How You Do NOT Get Scammed By Roofers?
How You Do NOT Get Scammed By Roofers?
1. Research roofers before hiring: Before you hire a roofer, do a little research. Check out their website, read some online reviews, and check out some of their references. You can ask if they have any certifications or licenses. Certifications are not necessarily a deal breaker but it does show a commitment to their field of expertise. Certain licenses are needed when you do exterior repair work from the local city such as a building permit. Check with the Better Business Bureau to make sure there are no complaints against them. If they have complaints, see what they did to resolve those issues.
2. Get multiple estimates: Getting at least three written estimates from different roofers will ensure you get a fair price. Compare the cost, materials, and labor apples to apples. The apples-to-apples expression is checking to see if all roofing contractors are using the same materials, brands and if you are getting the same warranties. There may be a difference in price so make sure to see what the difference is. All this information is normally included in a written estimate. Be aware that not all shingles are made equally. Some shingle manufacturers have better warranties than others along with top-notch customer service, while others are just so-so. If you ever had to file a claim and you don't have a better warranty, it can cost you more out-of-pocket expenses. Also, make sure all of the estimates are for the same job that is needing to be done.
3. Read the contract: Before signing a contract, read it carefully. Make sure you understand all of the terms and conditions within. Tearing into a roofing job sometimes comes with unforeseen events. If you have rotten plywood or decking, there will be additional charges for labor and materials. Make sure that a specific cost is included if something like that was to come up, how much per plywood and how much for labor costs. This will protect both parties if a situation like this arises on your job. And finally, ask questions if you don't understand something in the contract. If something is unclear just ask.
4. Check references: Ask for references from previous customers. If you wish, contact them to ask about their experience with the roofer in question. Ask them if there were any issues, did the roofer take care of it and did they clean up nicely. Most homeowners will tell you how their experience was so don't be shy about asking them anything.
5. Payment terms: Do not pay the full amount up front...EVER! Most roofers will start the job with no money down but some may ask for a deposit. Do NOT pay the roofer until you are satisfied and everything is completed. Most reputable contractors have the resources to supply the materials but if your job is a special order, some roofing contractors may ask for a small down payment to make sure their customer doesn't decide to back out of the deal. This has happened to just about every roofer.
6. Inspect the work: Make sure to inspect the work when it is all completed. A lot of homeowners don't know a lot about roofing and how to inspect a roof to make sure everything is done properly but, if you are one of those that are handy, it wouldn't hurt to get up and take a look. Make sure no nails are left on the roof and look around on the ground to make sure all the nails and debris is picked up and to your satisfaction. After all, you've paid for cleanup in your estimate, right?
7. Request a warranty: If your job comes with a warranty, request it for the work completed. This will protect you if there are any issues with the roof in the future, plus you will also have the documentation if you ever decide to sell your home. Some warranties are transferable between the original owner and the buyer so this could help with the deciding factor on a potential buyer.
By doing your research and taking your time, you can avoid being scammed by roofers. You will also get a contractor that you can trust, rely on, and will take care of you if anything did happen to come up in the future. Paying attention to the details and asking a lot of questions can help ensure that you get the best quality work for the best price.
Our Personal Preference for a Billings Roofer:
1943 Main St, Billings, MT 59105
Built Wright Homes is a family owned and operated roofing contractor in Billings, Montana. They do excellent work and always follow through with what they say. Their communication is great and so is their work.
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