site.
What are the steps to hiring a roofing contractor?
There are two options when it comes to hiring a roofer: either independent contractors or roofing companies. Both have their pros and cons. Compare bids to find the lowest price, and make sure you check out roofer references and reviews.
Options | Description |
Independent roofing contractors | For quick repairs, independent roofing contractors are a good option. It may take more time to finish large jobs like replacing an old roof because they work either independently or in conjunction with other contractors. They may be experts in one particular area. Although hiring an individual is risky, it can also mean that you will work closely with them for the entire project. |
Roofing companies | Larger jobs are easier to finish by roofing companies, who offer discounts, and free consultations, and can provide warranties on their workmanship. You may have different contact points for every phase |
A Roofer's Questions
Before hiring a roofer, it is recommended to ask them the following questions:
- Which types of roofing are you able to install?
- Are you able to work with homeowners insurance in order to file claims
- Is your current license valid to perform this type of work?
- Which types of insurance are you covered?
- Please give me at least two to three references for verification.
- Are you able to offer an on-site inspection for free?
- Are you able to take photographs during and after the completion of the project?
- After the inspection, will you provide me with a written estimate?
- Are you able to do roof repairs? What is the cost of roofing repairs?
- Are you covered under a manufacturer’s warranty for your work?
- What are your methods of ensuring projects stay on track? How do you deal with inclement weather?
- Are you allowed to dispose of or remove old roof materials? Are there disposal fees? Are you able to recycle your old materials?
- How and when do you invoice or bill? Accept credit cards Are you able to offer to finance?
Roofing Contractors Insurance: Types of Policies and Cost
While roofing contractors may have unique insurance requirements depending on the nature of their business and their clientele, two basic policies must be purchased by all roofing contractors.
1) Roofing Liability insurance
General liability is the first coverage for roofers. The policy protects you and your workers from bodily or property injury while working on roofs. These same damages can be covered if you or your crew cause damage to the roof after it is completed.
When people refer to liability insurance they usually mean this policy. This policy covers common claims such as roofing material being damaged during construction or damage caused by a defective roof.
2) Workers Compensation
Workers’ compensation is your biggest insurance expense unless you subcontract all of your work.
Workers’ comp covers the costs of medical bills and wages for employees who are injured at work. This insurance policy, which is required almost by law in every state, must be taken. You could face severe penalties if you don’t provide this insurance coverage for your employees, such as daily fines or even criminal charges.
Unfortunately, roofers are the cause of many claims. This results in high worker compensation rates across all states.
What does Roofing Insurance cover?
There are many types of insurance that can be purchased under a roofing policy. They cover everything from small-business insurance to large-scale business coverage. This includes workplace injuries and damage to your company property.
The best place to begin is with a Business Owner’s Policy (BOP). BOPs bundle three essential coverage types and are usually less expensive than purchasing each separately.
These are the contents of a BOP.
- Insurance for business liability
- Insurance for commercial property
- Insurance for business interruption
What is not covered by Roofing Insurance?
There are some common exclusions not typically covered by roofing insurance.
- Earthquakes
- Floods: You will require a separate flood insurance plan
- Infectious Diseases
- War
- Radioactive fallouts
- Government seizures
- Fraudulent and intentional acts
- Negligent termination (without employment practices liability insurance).
We Can Help You!
General Contractor Pro is a company that is responsible for managing and overseeing construction projects from start to finish. We are often hired by property owners, developers, or businesses to ensure that the project is completed on time, within budget, and to the required standard. We also hire and manage subcontractors.
