Looking for, researching and hiring a roof contractor can seem like a daunting task, especially if you don’t know someone in the business. It doesn’t have to be. Doing just a little research into potential roof contractors can go a long way towards making sure you make the right decision.
Before hiring or spending any money, take the time to learn how to evaluate any roof contractor you are considering.
The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), of which Atlanta Roofing Specialists is a proud member, has offered some information that can be helpful in getting the results you expect at a fair price.
1 Check for a permanent place of business, telephone number, tax identification number and, where required, a business or trade license.
2 Insist on seeing copies of the contractor’s liability insurance coverage and workers’ compensation certificates. Make sure the coverages are in effect through the duration of the job. (Note: U.S. workers’ compensation laws vary by state. Consult your state’s laws to determine workers’ compensation insurance requirements.) Also make sure any certificates have the correct company name listed as the insured.
3 Look for a company with a proven track record that readily offers client references and a list of completed projects. CALL these clients to find out whether they were satisfied.
4 Insist on a written proposal and examine it for complete descriptions of the work specifications and warranties with approximate starting and completion dates and payment procedures.
5 Check to see whether the contractor is a member of any local, state, regional or national roofing industry associations, such as NRCA, GRSCA. Ect.
6 Call or visit your local Better Business Bureau’s website to check for any complaints that have been filed. Check with different referral services such as Angie’s list, Yelp, Kudzu, Best Pick Reports, Ect.
7 Have the contractor explain his or her project supervision and quality-control procedures. Request the name of the person who will be in charge, how many workers will be required and the estimated time of completion.
8 Carefully read and understand any roofing warranty offered and watch for provisions that would void it. Keep a healthy skepticism about the lowest bid. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Remember, price is only one criterion for selecting a roofing contractor. Professionalism and quality workmanship also should weigh heavily on your decision.
If, for whatever reason, you are unable to use Atlanta Roofing Specialists for your next roofing project, using these tips can help ensure you get what you pay for and won’t get ripped off!
If you are in the Metro Atlanta Area, Atlanta Roofing Specialists is available to help you today! Outside of Atlanta, please “Do Your Homework!” and avoid the scams and rip offs! Check out the NRCA’s website at www.nrca.net for information on roofers in YOUR area!
About the NRCA:
NRCA, a nonprofit trade association, is one of the construction industry’s most respected organizations and the voice and leading authority in the roofing industry for information, education, technology and advocacy.
NRCA offers a service to help consumers locate NRCA-member professional roofing contractors in specific geographic areas. NRCA’s website allows roofing consumers to search for roofing contractors by ZIP code, type of roof system and radius; it also provides a wide range of information and services to help building owners and homeowners make informed decisions about replacing and maintaining their roof systems. This information can be obtained from NRCA’s website at www.nrca.net.