When it comes time to replace your roof, vetting roofing contractors for the job can be a stressful experience. However, it doesn’t have to be.
The most important thing to consider with roofing contractors is probably the big “R” –their reputation. A roofing contractor’s reputation is one of their most valuable assets, and is a good reflection of their overall quality and service. There are more resources at your disposal than you might think for determining your roofer’s credibility, such as:
Online Reviews. The internet is a great place to start when searching for a contractor. Most roofing contractors have online reviews at websites like Yelp or HomeAdvisor, which provide friendly, searchable listings of roofing contractors in your neighborhood, as well as ratings and reviews on them. Even social media sites such as Facebook are allowing customers to rate their experiences on a contractor’s page.
However, online reviews, while handy, should sometimes be taken with a grain of salt. A customer with a negative experience is more likely to post a review than a customer with a positive experience, making the overall rating somewhat lopsided.
There are, of course, sites which provide more expert ratings of businesses, such as the Better Business Bureau. A rating from the BBB can provide a good prediction of your experience with a contractor, but can’t bring you all the way to making an informed decision.
When shopping around for roofing contractors, there’s sometimes no substitute for:
Referrals. Talking to someone with personal experience with a roofer can be extremely helpful. A satisfied customer may not take the time to review their contractor online, but won’t hesitate to recommend someone via word-of-mouth. Think about whether any of your friends or neighbors have recently had roofing work done, and ask them about it! Talk is free, and a recommendation from someone you know personally will be unfiltered and unbiased—only their true experience with their roofer will show. Ask them specific questions such as whether or not the roofers were efficient and courteous, properly cleaned up after the job, or completed the job on time. Once you have some recommendations, it’s time to visit:
The Contractor’s Website.
Nearly all businesses have a presence on the internet nowadays.
The roofing contractor’s website is the virtual face of the company, and should provide you with all the information you need to finalize your decision. The website should answer whatever concerns you have left, such as whether they’re licensed, bonded and insured, whether they guarantee their work, or what safety precautions they take on the jobsite.
Many roofing contractors will also provide testimonials or links to reviews on their website, which can help finalize your decision. Some of the more experienced roofers will even offer an informational roofing blog that will help you plan and answer questions about your project.
Once you are comfortable with the roofer you have selected, you can proceed to contact them for an estimate. Pro-Home Services is a fully licensed, bonded and insured company with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and overwhelmingly positive reviews from across the internet. If we can help you with your roofing project, please don’t hesitate to contact us for an estimate at 630.790.0800.
