With the internet, it’s easy to find whatever you’re looking for. A place to get sushi, buy a new pair of shoes, or what movie is playing at 6:30 p.m. on a Wednesday. Once you’ve made a decision, you can take to social media, review sites like Angie’s List, and other reference points to read reviews of the place you’ve chosen.
There’s a certain science to it of course. If a place is absolutely loved (or hated) by everyone, it’s easier to make a decision. Does a business have a mix of good and bad? Or is the reception just kind of lukewarm?
If you’re hungry, you may be willing to give that Mediterranean place down the street a chance. After all, what do you have to lose? If it’s terrible, it cost you less than $10 to find out. If it’s great, you’ve found a new place to nosh!
When it comes to something more substantial, like servicing the roof that protects your most important asset, you’ll need to dig a little bit deeper. A gyro is one thing, finding someone to install a roof, repair flashing, or replace a skylight is decidedly more important.
Choosing A Roofing Contractor
It doesn’t matter if you’re performing home improvements to get your house ready to sell or working on your forever home. When hiring a roofer, you want to make sure they know what they’re doing, act professionally, and have the experience to get the job done right.
Once you have a list of two or three contractors, it’s time to dive in. Check out their websites for standard information. How long they’ve been in business, are they licensed, bonded, and insured in your state, and the services they offer. Do they offer free estimates and inspect the home beforehand?
Are you’re thinking about replacing your existing asphalt shingles with metal roofing? Does the roofer even have the knowledge to perform that service? If their website doesn’t mention it or have examples of their work, the answer is probably not.
A better bet would be to find a roofing company that features metal roofing either on the home page or in their services section. What types of roofing do they work on? Do they offer repair and replacement services? Do they offer a selection of roofing shingles and other materials?
Should Price be a Consideration?
Roofing costs are always going to be a consideration when hiring a roofer. Obviously, having a roof installed is going to be more than repairing the flashing around a skylight. But you have a budget for a reason – it’s what you can afford.
Does the roofing company constantly try to upsell you or do their estimates keep changing? There are times when damage can’t be seen until the roof comes off. But are they charging you for gutter service when you didn’t ask for that? Walk away.
Considering a roof replacement, but balk at the cost? Does the company take the time to explain the costs or offer alternatives? Or do they walk away if you can’t meet their price? That’s the difference between a roofing company that wants to help clients and one that just wants your money.
Are they easy to find?
Speaking of websites, it doesn’t have to be the flashiest site on the market. It should be easy to navigate, though, and present their information clearly. If they have no website at all, perhaps they have their business on Facebook. Or they show up in a business directory.
Can’t find them online at all? That should be a red flag. Every business or company needs to register with Washington State. If you can’t even find them in a state database, you probably want to pass them by. No matter how much your cousin raves about them.
Having an established business means an extra layer of security. They’re easier to contact for more information, scheduling, and any issues that might come up. Fly-by-night contractors may give you a cheaper estimate, but there’s no guarantee they’ll do it correctly, finish the job, or even show up in the first place.
Hiring a roofing company can be stressful. You want to make the right choice but can’t take out a second mortgage to get it done. When you work with Warner Roofing, we’ll do a thorough inspection and present a fair price. We offer a wide variety of roofing materials that will last more than 50 years.
If your roof is beginning to show its age, or you’re considering a home remodel, contact Warner Roofing and Construction. We’ve been working in Clark County since 1992, are licensed, bonded, and insured, and deliver professional work with exceptional customer service. We look forward to hearing from you.
