The roof of a property is simultaneously a shield and a crown. It serves as a shield by protecting everything inside, including people, furniture, and belongings, from the elements. At the same time, it acts as a crown, sitting at the top, enhancing the home’s appearance and increasing its value. Being arguably one of the most critical parts of a home or any building for that matter, choosing the right roofing contractor to build or repair it is a no-brainer. However, with so many options available, how do you find the best roofing contractor for the job? In this guide, we’ll tell you how.
Experience and Expertise Matter
Local reputation matters more than one might assume. It isn’t a given that a company that does a great job in another city would offer the same level of work in another. Choosing a roofing contractor with a good local reputation is always a safer bet as this indicates they are familiar with regional weather conditions, planning regulations, and building codes. Furthermore, they tend to have established relationships with suppliers, making it easier and faster for them to source quality materials.
Check online reviews, ratings, and testimonials on platforms like Trustpilot and Google Reviews. Third-party reviews are often unbiased and provided by actual customers. A reputable roofing contractor will have mostly positive reviews along with a proven track record of completed projects.
Check for Credentials and Certifications
It isn’t possible for someone to just, willy-nilly, become a roofing contractor, but there are several pretenders out there who do a subpar job at best. So, opt for one that can verify their credentials, including licences and insurance.
In the UK, a roofing company must be registered with a recognised trade body such as the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) or CompetentRoofer. Members of these bodies are obligated to adhere to strict standards.
Insurance is important too, as it protects you from liabilities in case of an accident or if damages occur during the project. Do not hesitate to ask for proof of any of these credentials.
Explore Your Options
Now that you know what to look for in a roofing contractor, it is time to narrow down your search and schedule consultation calls and meetings with your top picks.
It is your home, so feel free to ask as many questions as you like. Here are a few important ones:
- What materials do they recommend considering your aesthetic preference, budget, and local weather conditions, and why?
- Are they fully insured and licensed? Remember, working with an uninsured roofer will result in you being liable for damages, so it isn’t worth the risk.
- Do they offer any warranties on materials and labour? Most reputable roofers provide warranties, so those that don’t are, more often than not, a red flag.
- How will they handle the clean-up process?
- How long will the entire project take? Nobody expects an exact date, but a fair estimation must be provided.
Consider Their Availability for Emergency Repairs
Roofing issues hardly ever show up at convenient times, even if there were a convenient time for a roofing issue to show up. Be it bad weather or damage from debris, having an emergency roofer can be a lifesaver in such situations. Find out if they provide:
- 24/7 emergency call-outs
- Temporary repairs to prevent further damage
- Quick response times (preferably within hours)
Warranties
A roofing contractor confident in their quality of work wouldn’t hesitate to give a warranty on their labour or the materials they have sourced. Generally, these are the timelines:
- Workmanship Warranty: Covers installation issues (often 5-10 years).
- Manufacturer’s Warranty: Covers material defects (varies by brand but can be 20-50 years).
Ask them what happens if something goes wrong after the job is done. Will they provide follow-up inspections or repairs if needed? Reliable contractors prioritise long-term customer satisfaction over quick gains.
Red Flags To Watch Out For
It is equally important to look for red flags when selecting a roofing contractor. Here are some big NOs that make a company most likely unreliable:
- Most roofing companies also offer emergency roofing services because accidents can happen at any time.
- Some contractors try to push you into proceeding with only a verbal agreement. Remember, never proceed without a written agreement.
- All roofing contractors take a certain amount of payment upfront, but be cautious of companies that want 40% or more of the entire project cost.
- Roofing companies cannot exist in a bubble, so they tend to have a ton of professional and local references. If they cannot provide a reference, it may be an indication of something suspicious.
- It is best not to do business with companies that lack proper licensing and insurance.
Final Thoughts
Roofs are an investment, one of the longest investments any individual makes in their lifetime and one that lasts for an equally long time. So, take your time, do your research, explore your options, and make a choice that guarantees long-term peace of mind.