Roofing is one of the largest and most expensive projects for the home, so it’s important to take the time to find a commercial roofing contractor you trust. Finding the best roofer for your home can be a confusing and challenging undertaking. However, there are some tips to find the best roofing experts in the business to get your job done quickly and effectively. These include:
Choose a Company Committed to Safety and Education
When exploring different companies, ask what type of safety training is provided to their workers and the industry education programs they have attended. This ensures the workers are safe, know what they are doing, and stay updated on the latest trends and construction methods. The best roofing companies are only as good as their workers, so if they are well-versed then they will likely do an excellent job. Foster Roofing has a strict OSHA policy developed by a OSHA compliance company to ensure training and policies are always current.
Confirm They Are Insured
Before signing any contracts, make sure the roofing experts are insured with liability and worker’s compensation insurance. Request to see the insurance certificates and even call the insurance company to authorize that they are valid. Foster Roofing has General Liability and Workman’s Compensation insurance policies exceeding the state standards.
Ensure the Commercial Roofing Experts have Excellent Communication
Like in any type of professional position, communication is paramount to ensuring a smooth roof installation or repair. The best roofing experts will possess this skill. There are a few easy ways to judge a contractor’s communication skills, including:
- Did they follow through on promises?
- Did they return your phone calls?
- Did they send the requested documentation?
If any of these questions are a “no,” then you should look for another contractor. If you’re at the beginning of this process and are already having issues getting information, imagine trying to work through a roof installation. Foster Roofing prides itself on communication before, during and after the roofing process on numerous platforms.
Get Everything in Writing
Business 101: get it in writing. As the customer, you’re in control and must document all details of the transaction before the job begins. This includes when the work will be completed, payment terms, material and labor costs, size of the crew, permit costs, etc. At the end of the job, ensure you’re satisfied with the work before completing the full payment.
The Lowest Price Isn’t Always the Best
One of the biggest mistakes is to select a company based on the price. Cheap bids lower the market and roofing experts who have proper insurance and overhead are more expensive so they can cover these costs. Those who work out of a pickup truck or do roofing jobs on the side will always be cheaper, but you’re unlikely to be protected as a consumer if there’s a problem. Like with any product or service, you get what you pay for.
Those who only judge a company based on price will end up spending more to fix problems, most of which would have been part of a workmanship guarantee provided by the slightly more expensive but highly reputable and well-established roofing company. Foster Roofing has been providing quality commercial roofing services since 1994 each roof installation comes with a warranty and guarantee of workmanship.
Online Reviews are your Best Friend
When going through the bidding process, look online for different roofing experts. There is an endless number of review sites and the best contractors have the highest stars with the greatest number of reviews. Read the positives and negatives and make sure to look at the dates. Several years ago, a company may have provided terrible service but could have since turned around and vice-versa.
Select a Local Contractor
Always select a contractor who is local and has earned a positive reputation in the community. In many cases, the non-local company moves vanishes or closes. Any company can give you a warranty piece of paper, but it is only as good as the reputation and longevity of the company.
Steer Clear of ‘Storm Chasers’
“Storm Chasers” are those who knock on your door introducing themselves as the neighborhood roofers. This is just a solicitation and doesn’t mean you should automatically give them the business. Most of these types of roofers will say that you have storm damage (hence “Storm Chasers”) and get you to sign a letter of intent to fix it. Don’t fall for forceful tactics and know that you’re never required to sign any letters or contracts. Instead, select a roofer from a referral from a satisfied customer in your area or look online at reviews for the best roofing experts.
If you’re looking for the best roofing experts in your area, remember to check their commitment to safety and education, confirm they’re insured, get the details in writing and choose a local contractor while not judging a company solely based on price. Also, ensure they have excellent communication and stay away from the “Storm Chasers.” If you follow these tips, you’ll soon have the roof of your dreams!
For more information about hiring a Commercial Roofing contractor, contact Foster Roofing in NW Arkansas and River Valley today online or give us a call at (479) 751-2300 in NW Arkansas and (479) 308-0413 in Foster Valley.