Tips for Choosing the Best Roofing Contractor - Rangehoodhq.com	Submit Your Article
By: Patrick Heath

The task of finding a roofing contractor is not something anyone looks forward to. Many in this field get a bad reputation, which makes it increasingly hard to trust anyone with your job. Getting a few estimates is a typical first step, but the contractor with the lowest offer isn’t necessarily your best choice. How will you really know what you are getting for your money? Some will provide a lower estimate intentionally, knowing they can surprise you later with added costs and charges.

Most roofing tasks can be estimated fairly well, but surprises do occur. Because of this, you want to have the costs in writing, especially if it is an hourly rate. Lesser contractors may try to use materials of lower quality in an attempt to keep costs down, but that could end up costing you more in the end. The phrase “you get what you pay for” applies strongly to roofing jobs, yet there is no need to overpay. Let’s take a look at the process, beginning with choosing the contractors you will allow to present a bid.

Accepting Bids

· You should only accept bids from contractors providing credentials, including their licensing information.

· Don’t take someone’s word for anything; contact your state’s licensing board to verify their license number.

· Gather the contractor’s complete insurance information.

· Try to work with contractors you have experience with, or ask your neighbors if they can recommend any they have used in the past.

Setting up an Appointment

The initial appointment to begin the process will tell you a lot about the professional you have chosen. If they show up when they say they will, that is a good first step. It shows that they respect your time and take your job seriously. Having and sticking to a schedule during a roofing job is one of the most important aspects.

There is a long sequence of events that have to occur during the process, from the material delivery to the work, as well as various inspections. A delay during any step will further delay the next step, and so on. This can add days or weeks to a job, adding to your costs and causing a headache for your family, especially in poor or cold weather.

Options and Full Disclosure
 
Next, has your contractor taken all your needs into account? They should offer you many product options, and be able to fit the job into your budget. Before entering into a contract, you should have the answer to a few key questions, and if you don’t know the answer, ask your contractor.

· Will he offer financing, or expect to be paid in full?

· Does he have the proper permits in hand?

· How many years worth of experience does he have with work similar to yours?

· Has your contractor fully explained your craftsmanship and material warranties?

· Did he provide a complete outline of all work that will be completed?

· Will sub-contractors be hired?

That last question may be the most important. Many contractors hire sub-contractors for specialty work like tear offs, gutters, etc. If that is the case, you must be sure to verify the credentials of these workers as well. Any supplier or worker on your project has rights, and if they are not paid by your contractor, they can place a lien against your property. You can stay protected from this by requesting a lien release before payment has been made.

Summary

Above all else, ask questions until you feel completely comfortable, and if they use terminology that you do not understand, make them explain it in detail. After all, they work for you, not the other way around. Make sure they are aware of anything they may encounter with your roof, so there are no surprises. For example, a range hood is a necessity in any home nowadays, and if it vents through the roof, then make sure they know how to work around or re-install your range hood roof vent. Finding a great contractor isn’t that hard, if you know what questions to ask.   
Article Source: http://www.roofer911.com  

About the Author:
Patrick Heath has 15 years of professional kitchen design experience. He is also a regular contributor to http://www.rangehoodhq.com, a website offering expert advice on wall mount range hoods and under cabinet range hoods.

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