Before you hire a Roofer

There's no substitution for experience. An inexperienced roofing contractor will either know what needs to be done or not when it comes to all forms of roof repairs and installations. 

Whether it's minor leaks from the first rain of the season or major damage from a severe storm, you'll need to put your faith and trust in a professional roofing contractor. 

Overhead Roofing has been providing the greater Cincinnati area with sound advice on products, thorough explanations of procedures, and, of course, solid results for over 25 years. Here's what you'll need to know if you're going to hire a contractor to work on your roof.

Your entire roofing system is a combination of components where its success depends primarily on the quality of your shingles, the installation itself, and its overall construction. Referrals usually become the best source for credible companies and names to know if you're hiring the right people for the job. 

Friends and family will usually recommend someone they've used in the past. The BBB, local trade associations, and the phone book have always been excellent sources of data.

Step Two: Meeting a Potential Contractor 

When you have a list compiled of roofing contractors to select from, take the time to evaluate every one of them. Any professional contractor will have no issues with providing you with all the information you need to have. 

A number of homeowners have been bewildered by what seems to be the lack of interest from the contractors they contact for potential business. Sometimes these contractors don't even call back. 

The best way to get a roofer to return your call is to let him know that you been shopping around for a roofer but are interviewing about three contractors instead of 10. Every contractor will shop for good jobs that offer a fair profit and create future referrals.

Of course, numerous contractors have had to deal with unreasonable homeowners, and they look for warning signs of potential problems with customers that could become evident during the initial interview.

What you'll need to do is set up a meeting to discuss your needs and learn more about the contractor's qualifications. Always make sure you pay close attention to the behavior and attitude of the other company's representative, because good contractors will take pride in all that they do and will usually show enthusiasm about possibly being the one that you hire. 

If you're convinced that the contractor your interviewing shows a genuine interest in your project, you'll need to find out what the company's vital statistics happen to be. This is the business information about the company that will help you make your decision. Here are factors that need to be considered:

• Experience - how many years of training and experience does this contractor have? This includes the age of the company as well as reviews that you can look up on the Internet. That's the first thing that will help you determine whether they're the right people for the job.
• Insurance coverage - any good contractor should always carry general liability insurance as well as Worker's Compensation. We recommend that you avoid low bids because they can indicate incomplete insurance coverage or a lack of Worker's Comp.
• Professional references - understanding your contractor's past will help determine the value of the work. The contractor should easily be able to give you a list of completed projects that include telephone numbers and names of previous clientele.
• Company philosophy - Does the contractor stand behind his work? What are his application techniques? What are his guarantees?

Your contractor should be up-to-date on products and procedures for any roof work. The contractor will be the best source of information, but you should always ask the contractor what he knows about shingles and their brand names, the thickness of the roof, the expected lifespan, the design and colors available, and warranties. The contractor and the products used are equally important.

It doesn't matter if you're replacing your whole roof or simply repairing it, because what you'll need to consider are new roof vents, gutters, or downspouts as well. You should also consider aesthetic additions including shingles, skylights, or anything high-profile.

Every contract should spell out proposed work and all the prices. Contract disputes are most commonly caused by misunderstandings, so read the contract carefully and ask questions. Things that should be involved in the contract include:

• Starting complete dates - what is the plan of action if inclement weather is expected?
• Products and materials - ask about the brand names, colors, etc.
• Site procedures - what are the work hours and cleanup methods for the roof, your home, or anywhere on your property? What safety precautions are taken?
• Terms - what methods of payment are accepted?
• Liens - in most states, a contractor who does any work on your home or supplies materials has the right to place a lien on your property. Make sure that all these elements are written in the contract so that both parties understand each other.
• Right to rescind - do you have the right to cancel the contract without penalty within a particular period of time?

Well-planned research beforehand saves you much time and trouble. When you feel you've hired the right person for the job, you shouldn't be concerned about anything else regarding the work needing to be done. Let the contractor do his job, and only ask questions if you feel you need to know more.