Do’s and Don’ts: Hiring a Roofing, Siding, or Gutters Contractor
Whether you need a new roof or replacement gutters, hiring a contractor to do exterior work on your home can seem like a daunting task. But a little homework will go a long way toward helping you make a decision with confidence. Here are tips to find the best contractor for your roofing, gutter, or siding projects.
Do look at online reviews and ratings.
This is one of the most important things you can do to make sure you don’t get fleeced by a bad contractor. Businesses cannot control what customers say on review and rating websites, so these sources tend to offer accurate information about a contractor’s workmanship and professionalism. Check out sites like:
- Angie’s List
- Better Business Bureau (BBB)
- Yelp
- HomeAdvisor
Don’t neglect to ask if they’re insured.
Contractors should be covered with liability insurance as well as workman’s compensation. Keep in mind that a roofing or siding company that quotes basement-low prices may be able to offer cheap services because they aren’t properly insured. If you have concerns, ask to see the certificate or call the insurance carrier for confirmation.
Don’t forget to get warranty details.
There are two kinds of warranties. A roofing or siding company that takes pride in its workmanship will offer a labor warranty. Warranties may vary by company; one year is fairly standard, but a high-quality contractor may offer a labor warranty of 5 or 10 years.
A manufacturer’s warranty will cover the cost of defects in the materials. Like a labor warranty, the length of this guarantee may vary from company to company and product to product. Always make sure you fully understand the materials warranty and what it covers.
Do scope out payment options.
No matter how you choose to pay for a new roof, siding, or gutters, it’s a smart idea to ask if the contractor provides financing. Why? The ability to offer multiple payment options, like financing, suggests the company may be more financially stable than one that only accepts cash or checks.
Don’t ignore unprofessional behavior.
Has the contractor returned phone calls or emails in a timely manner?
Did they follow through on that extra information you’d requested?
Did they show up for the inspection or consultation on time and ready to answer your questions?
If you find yourself frustrated with a contractor before you’ve officially hired them, chances are good you’ll be frustrated throughout the process.
Do ask yourself: Am I being treated with respect?
As you go through the roof inspection or project quote process, be wary of any contractor who treats you with disrespect or pressures you into making an on-the-spot decision. As a homeowner about to make a potentially big investment, you have the right to have your questions answered in a polite, professional way, and you have the right to consider your options without pressure.
Best Contracting offers more than 52 years of combined experience in the roofing, siding, window, and gutter industry in PA, NJ, MD, and DE. We know you take pride in your home, so we will always treat you and your property with respect. Contact us for a free inspection. Ask us about our no-interest financing options, too!
