Steps to Hiring the Right Roofer

Roofing is one of the most costly and difficult projects homeowners can undertake. Make sure you take the time to find a trustworthy roofing contractor to install your roof.

Roof repairs, unlike other home improvements that can be made at will, are not an option. Roofs are important for your comfort and structural integrity and can significantly impact the home’s resale price. Some do-it-yourselfers are motivated to tackle the job because of the high costs. For most of us, however, a job in roofing means hiring a professional.

If you are at the beginning of the process, make sure to hire a reliable contractor. If you hire well, you can expect your roofer to complete the job on time and within budget and provide valuable advice on what materials best suit your home and climate. Rather than looking through the yellow pages to find the first company, these steps will help you find someone you can trust to provide a roof for your home.

1. Refer a friend

A good way to find a trustworthy contractor? It is to ask your neighbors and friends. Have you seen anyone have work done to their roof in the last few years? Take a list and reach out to everyone. Ask two questions: Was the contractor satisfied with the work? Would he do it again? You can trust your contacts to provide honest feedback, and testimonials will give you the best picture of how you felt about a company. You can also find leads from hardware and lumber yards outside of your network.

2. Do research first

After you have found at least three Toronto Roofers qualified, you can begin investigating each one. Verify each business’ contact information. Verify that the business is licensed and insured. Check with your chamber of commerce and the Better Business Bureau to ensure that there aren’t any red flags. You can also look at reports from contractors review sites like Angie’s List.

3. Face-to-face meetings

After narrowing down the list, invite potential contractors to your home to discuss the job. Discuss roofing materials and the scope of the work. Make sure to also inquire about the time frame and labor requirements. Watch out for the contractor. He should be friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. You will deal with authorities in materials and methods. But don’t allow this to stop you from participating in the decision-making process. Ask questions and ask for references before the person leaves.

4. It must be written

You must have a signed contract that covers every aspect of the job before you can start work. It should include safety procedures, liability, workers’ compensation, and other details. It should include information such as payment amounts, clean-up procedures, and other details. A lien waiver can be requested to protect you from claims if the roofer fails to pay the material vendor.

5. What you pay for 

The cheapest bid is probably not your best option. The estimates provided are an important factor to consider. Your confidence in the ability of a roofer to do an excellent job is more important. If you are impressed by a company, even if it isn’t the most expensive, ask yourself: “How much peace of mind is worth to me?” Many homeowners find it very valuable.