[pull_quote_center]So what do you look out for when considering hiring a roofing contractor?[/pull_quote_center]
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he roof of your house is your protection against the elements of Nature. If you’ve ever had the misfortune of having a leaking roof, or worse still having your roof blown away by the wind during winter or the rainy season, then you’ll appreciate the importance of a reliable roof.
Whether you are building a new house or replacing an old or damaged roof, roof installation is a valuable investment that both beautifies and secures your home. Roofs are meant to last for a very long time. Therefore, the durability of your roof depends on the quality of the roofing products and most importantly the skill of the contractors who install them.
There are many people and companies offering services in the area of roofing, but unfortunately, not all of them are skilled enough to handle such an important task. The roof is one part of your house that you cannot afford to risk handing over to inexperienced contractors. The consequences are dire. There should be no room for trial and error.
Below are the top 5 recommended things to look out for on my list.
1. ALWAYS HIRE QUALIFIED CONTRACTORS
One sure way of knowing a professional is qualified to do his job, is to request to see their certification in their line of work.
For roofing contractors, I recommend you look out for a manufacturers’ certification. You can rest assured that any contractor who has a manufacturer’s certification has passed rigorous standards of quality and workmanship.
2. GO FOR EXPERIENCE
Certifications (and proof of qualification) are wonderful, but the truth is that nothing beats good old experience. It is a fact that the longer a contractor spends at his trade; the more experience he will gather. Because he or she has seen different scenarios and different challenges, mistakes are not likely to be made. If you want the best gutter and roofing construction, hire experienced contractors. During my research, I discovered that Dallas Gutters has some of the most experienced contractors in the construction business. Of course, there are others too. You’re sure to discover such companies if you do your research.
3. HIRE A CONTRACTOR WITH INSURANCE COVER
I had a friend who hired a contractor to repair his leaky roof. While at it the ladder broke, fell and damaged the house. To make matters worse the contractor sustained injuries and had to be taken to the hospital. My friend ended up picking most of the bills.
Working on a roof is a risky job even to the most experienced worker. Anything can simply happen. So before you hire a roofing contractor find out if he has insurance coverage for injuries to himself and damages to the house.
4. WARRANTIES
Before hiring a roofing contractor, make sure he gives you a warranty. A good roofing warranty guarantees that your house remains secure for years after the installation. In the case of any defect as a result of the contractor’s work, then you’ll not pay any extra money for further repairs.
Always go for warranties that offer longer coverage. This way you will be sure to have your roof replaced in case of damage for many years to come.
5. INVESTIGATE YOUR CONTRACTORS TRACK RECORD
Good contractors are proud of their work and will be glad to show you some of the jobs they have completed in the past. Most contractors will show you pictures of their works, but go further and demand the locations of those projects and go for a physical inspection, if possible. This will be a great opportunity to ask the owners how satisfied they are with the contractor’s job.
I don’t know about you, but I will run from a contractor who cannot show me verifiable works he has completed in the past.
Chioma Iwunze-Ibiam writes creative non-fiction and prose fiction. Her works have appeared in Romance Meets Life, Flash Fiction Press, MTLS, Saraba Magazine, Sentinel Magazine and others. Her first novel, Finding Love Again, was published by Ankara Press. She owns and manages Creative Writing News.
