Many home and business owners ask, “How do I pick the right Salem roofing contractor?” Here are some tips for how you can pick the best contractor for your project.
Whether you’ve decided that you need a new roof installation, a roof removal and re-roofing job, or simple roof maintenance, it is important to choose the right Salem roofer. Choosing the wrong contractor could lead to much costlier damage over time, so be sure to choose carefully the first time! We might be a little bit biased, but be sure to get an estimate from us if you’re looking for a roofing contractor in Salem, Oregon or surrounding areas (including Portland’s many suburbs). That said, here are five helpful hints for picking the right roofing contractor the first time:
- Read Customer Reviews and Ask for References
A reputable roofing contractor will have customer testimonials available for you to read online through a moderated consumer review site like Yelp. Yelp ensures that reviews cannot be faked or altered by making sure that companies cannot pay to have their reviews removed. If a company has bad reviews, or doesn’t even have a Yelp page, be wary! If you want to talk to previous customers for yourself, be sure to ask your contractor for a list of references that you can call to ask how satisfied they have been with their roof. Any honest and experienced roofing contractor should be able to provide real previous customer references. - Verify the Contractor’s General Liability Insurance
If a roofing contractor doesn’t have general liability insurance, their overhead costs will be cheaper, and they might be able to give you a lower rate. This is one example of why the cheapest option isn’t always the best option. If something were to go wrong during the installation of your roof, general liability insurance would cover the damages. An uninsured roofing contractor could spell disaster if damage is done to your home, because it is possible that they wouldn’t be able to cover the damages and this could result in years of paperwork, arbitration, or even further legal action. - Verify the Contractor’s Manufacturer Certifications
If your roofer is not certified by their manufacturers, chances are, they will not be able to provide you with an acceptable labor or material warranty. Certifications can help give you ease of mind, because you’ll know that the contractor has been trained extensively and is a trusted installer by the particular manufacturer you choose. To verify certification status, simply give the manufacturer a call and ask about your prospective contractor’s certification standing. - Make Sure the Contractor is Bonded
You will definitely want to make sure that your roofing contractor is bonded. For a contractor to be bonded through the state, they must have their appropriate license and fulfill any contractual guarantees. If the contractors fail to uphold their end of the contract, a claim can be filed on the bond, and the contractor will be required to pay. The point of these bonds is to protect consumers. - Carefully Review the Contract
It is vital to understand the language used in your roofing contract. The contract should state your rights, your contractor’s rights, the materials being used, the cost, and the warranty information. If you don’t understand something, ask for clarification or let your lawyer review the paperwork. Understand the work that is to be done, when it will be done, how much it will cost, and how you will pay.
Keep these five helpful hints in mind as you are selecting your roofing contractor. If you’d like more advice on picking the right roofing contractor, give our Salem, Oregon office a call today at (503) 585-2338 or send us an email via our contact page.
