Your roof protects your home and you need to feel good about the contractor you are thinking of hiring. To assist you in your search, we have provided 8 tips to look for in roofing contractors for the Edmonton metropolitan region.
#1. Local references and roofing testimonials
Investigate the track record of any roofer or contractor you consider hiring. Local experience is important so look for companies that are well established in your community. Earning trust takes time and they will have a sense of responsibility to keep their reputation intact. Fly-by-night roofers are just that; here today, gone tomorrow.
Best practice is to ask for a list of recent customers and call them. Get recommendations from friends, relatives, neighbours, and co-workers.
#2. Licensing and Insurance
As a homeowner, it is important to ask for proof of insurance before a contractor starts working on your home. Your home insurance policy may provide some protection, but working with an uninsured contractor can also create uninsured risks such as bodily injury or damages to your property. A reputable roofing company will have both WCB insurance, and general liability insurance. He should be willing to provide proof if asked.
#3. Professional Presentation with Good Communication
The roofing contractor should consider your needs versus your wants and provide you with options that fit your budget. He needs to explain everything in a timely manner and in such a way that you understand the full process.
#4. Expect a Written Quote with full transparency
Get a detailed quote before any work begins with a breakdown of both labour and materials and make sure that includes any oral promises. It is always a best practice to get multiple quotes and then you can compare apples to apples. Ask for explanations on price variations, and don’t automatically choose the lowest bidder. Make sure you get a final copy of any documents that you have signed.
#5. ASK WHO IS DOING THE WORK
Most companies use sub-contractors. Braymar Roofing does not! We are a family-run business and we show up to do the work with our own crew. We specialize in installing asphalt shingles, skylights and sun tunnels. If you require additional related services like eaves toughing, and exterior siding, we will certainly refer you to someone we consider trustworthy.
#6. Works with high-quality products
A reputable roofing company will offer you a variety of shingle and roofing products that you can pick from. If they do not offer you options in price, colour, or style, they’re not looking out for your best interest.
#7. Caution when you’re asked to pay money upfront
A reputable and financially stable contractor does not need money upfront in order to proceed with a project. Too often we hear from a homeowner that their job was never completed or even started after they paid money upfront to a contractor. Unfortunately, that guy is long gone with the cash, never to be found.
In Alberta, contractors that ask for money upfront must have a special prepaid business license. There are special rules for contractors who accept money before work is complete. These contractors are considered prepaid contractors. They must be licensed by Service Alberta and post security. The majority of contractors do not have this status. So if a contractor is asking for money upfront, he needs to provide proof of the type of license he is operating under.
#8. Written Warranties
Your roofer should provide a written warranty on their workmanship PLUS a written manufacturer’s warranty for the materials. If the manufacturer has certified your roofer, you can even get an optional extended warranty.