How to Choose the Right Roofing Contractor
If you're considering replacing your roof, you need the right contractor. With all of the web clutter and options, how do you make heads or tails out of choosing the right contractor for your home improvement project?
Here are eight time-tested tips for selecting the best contractor for your project.
Check credentials: Before making your choice, call your local Better Business Bureau and affiliated state and community agencies for a company history of complaints and resolutions to make sure the dealer is reputable.
Ask for references: Current customers are an excellent source of information and are often willing to share their experience.
Check local licenses: Ask to see any applicable state and local licenses, bonding, and insurance coverage.
Get a detailed written proposal: Beware of a dealer that does not back-up their offer in a detailed written proposal. A detailed written proposal is one sign of a quality contractor.
Ask about warranties and guarantees: Equipment/labor warranties and guarantees vary according to manufacturer and dealer. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and demand that they are included in the written estimate.
Follow contract law: Demand that your contractor follows contract law.
Know and understand the contract: Beware of ambiguous contracts and, again, ask lots of questions. It is very important to understand all aspects of the agreement with your contractor before any work begins.
Get more than one estimate or reference: If you are uncomfortable making your decision for any reason, get two or three estimates or references and compare. More information is better than less; however, compare more than just price when evaluating estimates. Look for the best value!
What About the Contract?
It's important that you get everything in writing. A well-written contract is one of the best ways to prevent problems. The contract protects you and the contractor by including everything you have both agreed upon. Get all promises in writing and spell out exactly what the contractor will and will not do. Make sure any changes to the contract, called change orders or addendums, are also done in writing.
and Permits?
Your contract should call for all work to be performed in accordance with all applicable building codes. Building codes set minimum safety standards for construction. Generally, a building permit is required whenever structural work, like a roof, is involved. The contractor should get all necessary building permits. If this is not specified in the contract, you may be held legally responsible if the contractor fails to get the required permits. Your local building department will inspect your roof when the project has reached a certain stage and again when the roof is completed.
and Insurance?
Make sure the licensed contractor carries worker's compensation insurance for his or her employees. They must also tell you if they carry general liability insurance in case of accidents on the job. Ask for copies of these policies to keep in your job file.
Mechanics' Liens
You should protect yourself from mechanics' liens against your home in the event the contractor does not pay subcontractors or material suppliers. You may be able to prevent this by having a release of lien clause in your contract. A release of lien clause requires the contractor, subcontractors and suppliers to give you a certificate of waiver of lien. This verifies that they have been paid. You can also write a two-party check, to both the contractor and subcontractor or material supplier. The check cannot be cashed until both parties sign. If you are financing your project, the bank or lending institution may require that the contractor, subcontractors and suppliers verify that they have been paid before releasing funds for later phases of the project.
