How To Really Hire Roofing Contractor. 10 Tips

Dmitry gives you 10 tips on how to hire the right roofer. He goes into detail about warranties, value, how not to get scammed, and much more.

How to Really Hire Roofing Contractor. 10 tips

Why Paying Home Insurance Deductible is a Big Deal:

00:31 – Tip #1 – Treat It Like A Job Interview
01:48 – Tip #2 – Ask What Brand Of Materials They Use
03:02 – Tip #3 – Ask Who Owns The Business
05:01 – Tip #4 – Ask If They Do Repairs
06:53 – Tip #5 – Ask If They Cover The Deductible
07:22 – Tip #6 – Ask If The Manufacturer Honors The Warranty
08:38 – Tip #7 – Never Go With The Lowest Bid
09:52 – Tip #8 – Avoid Websites That Sell Your Information
11:16 – Tip #9 – Better Business Bureau
11:52 – Tip #10 – Always Go With Your Gut Instinct

1. Treat the meeting like a job interview

During traditional job interviews, the employer is in control. Manage your interview with a prospective contractor in the same way. Don’t fall into the trap of feeling obligated to sign with a contractor just because their salesman is taking time to meet with you. Many contractors will try to pressure you into choosing them because they are desperate for work. A legit contractor knows their value and isn’t overly eager, in the same way a good potential employee isn’t too antsy to work for an employer.

2. Ask what materials the contractor recommends, and why they prefer certain brands

Even though you are not an expert in contracting or roofing, you still can tell when someone is lying through their teeth or making up information. Be mindful of the way contractors explain their process. Of note: it’s a huge red flag if a contractor likes or says that every brand of material is quality. If they say this to you, run!

3. Ask for the owner’s name

Protect yourself by asking for the owner’s name. If they give you the name (and they better), then Google the company to find out if anything seems suspicious. It’s common for maligned business owners to keep switching company names or to list the company under someone else’s name. This is usually a sign of poor management or reputation, and I imagine you do not want to hire a contractor who has a shoddy reputation. If you ignore these warnings and hire a suspect contractor anyway, you could be stuck with an incomplete job, or worse, no warranty on any of the materials.

4. Ask if they offer repairs

This is a vital component to your decision-making process. Make sure the contractor offers you a warranty so you’re not saddled with materials that malfunction. This is common sense, but if you hire a contractor who does not offer warranties, you’re again running the risk of losing money in the long run.

5. Do they offer to pay your deductible?

They better not, because doing so is illegal. The deductible is your responsibility, a matter that you and your insurance provider have to settle.

6. Does the contractor register a warranty with the manufacturer?

Make sure the contractor has a warranty for the materials. If they don’t, then the product could have been bought in a store under their name, leaving you susceptible and responsible for future headaches as a result of a failed product.

7. Is this contractor your cheapest bid?

Cheaper is not always better. According to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), 80% of people experience poor results when they go with the cheapest contractor. Often quality is commensurate with price, so if you’re paying more and the contractor comes highly recommended, it’s likely you’re receiving an outstanding service.

8. Stay away from sites who sell your information (i.e. HomeAdvisor or Angie’s List)

I’ve discussed this before, but these sites are not reliable. The objective for these websites is to sell your information to contractors, which nets the websites high profits. And can you imagine which contractors are willing to pay for your information? Hint: it’s NOT the ones who are secure in their reputation and commitment to quality.

9. Check the company’s listing under the BBB for major complaints

This one is fairly self-explanatory. Obviously, if a company is getting slammed on a reputable site like BBB, there is likely a lot of merit to the customers’ complaints.

10. Go with your gut; don’t go with the first contractor out of obligation or pressure
In the modern age we live in, it can be tempting to go with the first contractor you meet. But don’t do that. Instead, slow down and do your homework. Be selective and thorough in your evaluation process. Unless your roof is caving in and your basement is flooded from rain, there is no rush in finding a contractor who is perfect for you.

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