If you are a homeowner in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, or Maine, you are aware that your home’s first defense against most severe weather conditions is your roof. It should be leak-free, windproof, fire-resistant, and durable for several years through the harshest New England weather. It should also be attractive, not an eye sore. Whether you’re in need of a new roofing system, roof replacement, or simply roof repair in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, or Maine, it’s time to find yourself an excellent roofing contractor. Though it will take time, due diligence is required, and following the tips below will be a great approach to choosing your next roofer in New England, (MA, NH, ME, RI).
When you begin your search you will want to interview several roofing companies. Create a list of questions to ask each potential contractor. Some of the info you should collect is as follows,
- First of all, what is your initial reaction of the contractor? How was your first impression? You can often cut your contractor list down after the first call.
- How many years of experience does the roofing contractor have?
- Their business license number, if they have one. They should!
- Be sure they have the correct contractor license and registration for your state. Some states differ; use the Contractors License website to check the requirements of your New England state.
- Run a credit check.
- Contact your local Better Business Bureau for any history of complaints filed against your potential roofing contractor.
- Type of insurance they carry.
- The training and years of experience the roofing workers and project manager have.
- Ask for certifications and proof of insurance.
- Ask the roofing company for a list of references and call them!
After you’ve narrowed down your list it’s time to collect estimates. Allow me to make a critical point: Do not make your decision based on price. As you interview several Boston-area roofers, you’ll find that their prices vary dramatically for the same job. The reason some roofers charge more is to allow them to profitably perform maintenance on your roof down the road, or for any unforeseen issues that arise during the construction process. In this case, if they do uncover a separate issue during the roof construction they will see to fixing it rather than letting it fall by the wayside. Whereas if you drive the price down where the contractor is barely covering their costs, the lower end contractors will have no incentive to help with other roofing issues or maintenance down the road.
After you have gathered your estimates from the contractors hold off on cutting your list down unless you feel absolutely certain, as more emphasis should be placed on the proposal. When you receive your list of proposals/contracts there are a few things to consider:
- Workmanship Certificates
- Roofing Warranties
- Project completion date
- Roofing materials to be used
- Description of roof work
- Safety Procedures
- Building and roofing permits required
- Your payment method and payment schedule
- Proof of payment
- Hours of service
- Info on any roofing subcontractor use
- Cleanup method
Overall, the roofing company you choose should have the experience and knowledge to install the roofing system you desire, as well as being ‘approved’ by the material manufacturers. Now it’s time for your contractor to go to work. You should feel comfortable working alongside your roofer and taking part in the decision making process of the job. Have fun! The construction of your roof should be an enjoyable experience that you have pride in.
Give Olympic Roofing a call at (978) 887-8876 and let us show you how we can help with your next roofing project. We provider roof installation, roof repair, gutter repair, ice dam removal, and many more services in the Greater Boston area and all throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine.
Olympic Roofing has proudly been serving the Boston area for over 50 years. We are New England’s premier roofing contractor, while also specializing in siding, painting, and home additions. Please contact us if you’re interested in learning more about our services, and we would be glad to prepare a customized solution for you and your property.
Ten Tips For Choosing a Roofing Contractor
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