Many people try to do their own home repairs. It is easy to look at instructions and videos online and try to tackle a repair themselves. When it comes to roof repair and replacement, however, hiring a roofing professional is worth it.
A professional roofer has years of experience. No video can give you the knowledge the comes from years of training and practice. A professional roofer also knows about the materials and tools needed to get the job done correctly. Roofing is more complex that it initially seems and missing a small point can lead to problems later. An experienced roofer will also know where to look for the root of the problem, what caused the leak or damage in the first place. A professional roofing company will be licensed and insured. New roofs installed by a professional roofing company come with warranties. DIY projects can't get help for faulty work or materials.
Climbing up on a roof is dangerous work. Falls from roofs are a common occurrence. A professional roofer has been trained in the proper way to move materials to the rooftop and has all the safety equipment and experience needed to get the job done safely.
Repair or replacing a residential roof is a big job. It can take a professional roofing crew two or more days to finish a home. A DIY job will take much longer as it lacks the proper tools, equipment, know-how, and man power. A DIYer will need to look up instructions and refer to reference materials while a professional already knows how to get the task completed. Not only is getting it done quickly more convenient, but the roof is exposed during the process, which can result in further or developing problems.
Doing it yourself, as opposed to hiring a professional contractor doesn't save as much money as it might seem. Roofing companies can get materials at a discounted rate so they get better quality materials for the dollar. A DIY project will most likely require purchasing new tools. There are long term costs resulting from mistakes, improper materials and installation. Professionally roofed homes have fewer maintenance costs in the long run.
If there is a possibility you will be selling your home in coming years, hiring a qualified professional roofer adds value to your home. In addition to design and curb appeal, a home inspector will recognize a professionally installed roof. Warranties will transfer to the new owner and they will also have access to the information on the roof's materials and construction. These things give potential buyers peace of mind therefore making your home more desirable.
Before you climb onto your roof, consider all the benefits of hiring a professional roofing contractor to get the job done right.
Hiring a roofing contractor can be a challenge, as there are some people who claim to be professional roofers when simply not. Homeowners run into several problems when searching for roofers. These problems include the large amount of roofing contractors who are unlicensed and uninsured and roofers who were not trained properly. Many of these unqualified roofers seem skilled and competent and homeowners are misled into hiring them. For these homeowners, the end result is often a poorly installed roof.
Family and Friend Recommendations
Your family, friends and coworkers can be the best resource when searching for a roofer. If your friends or family were happy with a roofer, then chances are you will be, too. Spend time asking your friends and family questions about the roofing contractor they used. Include questions about whether the job completed on time; the cleanup was thorough; and whether the roofer agreed to come back for any necessary repairs.
References
References are extremely important when hiring a roofer. It's important to ask for references and to speak to the homeowners the roofer has worked for. Ask for the addresses of homes in your neighborhood where the roofer completed work. Drive by and get a first-hand look at the roof. A good roofing contractor will be proud of his work and should be willing to provide you with this information.
Online Resources
There are several reliable Web sites on the Internet that provide information on dependable contractors in your area. These sites have reviews of contractors and usually list only licensed roofers.
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
The Better Business Bureau is a good source for researching information about a specific roofing company. You can also do a search for roofers who are in good "A+" standing. You can search the BBB online or contact your local BBB branch office. If the roofer you are interested in had a complaint against him, find out the nature of the complaint and how it was resolved.
Proper Credentials
Almost every city and state require roofing contractors to have a license. Make sure your roofing contractor is licensed, insured or bonded if required in your area. Roofers should also have liability insurance and a workers' compensation certificate. Ask to see licenses and make sure they are valid.
Contract and Warranty
Be wary Click here for more info of a roofer who does not want to give you an estimate and or contract in writing. You should be provided with a detailed estimate, including the cost breakdown of supplies, number of layers to be removed and the shingle name and color. Also ask about shingle manufacturer's product line and the warranty for the products used. A timeline should also be included.
Additional Tips:
o Customer satisfaction - How important is customer satisfaction to you? A roofer who is pleasant to work with is a good sign that your contractor cares about what he is doing.
o Do not be afraid to ask a lot of questions.
o Conduct a search on the Internet of the name of the roofer and of the company. See if you find any questionable information.
o Never pay for the entire job up-front.