How to Find the Ideal Roofing Contractor
You need a roofing contractor, but you’re unsure where to turn. Maybe you have storm damage, or perhaps your roof is leaking. There are many options, but how do you choose the right roofing contractor for you?
There are several aspects you should consider when it’s time to find a roofing contractor in the Twin Cities area. We’ll show you how to choose the right roofing contractor for your needs.
Understanding Roofing Contractor Qualifications
When deciding on a roofing contractor, you’ll want to check out at least two to three different contractors before making your final decision. This will ensure you receive the best quotes with the best service.
The first thing to be aware of is your roofing contractor’s qualifications. Each contractor must meet the criteria of their municipality. In Minnesota, each roofing contractor is required to have the following:
- A valid roofing license from the state
- Requires passing a background check
- Requires passing a pre-licensing examination
- Appropriate certificates of insurance
- Bonded and power of attorney
When choosing a contractor for yourself, additional qualifications to consider are:
- Willing to provide references
- Willing to give an estimate
Verify the Services They Offer
Not all roofing contractors perform the same types of services. Depending on what you’re looking for, some roofing contractors might excel at one service over another. Some of the most common roofing services include:
Read Reviews or Get Referrals
When considering a roofing contractor, your best bet is to read reviews about the company on places like Google or Yelp and check for reviews on their website.
Another way to find a reputable contractor is to ask for referrals from friends and family who are satisfied with someone they worked with previously. Friends, family, or neighbors you trust will give you a good indication of the contractor’s work.
Meet Them in Person
You can tell more about a person in the way they present themselves in person rather than over the phone. Make sure to schedule a consultation with each roofing contractor to have them check out the home in person and provide a written estimate.
When talking to a roofing contractor, ask about labor and manpower, the extent of the work to be done, and roofing materials. While meeting with the contractor, make sure to observe them carefully. They should be knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and professional. Ask them all your questions and ask for references, too.
Check Prior Work
A good way to understand what a contractor can do is by checking out their previous work and projects. This can be through an online gallery of previous work or by checking out the work done for your friends and family. If you like what you see, then that could be a good indication that you’ve found the right roofing contractor.
Consider the Estimates & Breadth of Work
After you’ve talked to several contractors, consider each estimate. Compare the estimates against each other and see which ones have the best cost for the work. The lowest bid is not always the best bid.
Ensure you are confident in the roofing contractor you choose, even if they’re not the lowest bidder. Your peace of mind is important, so don’t forget to consider your feelings about the contractors and knowledge level before choosing one to work with.
Payment Terms or Financing
Having a roof replaced is a big job for your wallet. While investigating roofing contractors, be sure to check their payment terms and ask if they offer financing. Financing can be a great way to pay off your roof replacement without shelling out your savings. Most companies will work with your needs to find the right option for you.
Trust Your Instincts
While this tip is not exactly quantifiable, it’s still important to listen to your instincts or your gut when choosing a contractor to work with. If a particular contractor makes you feel uncomfortable, you should listen to that instinct.
After all, you need to trust your contractor to do the work right the first time, and, in many cases, they may be working extensively inside your home. Keeping tabs on your gut instinct is essential.
Warranties and Guarantees
When working with a roofing contractor, ask them about their warranties and guarantees. Many contractors will offer a workmanship warranty that covers any problems associated with the roof installation. You will also need to ask about manufacturer warranties to ensure any manufacturing defects are covered should something happen.
Request a Quote From Timberline Roofing & Contracting Today!
Now that you know how to find a roofing contractor, make sure to call Timberline Roofing & Contracting to receive an estimate for your roof project. Check out our reviews and our gallery for previous work we’ve completed.
Call us today at 612-284-5329 or contact us via our website. We look forward to working with you!