13 Qualities to Look for in Dependable Roofing Contractors

If you’re a homeowner or business owner, you know that there are endless maintenance tasks to keep your home or commercial building in top condition. One of the most important (and often overlooked) parts of maintaining your home or office is keeping your roof in good shape. A roof is a big investment, so when it’s time to replace it, you want to make sure you hire dependable roofing contractors. How can you tell if a roofing contractor is reliable? Here are some qualities to look for.

1. Make Sure They Have a Good Reputation

Finding a contractor with the right combination of experience and reputation can seem daunting. Doing a bit of research to make sure you get the best possible match for your project is worth the effort! Look for reviews, testimonials, and past projects to get an idea of how long the contractor has been in business, what others have experienced with their work, and whether they’re a good fit for your individual needs. By understanding exactly what you need from your contractor before you dive into hiring them, you can ensure that your project will be completed professionally and on time.

One of the top ways to check a company’s reputation is going on the Better Business Bureau’s website. The BBB is an organization dedicated to helping consumers find trustworthy businesses by providing ratings and reviews from customers who have already used the business, giving you a better understanding of what it’ll be like to work with them. They use letter ratings, so if your roofing contractors have an “A” rating, you can trust they’re a dependable business.

Sites like Reddit and Trustpilot also allow customers to leave honest reviews about their experience with the contractor. These are good places to look for testimonials from customers who have used that specific contractor in the past. This can be an invaluable source of information, as you’ll get a better idea of what it’s like to work with them. Trustpilot reviews also use a star system. Many customers upload their own photos, so you’ll have even better insight.

2. Professionalism Through Licensing and Insurance

Whenever you’re looking for a service provider, whether it’s a handyman, contractor, or anyone else in the home improvement industry, one of the most important things to do is make sure they have a license and insurance. After all, you want someone qualified and responsible to work on your project. Having the right certifications and licenses is a sign of professionalism and it’s a great way to make sure that the contractor you choose is knowledgeable and dependable.

With insurance, you’ll have protection if something goes wrong. It’s a simple step that can save you a lot of trouble down the road. Double-check for license and insurance before hiring anyone for your next job!

3. Respect For Customer Homes

Bringing in a contractor to work on your home can feel vulnerable at times. That’s why you want someone who has respect for your home and property. A dependable contractor will be mindful of your home’s safety, security, and privacy while they work. They’ll also be sure to clean up after the job is done and leave your home looking better than it was before they started.

During lunchtime, reliable contractors will also ensure that all doors and windows are locked, or at least have someone on-site to keep an eye on the property. A professional crew will never mess your home up with discarded materials, tools, or packaging. You don’t have to tell a professional crew to not smoke or to not bring non-contractor guests on-site.

4. Knowledgeable about Roofing Materials

Can you imagine trying to discuss why you want a certain type of roofing material with someone who has no idea what you’re talking about? It would be a frustrating waste of time! That’s why it is essential to find a contractor that has the knowledge and understanding of all types of roofing materials. A dependable contractor will be able to guide you through the entire process of choosing the right option for your roof replacement. They can recommend materials that will suit your budget and needs, climate, and the angle of your roof.

They should also know about the benefits of different materials, such as what type of insulation works best in your area, which materials are more fire-resistant, and the warranty options for each roofing material. For example, if you want a metal or ceramic tile roof, roofers should be able to explain what makes them unique. They should let you know why they may cost more than other materials like asphalt, and inform you about any special installation techniques they might use for either one.

5. Honesty

Honesty and integrity should always be at the top of your list when looking for a roofing contractor. You want someone trustworthy who’ll tell you the truth about any issues they may encounter during the job. A good contractor will be upfront and honest with you in their assessments and estimates. They’ll also be honest about costs and able to provide you with an accurate forecast of the project timeline so that you can plan accordingly.

Even after doing your own research and due diligence, there may be times when something unexpected comes up during the job. Be sure to choose a contractor willing to honestly communicate with you throughout the entire process. They should discuss any changes that need to be made, and provide honest answers about the best way to move forward. You don’t want to have to deal with problems and loopholes with a contractor that has no problem lying and being unscrupulous.

6. Good Team Work

When you hire your contracting team, the last thing you want is a group of individuals who just can’t get along with one another. It’s important to look for a team that has a good dynamic and works well together. Good teamwork is essential for a successful job. When they’re working together, they’ll be able to get the job done much faster and more efficiently. As the homeowner, you’ll benefit from this because it means that the job will be completed quickly with fewer chances of mistakes.

You can usually tell if there’s good teamwork just by observing the group for a few minutes. Are they communicating with one another? Do they appear to be organized and efficient in their work, or is there a lot of confusion? Are any team members slacking off? If so, this would likely cause a lot of problems if you hire them for your roof replacement.

7. Professional Quality Portfolio

When looking into potential roofing contractors, it’s essential to view their portfolio of work. This will allow you to see the quality of work they produce, as well as get an idea of what kind of materials they usually use. If a contractor is unwilling to show you samples of their work or provide references, this is a huge red flag and should not be trusted.

If the roofing professionals do quality work, they should be willing to show it off. After all, professional pride is an important part of any successful contractor. Also, be sure to ask questions about previous work they have done. You may want to ask if they encountered any problems and how they solved them. This will give you a better idea of their problem-solving skills and experience. Ideally, they should have a professional quality website or social media page that displays their work.

8. Safety Protocols

When hiring roofing contractors, it’s important to make sure that they have a good safety protocol in place. This means that the team should be equipped with safety equipment, such as hard hats and protective eyewear. It should also be evident that the team is aware of safety protocols and is following them while on the job. If safety protocols don’t seem to be in place, this should raise a red flag and you may want to consider another contractor instead.

As mentioned earlier, insurance is a must for any contractor you hire. When they have insurance, it’s a safety net for the workers and the customer in case of any accidents or damages. A good contractor will also be able to provide you with the necessary safety documents that prove they are insured and their

9. Good Customer Service

Customer service is key when choosing the right roofing contractors. A good contractor will always have a friendly and helpful attitude during all interactions with the homeowner. They should be willing to answer any questions and provide advice as needed. The contractor should be ready to meet your needs and ensure the job finishes as you envisioned it. If the contractor shows a lack of respect or disregard for the customer, this should be an automatic red flag.

Good service starts before you even meet in person. From the first moment you make the initial contact for a consultation, the contractor should be professional and cordial. They should be willing to answer any questions you may have regarding roof replacement, provide an in-depth estimate, and make sure that the job goes smoothly. Once they complete the work, they should double check you have the best contact information in case you need to follow up with them later.

10. Reasonable Pricing

No one wants to be taken advantage of, and you should expect a fair price when hiring a roofing contractor. It’s important to remember that the lowest price isn’t always the best option, as the quality of work could be compromised. Before deciding, look at several different estimates and compare them. This will allow you to find the best contractor for your budget.

Once you hire someone, their pricing should always be transparent. Attempting to hide costs or surprise you with extra fees is unprofessional. In addition, they should provide a warranty for their work. This warranty will protect you from any unexpected issues that may come up after completion.

11. Enthusiasm

Have you ever dealt with a contractor or another service provider that clearly hated their job? Having such an attitude isn’t a way to do business and can take away from the experience. You should always expect enthusiasm from your roofing contractors! A good contractor should be passionate about the job and strive to deliver top-notch results.

You want someone who understands the importance of roofing and strives to stay on top of industry trends and advancements. They should be excited about producing a great outcome for the customer and their company portfolio. If they seem uninterested or lackluster, this is a sign that they may not be the best choice.

12. Flexible

Things happen that can cause a roof replacement project to be delayed or changed. A good contractor should be flexible and willing to work with the customer if any adjustments are necessary. They should be able to update the scope of work or timeline when a situation calls for it. Reasonable flexibility shows that they prioritize the customer’s needs and are willing to go the extra mile.

13. Respect for Neighbors

For many roofing projects, the contractor will work near other houses or businesses. They must demonstrate respect for their neighbors. Noise levels and cleanup are things to consider during the planning process, so they don’t disrupt the daily lives of anyone nearby. The last things you want are complaints or requests to shut down the project because of inconsiderate behavior.

Your roof plays a vital part in your home’s structure and aesthetics. It represents close to 40% of the overall visual exterior of a house, according to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association. For this reason, you should take your time to look for dependable roofing contractors when you need one. By keeping the above qualities in mind, you can ensure that you make an informed decision and avoid any potential issues. Our local team at Style Roofing Inc. consists of experienced roofing professionals who exhibit the above qualities. When ready for a roof replacement, don’t hesitate to contact us for quality work you can be proud of.