How to Find a Roofer
Search the Internet. Ask a friend. Check out projects in progress. How do you find a roofer? And, once you’ve found one, what are the smart questions to ask to make sure this is the RIGHT roof for you?
We can help. First, the three things suggested above really are a good way to start. If you’re in need of a roofer start with these basics:
#1 – Search the Internet. Start at the free Find a Roofer directory on AskaRoofer.com. This informative website also has a full story on tips and advice for finding a reliable roofer.
#2 – Ask a friend. People who had recent roof repairs are a great source of information. They’ll tell you exactly what they did and didn’t like about their roofers. And, they’re usually very honest in their recommendations. You can also stop by lumberyards and hardware stores, where owners are likely to know roofers they can suggest.
#3 – Check out projects in progress. Drive around your area. Look for both new developments where roofs are being installed and individual homes where reroofing is taking place. Stop and watch. Look at the work being done. See how respectful the crew is of the property and what their work ethic looks like.
What Roofers Recommend Asking
Once you’ve found a roofer, how do you “interview” him? DaVinci Roofscapes offers a complete “How to Select a Contractor” section on our website. You’ll find lots of tips to help you do your due diligence and ask the right questions.
In addition, we thought it would be good for you to hear directly from professional roofers on what they believe you should ask during an initial meeting. Here are their insights:
“Since safety is a priority, get a copy of the worker’s compensation and call to verify it’s active. Then, verify the General Liability insurance coverage is active. Finally, ask for past clients to contact from five years or more ago. Then call those people. Make sure they’re still happy with their roofs.”
Daniel Askari, Absolute Construction, Garland, Texas
“Find out if roofing is the main function of the company. You want a team that is skilled at roofing. Then, have them assess the current wood condition on your roof before signing a contract. This will help minimize unexpected high expenses from exposed rotten or moldy wood seen from the attic.”
Randy Miller, Allrite Home and Remodeling, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
“Ask us about the quality of our work, the warranties we offer on our products, and the pricing of our projects.”
Trent Lovewell, Weatherguard, Inc., Omaha, Nebraska
“Always get documentation that the roofing contractor is licensed and insured. Then, find out how long the company has been in business. Finally, determine what type of warranty is offered with the roofing system they install.”
Austin Bettin, Premier Systems, Inc., Sioux Falls, South Dakota
“Ask them to tell you about their company. Specifically, ask them what kind of benefits their company offers that overshadows other roofing companies. Also find out what kind of assurance you can get when hiring their specific company. This may lead to valuable information about warranties, insurance, operational procedures, protecting landscaping, etc.”
Scott Kim, WGM Contracting, Fairfax, Virginia
Let DaVinci Help You
At DaVinci Roofscapes, we get calls almost daily from people asking how to find a good, qualified roofer. We have an online Locate a Contractor form that allows us to help connect you with a roofer experienced with DaVinci installations.
In addition, if you call into our Customer Service team, we will oftentimes connect you with your Local Sales Representative who works your specific geographic area. That person can make a referral based on his or her knowledge of your area. In all cases, we’ll need to know some common information up front, such as your location, project timeframe and whether this is a re-roof or new construction project.
In some cases, Mother Nature plays a role. When you’re involved in a storm damage situation, it’s not just a roofer you need. Your insurance company will be a major player in your re-roofing situation.
Working with an insurance adjuster requires a totally different mindset. To help you navigate that situation, we’ve come up with a comprehensive list of tips for working with insurance adjusters. This can make the situation easier to understand and to deal with.
When you’re ready to find a roofer, we’re ready to help. Visit our website’s Homeowner Tips section to get started.