A sudden roof repair can be daunting if you don’t know how to choose the best roofing contractor.
Given how important a roof is to your home’s safety and structural integrity, finding a contractor you can trust is vital. The last thing you want is poor workmanship to cause leaks that damage your home and lead to costly repairs or safety issues.
Keeping the following key factors in mind will help make the roofing contractor selection process a smooth one.
Check Local Referrals
Research each contractor’s referrals to avoid scams and find reputable local roofing companies. Homeowners should find contractors with positive local reviews and lasting relationships with suppliers. These are good indicators of reliability.
Verify Their Insurance and License
Homeowners should only work with a licensed roofer with up-to-date insurance. Ensure potential contractors provide a copy of their license and ask whether they can confirm their status online. State licenses are necessary in Pennsylvania, but unlicensed contractors may still attempt roofing, so it’s always critical to check before working with anyone new.
Specialized contractor qualifications may include the GAF Master Elite® certification, a top-ranking certificate for which only 3% of roofing contractors qualify. Those with such a certificate must hold at least $1 million in liability coverage, while those without it may hold lower coverage amounts.
As you check their qualifications, you should also verify that:
- They have undergone the appropriate safety training
- Their warranty includes contractor’s mistakes during installation
- They have a high rating on the Better Business Bureau website
Gather Quotes and Negotiate a Claim
After verifying your companies of interest, it’s time to start gathering roofing estimates. These quotes will either be based on the scale of your installation or your insurance claim for a repair.
Reputable, professional roofing contractors will not offer to act on your behalf to negotiate insurance claims, as this represents a conflict of interest. Do not feel pressured to sign a contract or offer any payment before knowing the insurance estimate for the damage.
What To Avoid in a Roofing Contractor
Homeowners should be aware of a few red flags when looking for a roofing contractor. These include any refusal to share their license or qualifications and any offers to handle the insurance claim for them.
It’s also best to avoid roofing contractors who:
- Don’t offer you a variety of roofing shingle options to suit your home and the neighborhood’s style
- Aren’t clear and straightforward in their communication
- Fail to provide quotes when requested after an insurance claim
- Display a lack of professionalism (for example, showing up late)
- Have poor local reviews or none at all
- Don’t use reputable suppliers for roofing materials
Always err on the side of caution when choosing a roofing contractor, and double-check all qualifications and claims. Choose someone who demonstrates reliability and timeliness and has a positive reputation among your neighbors. Never feel pressured to choose the first contractor you speak with.
Turn to Gotcha Covered Contracting
Gotcha Covered Contracting offers reliable roofing services to Pittsburgh and its surrounding cities. Our exceptional customer service and detailed roofing repairs and installations make us one of the most trusted contractors in the area. Whether you need residential or commercial roofing, our experienced team can help.
Let our skilled contractors handle your roofing, siding, or gutters. You can count on our licensed team to provide unbeatable work that protects your home’s structural integrity and curb appeal.
Visit our roofing page to learn more about how to choose the right roofing contractor, or call 724-581-8147 to schedule an inspection today.
