Serving Residents of Alpha, NJ Whether you need a roof replacement or a repair, hiring a roofing contractor is a big decision. You want confidence that a contractor will give you good value, deliver quality workmanship, and stand behind its work. Let’s explore how you can achieve that peace of mind.
Make a Shortlist of Potential Hires
Having at least three bids from different contractors will provide you with context. It will help you, for instance, identify a bid that’s too high or too low. Ask family, friends, and neighbors who’ve hired a roofer when looking for companies to consider. You can explore local marketing and ads online. Some sites can help you find contractors that are local to you. Those include the Better Business Bureau and services like Angi and HomeAdvisor.
It is important to be local and established in your area. You want to know that a company will be there today and in the months and years ahead. New Jersey and Pennsylvania require contractors to register with the state and meet local licensing requirements. This includes having the appropriate business licenses and the necessary level of insurance.
Vetting Contractors
Start vetting contractors before you ever schedule an in-person estimate. Look at the certifications a roofing contractor has earned. Examples include GAF Master Elite and CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster. Such certifications reflect a high skill level and a continued dedication to customer service and satisfaction.
Check the BBB for the company’s rating and whether there are any complaints. Additional information may be available through your local Chamber of Commerce. You can also find valuable information in online reviews. Most companies will likely have a few negative reviews. What you want to look for is an abundance of negativity. That can reveal a pattern of behavior regarding poor artistry and customer service.
On-Site Quotes
You can schedule quotes once you have at least three contractors that have made it this far. Take care not to bunch up the appointments. Ideally, you should have one appointment a day. That allows you and the contractor to take their time.
Before scheduling these quotes, make a list of questions that you’d like to ask. Having them written down ensures that you ask each contractor the same questions. Later, you can compare the answers and decide which ones make you confident and which don’t.
When the contractor arrives, request proof of identity. You should also ask for documentation showing the necessary licensing and proof of insurance. Many contractors post their license numbers and such directly on their vehicles. Be mindful that without workers’ compensation insurance, the homeowner can be on the hook if there’s an accident. Any reticence to provide such information is a warning sign you shouldn’t ignore.
The contractor will perform an inspection and assessment. Give them the time and space to do that. When that’s complete, they’ll provide you with an evaluation and ask you questions about your goals for the project. Ask them about the inspection process and request images if applicable. Clarify any materials and unique techniques they’ll use. Discuss any product and workmanship warranties. Talk about the timeline and project duration. Discuss permits and debris removal. Finally, ensure you get a detailed cost breakdown covering all materials, labor, and fees.
Get References
Ask for several references for recent and relevant jobs during the quote appointment. A roofing contractor should be happy to provide them. Also, make sure you follow through. Satisfied and unsatisfied homeowners alike will often be eager to discuss their experiences with you.
Questions to Ask
Many of your questions will be specific to your home and situation. That includes questions about the materials you’re considering and whether financing is available. Some questions are germane to most quotes. Some examples include:
- Do you use subcontractors?
- How will you dispose of materials short- and long-term?
- Does your inspection include a roof ventilation assessment?
- What will it cost if you find any compromised decking?
Understanding Roofing Quotes
Roof estimates should be specific and itemized. You should see a line item for every task your contractor will complete during your installation or repair. For materials, the estimates should indicate how much the project requires. Many contractors list materials with prices that include the cost of the material and labor and additional lines for non-material-related labor and fees, such as permits. The estimate should indicate installation or repair procedures. For reroofing, it should detail what they’ll remove. In some cases, it’ll just be the shingles and underlayment. In others, the decking and ventilation components will be used as well.
An estimate should detail any warranties explicitly. That includes product warranties and workmanship guarantees. An estimate should indicate how long it’s suitable for. A typical period is 90 days. It’s also important to note that estimates are approximations and not final. That said, the final cost should be within 5% of the estimate one way or the other. An experienced contractor will know when costs are unfolding greater or less than the estimate. They should discuss changes with you as they occur so that you’re not blindsided at the end.
Ensuring Quality Workmanship
When a contractor completes a job, they’ll do what’s known as a walkthrough. That’s where they’ll go over the finished workmanship with the customer. Typically, they’ll provide before and after photos for areas not easily accessed, such as on the roof. The goal here is to ensure your complete satisfaction. If you have any concerns, you should bring them up now.
In the case of a roof replacement, the next step will be an inspection by a city inspector. A third-party inspector signing off on the installation provides additional peace of mind. Most contractors will return in a week or so after you’ve lived with the work for a while. This is to ensure no concerns have cropped up since the walkthrough.
If you have issues, hiring another roofer to perform an independent inspection is generally a good idea. If there are any problems, you can bring these up with the contractor that completed the job. The written report from the independent roofer will be a big help should you need to pursue any grievances.
Local Roofing Contractor Serving NJ and PA
Warren Thompson & Son Roofing & Siding is a roofing contractor based in Alpha, NJ, and we’re licensed and insured in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Our company has provided the region’s residential and commercial roofing services since 1975. We perform comprehensive roof inspections for many different purposes. You can count on us for reliable roof repairs, including storm damage remediation. Our roofers install and replace all roofing materials, including asphalt shingles, metal roofing systems, and single-ply rubber membranes. We specialize in Roof Maxx, which is a plant-based roof rejuvenation spray.
Our team repairs siding and gutters. We also install seamless gutter systems and many different siding materials. If you have questions or want to schedule a consultation or service appointment, contact us today.
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