Your Guide to Choosing a Contractor

By MARCO Industries.  

Insights to help you through the process of hiring the best contractor for the job. 

There are a lot of options to choose from when it comes to contractors, and choosing one that is reputable and quality is a critical decision with a big investment like roof repair or replacement.  

You want to make a well-informed decision about which contractor you hire to do the work. Follow this guide through your hiring process to make sure you are saving time and money by choosing the best options out there.  

Research 

It is important to select a contractor with a good reputation and a successful track record. The best way to start is to ask friends and neighbors who have recently replaced roofs for recommendations. Talking to your local roofing material suppliers for recommendations is also a smart move. Of course, searching the internet and reading reviews are also good sources of information. Finally, make sure the contractor you select has a local address. You want to make sure they are around if you have any issues…and you want to avoid the “storm chaser” variety of roofing contractors. 

Dig deeper 

Once you have some candidates you are interested in, you can narrow the field by asking for more information. Ask for customer references and make sure they have experience installing metal roofs. This is a different skill set than installing other types of roofing. Also, make sure they do this work themselves. Some may claim to have metal roofing expertise but then sub-contract metal projects. 

It is important to ask what types of inspections they do as well. Simply inspecting and measuring the roof to provide a quote is not enough. They should also complete a thorough attic inspection to address ventilation, moisture, structural and other issues. 

Ask them for a copy of the General Contractor’s License and verify that they have proof of worker’s compensation insurance for their installation crew to protect you from liability. They should also be able to show you proof of General Liability Insurance (which will protect you financially from damage caused to your property during installation). 

Finally, make sure they are up to date on OSHA safety requirements for roofers and are able to secure proper permits for the job. 

Get a quote 

Of course, you’ll want to get an estimate from at least three different contractors. Compare the quotes and make sure they are apples to apples. Some quotes may include additional services that others do not, such as tearing off the old roof. Contractors may be quoting different materials, too. This can have a major impact on the price. One contractor may quote a much lower price, but they may be using sub-standard materials to keep prices down. Make sure your contractor can walk you through the materials they recommend and why (superior performance, better warranty, etc.). 

Sort the details 

Once you’ve narrowed it down to a contractor, you’re comfortable with, meet with them to iron out some details and get them in writing in your contract. Those details should include: 

• Start date 

• End date 

• Payment schedule (do not pay in full before all the work is complete) 

• Work details (where will material be stored? How much space will the crew require?) 

• Warranties on products and workmanship 

These insights will help guide you to metal roofing contractors who will offer quality and expertise when it comes to installation, materials and a working relationship—saving you a lot of time and money and protecting you against unpleasant surprises. 

Have a question? AskARoofer.

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

Original article source: MARCO Industries