how to decide between multiple roofing contractors

How to Decide Between Multiple Roofing Contractors?

How Do You Decide Between Multiple Roofing Contractors?When you need a roof repair or a total roof replacement, unless you already have a strong recommendation for a specific company, it is a good idea to contact more than one roofing contractor.


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The roof on your house is one of the most important parts of the structure, both functionally and aesthetically. You want the work to be done to the highest level of quality to protect your family and your investment. But, how do you decide which company is the right one for your job when there are so many roofing companies available? In this article, your trusted roofing company in New Jersey gives you tips to use in evaluating more than one roofer.

Roofing Company Qualifications

Roofing Company Qualifications

In general, good roofing companies have these qualities:

Outline the Scope of Work

Before contacting a roofing company, have an idea of whether you may need a roof repair or a total roof replacement. If your roof has been damaged in a storm, you may have leaks and need repair. If your roof is approaching the end of its lifespan (which is usually 20 to 30 years for an asphalt shingle roof), you may need a total replacement. You will know what is needed for certain after getting a roof inspection by more than one roofer. It is a good idea to get assessments from 3 roofing companies for comparison.

Read Google Reviews and Online Sources

Go online and search for “roofing contractors near me” and then read the reviews of top local roofing contractors. Look for reviews from the last three to six months to get current homeowner experiences. These reviews will give you an idea of the process and workmanship people have experienced. Google is a good tool but you should also use other online resources like the Better Business Bureau, “Best of” lists, and other recommendation websites like www.ThisOldHouse.com

Only Consider Roofing Contractors Who Are Local

Every roofing contractor you consider needs to be local to your area. They must have a physical office location in your area and a phone number with a local area code. A local roofing contractor will ensure that local codes are followed, all appropriate paperwork is in place, and they are easily accessible if there is a problem. Another reason to only hire locally is that out-of-state companies often show up after big storms and undercut the prices of local roofing contractors. Many times, they don’t stand by their work and re-locate afterward so they are difficult to find.

Obtain at Least 3 Quotes from Local Roofing Companies

Typically you want to acquire quotes from at least three contractors in order to compare pricing. Pricing depends on the level of expertise the company brings, the quality of materials, their business expenses, and the size and complexity of the roof.

Look for Quality Over Pricing

Don’t look for the lowest price and the cheapest roofing contractor, especially when you need a full roof replacement. When you are searching for the cheapest price available, you are a prime target to be taken advantage of by an inexperienced, bad roofer. When a company knows you are shopping based on price, many will lower the price just to get your business and outbid other companies. What the roofer won’t tell you is that they will use cheaper quality materials and cheap labor to reach these lower prices. They can even cut corners by leaving crucial components off your roof completely. Your roof project will be set up for premature failure from the beginning if you try to find the cheapest roof possible.

Ask Questions and Obtain Important Information

Here are things to ask or check before you hire a roofing company.

How Long Have You Been in Business?

You don’t want to work with an inexperienced company. Fly-by-night roofers are a dime a dozen and can disappear with your money and without providing the services you paid for. There are many unscrupulous contractors who set up shop after storms only to leave and then reopen under a new name. Be sure to get valid information about the length of time the company has been in business.

Roofing can be dangerous work and is best left to the professionals. A roofing company should have the right tools, materials, and safety equipment to do the job. A reputable company has the requisite permits and licenses for any type of job. Additionally, a high-quality roofing installer also carries the required insurance for the workers. This insurance covers the company for an event where someone is hurt during the roof work. You should never work with a contractor that can’t provide proof of proper insurance.

A roofing company’s past jobs show everything—their process, time efficiency, safety, and quality of the work. Google reviews can give you some idea, but it is also good practice to get a list of homeowners from the company so you can contact them. Ask questions regarding these critical aspects of how the company performed for each person you call.

Even with the best planning, there is still a chance that something will go wrong with your roof project. Find out from the company how it will handle errors. It is important for the company to provide a project manager for your job whom you can contact with questions or potential issues.

Make sure you understand the financing terms. A good roofing company will assign a knowledgeable employee to explain the contract in detail and answer all questions you have about payment. There should not be any part of the agreement that is confusing or unclear.

Any kind of project can present repairs you haven’t planned for. Sometimes additional problems that weren’t initially seen, such as rotten decking and structural issues caused by moisture, are found while the job is already in process. Ask the contractor how they handle unexpected repairs so you will know what to expect if this happens.

Find out if the roofing contractor is a preferred partner and authorized installer for the shingle manufacturer. This is an important consideration since manufacturers won’t honor their warranties when a roof is installed by a non-authorized installer. Allied Roofing Solutions, for example, is an Owens Corning Roofing Platinum Preferred Contractor.

Contact Allied Roofing Solutions Today

When you need a roof repair or replacement, our experienced and professional team is here to help. It is our mission to perform the top-quality work that you are looking for. We serve much of New Jersey, including Bergen County, Essex County, Hudson County, Middlesex County, Morris County, Passaic County, and Somerset County. To schedule a free roof inspection, please call us at  (201) 773-0633  or fill out our handy free estimate form.