Roofing - Getting a Good Contractor
As a homeowner, you probably already understand how important it is to pay attention to any needed repairs, and get them done as soon as possible. Unfortunately, roofing is one aspect of home repair that is often overlooked until it is too late. Luckily, a good roofing contractor can keep track of these repairs, and replace the roofing when the time comes.
Whether constructing a new roof,
or making simple repairs to the existing roof, there are a few things to keep in mind when hiring a roofing contractor. Taking these simple steps can help to protect you as a homeowner, and insure that the job is done right the first time. First, roofing contractors should be licensed and insured. Liability insurance protects the homeowner in the event that there is property damage from the contractor. If the contractor has liability insurance, the homeowner will not be responsible for making repairs as a result of damage done by the contractor. Likewise, worker's compensation insurance protects the homeowner from being responsible for medical bills if a worker is injured on the property. Both forms of insurance are required in most jurisdictions, and the contractor must provide proof of insurance before committing to making repairs on the property. Therefore, if the contractor cannot provide insurance, it is best to find another contractor who can.
Even after being presented with proof of insurance, there are still a few things that should be considered before employing a roofing contractor. Good contractors will guarantee their work. This means that any repairs or restoration work should be guaranteed for at least one year. In fact, some contractors will guarantee their work for much longer than this, especially because most manufacturers will guarantee their materials for a lifetime. Once you have found a contractor that will guarantee their work for a reasonable amount of time, there is one last step to actually beginning the roofing work. A signed contract will clearly outline the terms of the contractor's job. This contract will include many factors, such as cost, payment schedule, roof materials, and date of completion. This will be used to protect both the homeowner and the contractor. This signed contract will help clear any discrepancies.
A good roofing structure can both insure the integrity of the home, as well as energy efficiency. Even if your current roof is fine, it is important to make sure it stays that way. You should always have a trustworthy contractor on hand to make any necessary repairs, and possibly replace the roofing material when the time comes.
