How to Hire the Right Roofing Contractor

Finding a trustworthy and reliable contractor is an obstacle both home and business owners face when looking to repair or replace their roof.

Here are a few tips on finding a company you can trust with one of the biggest and most costly parts of your structure:

• Get local referrals. There is less chance of potential issues or scams when you choose a contractor from your community. They are more familiar with local rules and code regulations and have a relationship with area crews and suppliers.
• Look for manufacturer designations. Manufacturer designations are considered a badge of honor because the contractor must pass certain minimum requirements to be factory-certified (although, some manufacturers have more stringent requirements than others).
• Research Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings. Look your contractor up on BBB to make sure they have a good score.
• Get an extensive warranty. Not all contractors can offer manufacturer warranties that include coverage of the contractor’s workmanship. If a contractor installs the roof incorrectly, it may take months or years for the damage to show up—and insurance won’t pay for it. If the contractor won’t fix it (or worse, has gone out of business), your only recourse is to pay for their mistake yourself. A GAF Master Elite^® Contractor can offer one of the longest workmanship warranties on the market—the Golden Pledge^® Warranty.
• Check for proper licensing and insurance. The contractor should have insurance for all employees and subcontractors and be able to provide a copy of their insurance certificate for validation. Not having adequate insurance could potentially lead to litigation between a contractor and homeowner if a roofing employee sustains an injury at the home. Most states require licensing for contractors, but that does not stop unlicensed contractors from attempting to do the roofing work.
• Know your material choices. A contractor who does not offer you different options is not looking out for your best interest. The style and color of the shingles or tiles you install can affect the resale value of your home.

For even more tips, click this link from GAF, one of the best known and most trusted roofing manufacturers in the country.