In an earlier blog post, we wrote about contractor red flags that should send you running for the hills and looking elsewhere to do business. These included people not showing up for consultations, providing subpar assessments, lacking the proper credentials, and having no or poor reputations.
It would be nice to know before you started a large project that you’ve hired a reliable roofing contractor, wouldn’t it? Here’s what to look for.
1. Showing Up On Time
Many contractors make appointments to inspect your roof before giving you a quote and then just don’t show up. Talk about red flags and bad first impressions. You never want to hire a company that doesn’t set the right tone. Unfortunately, this is not uncommon in our industry.
A good start is when your contractor shows up on time for the initial consultation and answers all of your questions so that they can provide you with a project estimate.
2. Proof Of License And Insurance
It’s a bare minimum for a roofer to be licensed and insured, and they should be comfortable providing you with their license number and proof of insurance, which should include general liability insurance that is more than the cost of your home. Licenses do get revoked and suspended, so be sure to look up their license via the Illinois Department of Financial and professional Regulation.
3. Providing Detailed Quote/Estimate
Much more goes into a quote than just the final price. A quote offered to you by a reliable roofer will detail all of the products used and should document their business address and warranties, which should be in writing.
You will find that reliable roofers offer middle to high-end pricing because they pay for quality labor to complete the project on time and on budget.
4. Honesty
You are entitled to transparency.
A professional knows more about roofing than you do, and they need be honest about their process and costs. It’s a good sign when a roofer explains to you why one product is better than another or why one installation technique will give you a better roof.
5. Ongoing Communication
Communication is an essential skill for any roofer. Starting with the initial consultation and even after the work is completed, you should expect consistent outreach. Good contractors will provide updates at every phase of the repair or replacement and contact you immediately if a matter arises. They will also check in following the installation to see if you have any questions.
When investing in something as important as your roof, you deserve the peace-of-mind that comes with working with a contractor who’s got the goods.
The Len Roofing & Remodeling Difference
When we say that we’re a top-quality home remodeling and roofing company that serves the North Shore and surrounding Chicagoland area, we back it up. We do more than simply cover the basics: we show up on time and nail it. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 847-768-6000 or visit our contact page.