As many as 40% of all American homeowners claim to have experienced some kind of loss as a result of water damage. Needless to say, leaky roofs are a leading cause of this destruction.
So, if you think your roof needs repairs, don’t delay. Here are a few things you need to know if you want to hire the best house repair, contractor. Let’s dive in!
Why’s Roof Repair so Important?
A decent roof does more than just keep the rain out; it also helps to regulate the overall temperature of your home and protect its structural integrity.
Leaks no matter how small can eventually cause long-term structural damage. By this we mean you could suffer from issues like:
- Mold
- Warped drywall
- Warped wood
- Unsound walls
If this gets out of hand, your home could eventually be declared as structurally unsound and unfit for human habitation.
How to Hire the Best Roofing Contractor
When it comes to finding and hiring the best possible roofing companies, you need to have a look at their previous experience. For instance, have they completed projects similar to yours? If so, what was the quality of their work like?
Answering these questions is essential for ensuring you get value for money and more importantly a roof that protects and shields your home from the elements.
Take a look at their website and get a feel for the kind of work they specialize in. Most top-quality roofing companies will be able to help you with all of the following repairs:
- Roof Leaks
- Coats of tar
- Slates
- Shingle
Keep all this in mind as you create a short list of potential contractors. Make sure you get at least three potential businesses to take a look at the job and provide you with an estimate. This will give you a more accurate feel for the sort of price you should be paying.
Ideally, you’ll have a recommendation from someone you trust or a reputable trade association. Neighbors tend to be the best port of call for proposals because you’re likely to have a similar kind of roof.
Failing that, head to Google and see if you can find any online reviews. If people have had a bad experience, there’s a good chance they’ll have posted about it on the internet somewhere!
Unless you’re seeking a quote for smaller emergency repairs, make sure your quote is sent to you in writing (an e-mail will suffice). This limits the chances of getting lumped with a significantly larger bill once the work is completed.
However, you should note that most ‘estimates’ for repair work can fluctuate once the main covering is removed. This exposes the structure beneath and gives the contractor a clearer picture of what they have to work with. Once they have that info, they’ll be in a better position to provide you with a more accurate final cost.
Should I Accept the Cheapest Quote?
The short answer to this is; maybe. Our advice to homeowners is that you shouldn’t automatically go for the cheapest option. Instead, center your decision on whether the company has a proven track record of producing top-notch work.
Questions to Ask a Potential Roofer
Here are three questions to ask any potential roofer before hiring them. Again, this will help to ensure you pick someone who won’t let you down.
Q: Are You Part of the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC)?
You want to find out whether your potential contractor is part of the MHIC; this is required of all licensed contractors in Maryland including Annapolis. If your chosen contractor is not part of this organization and can’t provide you with their MHIC #, RUN THE OTHER WAY.
You can be confident that members of the MHIC will compensate you in the event you suffer the effects or poor workmanship. The same is true if your contractor refuses to execute work as per an agreed contract.
Q: Do You Offer a Warranty?
A good quality roofer will take pride in their work and therefore have confidence their repairs will stand the test of time. So, they should always offer their clients a warranty (because there’s no reason for them not to!) If they don’t, it’s a major red flag!
Some roofing companies offer warranties as long as 15 years. Obviously, the longer the guarantee, the higher the chance you can rely on their service.
Q: What Hours Will You Work?
This question is key to getting a better idea of your contractors schedule. You want to establish how many hours a week they can dedicate to your project so you can get a reasonable understanding of when the repairs will be finished.
Want to Find the Best House Repair Contractor?
We hope this blog post helps you find and hire the best house repair, contractor.
If you think we could help you with your upcoming project, then please feel free to reach out and contact us. We’d love to help point you in the right direction and provide you with professional advice.