The Homeowner’s Guide to Finding the Right Roofer - Part 1

By CertainTeed.

How to generate a list of reputable contractors.

Crucial to the success of your roofing project is selecting a contractor that is dependable. Finding the right contractor will guarantee a quality roof and that you have invested wisely in your roofing project. Determining the right person for the job is no small feat, it requires a lot of due diligence. Follow these five steps to compile a list of potential roofing contractors to choose from: 

1 - Post a call for referrals — Referrals are the best place to start when commencing a search for reputable contractors. With the proliferation of social media, you no longer have to limit your research to neighbors and close friends. Alert the local audience on your social media platform of choice that you are looking to replace your roof and ask if they have a contractor who they would recommend. When you receive a referral, be sure to follow up by asking these four questions: 

• Would you hire this contractor again or recommend them to a family member? 
• Were you satisfied with the quality of the work? 
• Was the contractor responsive to questions and provide regular updates as the job progressed? 
• Was the job completed on time (barring weather delays) and at the estimated price? 

2 - Search online — Most businesses now have a presence on social media so check out sites such as Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram to peruse reviews and photos of a contractor’s latest work. Be cautious if a site is not regularly maintained or the photos seem dated – it may indicate a lack of interest in maintaining a professional image. Location and reviews for roofing contractors also can be found on sites such as Google, Yelp, and HomeAdvisor.  

3 - Investigate professional organizations — Local roofing trade associations – whose members are contractors – can be excellent sources of information. Take a look at organizations like the National Roofing Contractors Association and regional roofing contractor associations. 

4 - Locate manufacturer referral services — Established manufacturers like CertainTeed typically have their own base of preferred contractors who have undergone manufacturer-specific, education-based training. CertainTeed’s Find a Pro, for example, searches for contractors across the United States and Canada by location or ZIP code, and provides you with a comprehensive list that includes their address, customer ratings, and service/credential updates. 

5 - Visit your local distributor/dealer — The first stop in this case is not the large home center or retail store chain, but instead the professional building material distributors that work with reputable contractors on a regular basis. These local distributors often can recommend contractors with whom they have good working relationships, do quality work, and pay their bills on time. 

Read part 2 and learn how to evaluate contractors and find one committed to providing the best roofing system possible.

Have a question? AskARoofer.

Find your local roofing contractor in the RoofersCoffeeShop® Contractor Directory.

Original article source: CertainTeed