For most people, replacing the roof of their home is a daunting task. Homeowners should take their time, do their research and make sure they feel completely comfortable with their final estimate before giving the go-ahead.
You always want to avoid the “fly-by nighters”. These are companies who appear overnight and who are usually untrustworthy. Professional Roofers often hears from homeowners who have hired such companies and regret that they did. Whether their phone becomes disconnected, they don’t honor their warranty or they just disappear all together – we’ve heard it all. Save yourself the stress by doing some basic research first!
But how do you know what to look for? There are many factors one should consider before signing a roofing contract. Here are 6 things every homeowner should research before they make any final decisions:
- Are they licensed?
One of the first, and most important, things you should investigate is if the company is fully licensed. Proper licensing should always be confirmed before letting any roofer have access to your roof, even if they are just providing an estimate. No license & no insurance = no access!
You have the right as a Homeowner to ask anyone who is potentially going to work on your property to present their licensing’s, certificates, etc. If they refuse or have an excuse as to why they cannot show you, then this is an immediate red flag. Proper companies will require all their employees to be fully licensed with the WSIB and will not mind showing you their certificates.
If the roofers you hire happen to have an accident on your property, you could be liable. Always make sure they are fully licensed and insured!
- How long have they been in business?
Another important factor is how long the company has been in business. Now, this isn’t to say that a new company is not trustworthy. However, a well-established company will bring you a feeling or security and confidence. Professional Roofers is a Toronto roofing company that has been in business for over 25 years and counting. Many of our clients are long-term customers; people who have hired us for an old property and then again for a new one. This shows us that our quality work didn't go unnoticed and they are happy to hire our services again, trusting us with their homes.
Do your research and investigate the lifespan of the companies you are considering. Check out their testimonials or reviews on external websites, as these customers have work with them first hand and are likely to share their experiences, good and bad, online.
- Online Reputation
A company that has been in business for a long period of time will likely have an online reputation. This can be reviews on sites such as Google, Homestars, the BBB and more.
Do some research and check out the reviews the company has online. This is where past and present customers are able to share their experience and hopefully it will help you make your decision.
- Presentation of the quote
A very small, yet note-worthy, characteristic of a company is how they present their quotes. A price jotted down on a piece of paper isn’t a very professional way to present your company. Although a weakly presented quote isn’t the end of the world, it makes you question what else they make take shortcuts on.
Professional Roofers recommends choosing a company that offers you a well constructed, organized and easily understandable estimate. This quote should include a timeline, insurance information, a list of materials, warranty information, pricing and a signature to solidify it all.
If your quote is missing any of the above, we recommend asking the company to clarify or confirm any questions you may have.
- Do they offer warranty?
Although the job should be done right the first time, you always want to make sure that any work you have done comes with a warranty protection. Not only does it give you peace of mind, but it can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Professional Roofers offers warranty on all of our work and varies between the products you choose. If there are any unexpected problems in the future, we are always here to come by and solve them.
- Compare prices
Lastly, compare the prices between the quotes you have collected. Some homeowners are drawn to the lowest price possible, but remember: What you pay for is what you get. If the price is too good to be true, it probably is.
Remember to take your time when collecting roofing quotes! Selecting the right company can be the difference between a good experience and a bad one. Always do you research and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
