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Choose A Roofing Contractor With Care
Here are some recommendations if you need to have your roof replaced:
- Check to see if your contractor has a license and proof of insurance. Check with local consumer protection agencies to see if a contractor faced any complaints.
- Make sure the contractor has a permanent place of business, one way to screen out fly-by-night roofers.
- Check to see if your contractor has a license and proof of insurance. Check with local consumer protection agencies to see if a contractor faced any complaints.
- Make sure the contractor has a permanent place of business, one way to screen out fly-by-night roofers.
- Look at shingles in person before choosing a style and color, rather than relying on a roof manufacturer's website or a brochure. Color can look dramatically different on an actual shingle than it does in a picture.
- Get several estimates. Make sure they are in writing and cover everything.
- Get familiar with roofing terms so you'll know what contractors are talking
- Get several estimates. Make sure they are in writing and cover everything.
- Get familiar with roofing terms so you'll know what contractors are talking
about and won't be dazzled by such terms as "integrated roofing system." Sheathing, flashing, drip edge, facia, felt and underlayment are terms you will likely hear.
- Be sure to get a lien release from the contractor before you make your final payment. A lien release is a simple statement from the contractor that payment was received for the specific work performed, and that the contractor waives any right to a claim or lien against the homeowner. This protects the homeowner if the contractor fails to pay a third party, such as the roofing supplier.
- Be sure to get two warranties from the contractor: one for labor and another for the shingles.
- Be sure to get a lien release from the contractor before you make your final payment. A lien release is a simple statement from the contractor that payment was received for the specific work performed, and that the contractor waives any right to a claim or lien against the homeowner. This protects the homeowner if the contractor fails to pay a third party, such as the roofing supplier.
- Be sure to get two warranties from the contractor: one for labor and another for the shingles.
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related video: Choosing a roofing contractor
State Farm: How to select a roofing contractor.
