Like doctors, most people won’t call a roof contractor until a problem happens. As such, many people find themselves in the position of needing to find someone quickly which can lead to costly mistakes.
Even through the busy times you can find a good roof contractor if you take the time to check.
When looking for a roof contractor to repair or replace your roof look out for the following:
Sketchy practices and appearance
Many roof scams occur from the back of a truck. These guys drive around from state to state, following large storm systems knowing that most legitimate roof contractors will be booked. They may throw low-cost flyers around a neighborhood or even advertise “free roofs” (via insurance) in local publications and websites. If it looks and feels off, trust your instincts, you’re probably right.
Out of state tags
Local roof contractors have a stake in the community. They are easier to find and contact should something go wrong plus often understand the local conditions and weather better to ensure that your roof system is most effective. Hiring local not only helps ensure you get the quality roof you need but helps the local economy by providing jobs and local pride!
Insufficient or suspicious references
Most roof contractors have an up-to-date list of customers for referral purposes. The more of these the better! Ask for references and check them out! If the contractor cannot provide but a few (or worse none) or the references seem fishy, be suspicious.Ask for more and check online for third-party reviews. If you’re concerns aren’t alleviated by these testimonials, look elsewhere.
No online presence or a sketchy website
Local roof contractors who are serious about their business puts real time and effort into their websites. Not only being the first impression many see, a website should provide all the information necessary to make an informed decision. Look for links to certifications, awards, and other third party reviews.
Websites are easy to make but aren’t easy to make right. If a company doesn’t care about the appearance of their website or it’s contents, you have to wonder about their work.
No formal staff
There is much more to providing quality roof contracting services than just putting the roof up. From the initial inspection to the final clean-up, there is a lot to do to make sure the job is done right before, during, and after the sale. To do the job right you need proper staff to handle sales, installation, and especially customer service.
The one-man or small one crew company may be able to give you a decent roof at a lower price but what happens when there’s a problem? What about storms, when fully-staffed companies are busy, how can the one man shop take care of your warranty problem?
Observing any of these warning signs should give you pause before signing anything. Reputable, local roof contractors are in every major city and are found easily.
Your roof protects everything you love, don’t just hand it over to anyone. Do your homework and make sure you don’t get ripped off!
In Metro Atlanta, call Atlanta Roofing Specialists at 770-419-2222 for a free no obligation estimate from a company you can trust!