Roofing jobs may look simple at first glance but they can get very complex. If you work with the wrong company or overlook a seemingly small detail, things can get bad – and costly – very fast. The issue is that many homeowners aren’t familiar with roofing work and, for many, it will be their first time working with a roofer. Many contractors know this and won’t hesitate to take advantage of it. Let’s take a look at some of the worst things you can do when working with a roofing contractor. For the best roofing work and great results you need to hire the best commercial roofing contractors for your projects.
Not Having Everything Down on Paper
Your contract with your roofer should be as clear as possible and you should leave nothing to chance. Some of the things you will have to verify are who will be responsible for disposing and recycling materials, when the job will start and should be completed, how change orders will be handled, and the price. You should also get an initial quote down in writing with all the details that come with it.
Not Hiring a Well-Established Company
Another major mistake is hiring someone who doesn’t have a solid history. You have to verify their information and see how long they’ve been operating at the same place. You also have to check if they have an actual office. As well as this, you should pick someone who’s in your city or state for quick and easy follow-ups. If you live in Michigan, for example, the easiest thing to do is search online or ask for recommendations for a top roofing company in Michigan, such as Rock Solid Exteriors. You’re more likely to get great results when working with a team like this.
Not Verifying References
You should not only ask for references but follow up with them too. This means either talking through the phone or seeing the work in person. Some contractors will have people who are incentivized to provide references so make sure that you have plenty and that they’re recent as well.
Not Asking for Proof of Insurance
Insurance is also something you need to worry about when working with a contractor. If they don’t have any, you might end up in serious trouble. Working with an uninsured contractor means that you might have to cover for any damage they cause to the property. You could also be held liable if they injure someone, or even if one of their employees ends up getting injured while working. So, ask for documentation and follow up with their insurer.
Approving Uncompleted Work
Never approve work before it has been inspected. A good contractor should never be rushing you for payment or make you pay for work that is “almost done”. You have a contract for a reason, so check if they have fulfilled their obligation before you pay them.
These are some of the mistakes you should avoid at all costs when having roofing work done. Take the time to find the right team and have a sound agreement if you want to avoid issues.
